Curriculum

At a Glance

A Three Programme IB Curriculum

ISA Science City will offer three International Baccalaureate (IB) programmes: the Primary Years Programme (PYP), Middle Years Programme (MYP) and Diploma Programme (DP). The learning of Chinese language and culture plays a significant role and all programmes are infused with a Compassionate Systems wellbeing programme. Student-centred, concept informed and inquiry based, the IB encourages students to become internationally minded, lifelong learners. Students learn to be discerning decision makers, inquiring into ideas of global significance, and develop creative and critical thinking skills, which is a wonderful preparation for success at university and in their careers. The ISA approach of holistic learning promotes lifelong learning and cultivates students capable of cultural exchange between China and the West. Students are provided with every opportunity to experience and enjoy a love of learning (for more information on IB programmes see www.ibo.org).

Informed by National Curricula

The Diploma Programme for Senior Years is a ‘stand-alone’ program with specific subject syllabuses. However, IB programs for younger students applies standards and outcomes from other national curricula. An example is using Chinese National Curriculum to support teaching of mathematics in the PYP and using England & Wales national standards to support the PYP and MYP.

Early Years Programme

Reggio Emilia approach is an educational approach focused on preschool education. It is a pedagogy which is student-centered and constructivist that uses self-directed, experiential learning in relationship-informed environments. Children construct their knowledge through the relationships that they build with other people and the surrounding environment.

Primary Years Programme (PYP)

The PYP, for students aged 4 to 11, focuses on the development of the whole child as an inquirer, both in the classroom and in the world outside. Learning aims to be authentic, related to “real” world contexts, and transdisciplinary, supported and enriched by traditional subject areas.

Middle Years Programme (MYP)

The MYP is geared to develop creative problem solvers who are also caring and responsible individuals, able to respond critically and resourcefully to the demands of an increasingly technological society and to appreciate the importance of technology for life, society and the environment.

Diploma Programme (DP)

The DP is designed as an academically challenging and balanced programme of education with examinations in the second year that prepares students, normally aged 16 to 18, for success at university and life beyond. The programme is normally taught over two years and has gained wide recognition and respect from the world’s leading universities.

Learning more than one language

Language is fundamental to learning, thinking and communicating. Students are encouraged to recognize that competency in more than one language is a valuable life skill, a powerful tool both in societal communication and as a means of personal reflection. Learning two languages, Chinese and English, expands horizons for students.  Students discover that learning language and literature are creative processes that encourage the development of imagination and creativity through self-expression, and a bilingual brain is a smarter brain.