Nourish curiosity and individual growth
Early Learning (Ages 3 - 6)
Learn to freely express yourself
Enjoy school life
Develop learning goals and plans to achieve them
Early Learning classrooms resemble a beehive. This might sound loud or look messy. But if you tune in closely, you will notice that children are inspired and deeply engaged in their learning.
Curious minds fall in love with learning
Young children learn and develop at different rates and in different ways.
Our Early Learning (EL) Programme allows for learning to match each student’s needs. Our teachers anchor learning goals for each child around their interests and individual progress.
Our students develop an authentic passion for learning as we nourish their natural curiosity.
If you would like more information about our Early Years Programme, please do not hesitate to contact our PYP Coordinator, Casey Ranson.
Teachers track the progress of each child in our Early Learning Programme and develop paths for future development. Parents receive regular and timely written feedback as well as photos and videos of their children while learning.
Teachers balance learning and play
Our EL curriculum balances learning through play, directed teacher guidance and carefully planned learning experiences. This curriculum follows the Primary Years framework of the International Baccalaureate (IB) and is staffed by qualified teachers. They understand how to best support children at this stage in their development. Additional teachers for Art, German and Physical Education compliment classroom teachers and their assistants.
Thriving in an international environment
Class size in EL is limited to a maximum of 20 children, with an assigned teacher and teaching assistant.
This gives every student the chance to shine, and the chance for individualized attention. More than 20 countries are represented in our four Early Learning classes. Learning in an international environment, with many different nationalities represented, offers a rich and inspiring experience for the children in our EL Programme.
KATIE PATERSON, EARLY LEARNING TEAM LEADER
With a Masters in Educational Leadership, Katie is a passionate teacher who loves to connect with children at their level and lead them to grow. She's not afraid to jump in the mud or design a plane. She's known for her love for dressing up in costumes.
As a Third Culture Kid, who herself attended an International School, she loves to nourish the spark in each of her students.
NIC JONES, EARLY LEARNING TEACHER
Nic has taught both Early Learning 3/4 and Early Learning 5 and is currently working with our EL 3/4s.
He has said a thousand cheesy things about why he chose to became an Early Learning teacher, from ’the value of seeing a student grow’ or ‘influencing the next group of world leaders’. But what he really appreciates is the fun and authenticity of teaching young children and watching them develop.
Early Learning 3/4
Our 3 and 4 year old students learn together in a mixed age setting, with each child assigned to a specific teacher. Based on their learning needs, interests and developmental levels, children work and play in different groups throughout the day.
- EL 3/4 students receive daily direct instruction in social skills, phonics, literacy and mathematics for short periods of time.
- The school day still has plenty of time for independent inquiry, fun and adventure.
- Admission into the EL Programmes is determined by date of birth. As soon as children turn 3 years old, we invite them to enter our EL3/4 Programme.
- Children must be toilet-trained before entering EL 3/4.
Early Learning 5
EL 5 is a transition year maintaining the fun and play that helps children learn while gradually introducing the skills needed for entry into Grade 1. EL 5 is excellent preparation for entering Grade 1 and the learning expectations associated with it.
- Every school day integrates mathematical and literacy skills.
- The time spent in instruction sessions increases throughout the school year so that students are able to concentrate and participate in activities for longer periods of time.
Classes are taught in English with additional language support for students whose first language is not English.
Every student at BIS learns German. In Early Learning, German lessons are based on narratives and story-telling. These correlate closely to the work done to broaden English language skills.
After school care is available in our Kidz Klub, where children can remain on campus up to 18:00. This after-school care is available every school day and may be used on a regular or spontaneous basis.