Primary School Curriculum

Our school attracts an international clientele who are seeking a truly international and holistic programme and offers the full range of subjects linked through the International Baccalaureate (IB) - Primary Years Programme (PYP) curriculum which began in the school in 2010.

PYP gives a consistent philosophy about teaching and learning that focuses on the development of the whole child, and an overarching concept of how to develop international-mindedness. The programme promotes the education of the whole person, emphasizing intellectual, emotional social and physical growth, involving the traditions of learning in languages, humanities, sciences, mathematics and the arts.

PYP includes all student activities, academic and non-academic, for which the school takes responsibility. Students explore a set of themes that represents shared human experiences. These themes:

  • Have global significance – for all students in all cultures
  • Offer students the opportunity to explore the commonalities of human experiences
  • Are supported by knowledge, concepts and skills from the traditional subject areas but utilize them in ways that transcend the confines of these subjects
  • Will be revisited throughout the students’ years of schooling, so that the result is immersion in broad ranging, in-depth, articulated curriculum content
  • Contribute to the common ground that unifies the curriculums in all IB schools

The knowledge component of the written curriculum is determined by the belief that there are areas of knowledge that, while important for any student, are especially significant in schools that aim to promote international-mindedness on the part of their students.

Our curriculum covers the entire traditional subject but they are all linked through PYP:

  • ENGLISH - PYP scope and sequence curriculum linked to the British curriculum. English is the language of instruction throughout EIS-Jumeirah.
  • MATHEMATICS - PYP scope and sequence curriculum linked to the British curriculum.
  • PRIMARY YEARS PROGRAMME - integrated units include Science, Social Studies, Health with all subjects.
  • MUSIC - our performing arts programme is a real feature of our school. The students will have the opportunity to develop singing, instrumental, listening and improvising skills.
  • ARTS - teachers include art and drama activities in their classroom programmes.
  • PE - All Primary School students participate in physical education classes twice weekly. Classes promote enjoyment, sportsmanship and skill development. Students also participate in annual sports days and athletic events.
  • ICT – The aim of the programme is to prepare the students for a rapidly changing world where activities are increasingly transformed through access to ICT. We offer a range of tasks using a variety of ICT tools.
  • FRENCH - for Grades 5 and 6 an introduction to additional foreign language.
  • ARABIC - is studied by all students as per the Ministry of Education regulations. In KG 2 all students learn together. From Grade 1 to Grade 6 Native Arabic speakers follow the curriculum prescribed by the Ministry of Education (Arabic A). Foreign language students (Arabic B) have different levels of Arabic.
  • ISLAMIC STUDIES - is a requirement for all Muslim students, other student religious development has been left to the families, mainly due to the multi-religious nature of our enrolment.
  • ENGLISH AS A SECOND LANGUAGE (ESL) - English as a second language is taught in small groups to children who come to EIS with little or no English. These lessons take place every day until it is felt the child no longer requires an intensive ESL programme.
  • LEARNING SUPPORT (LS) - The Learning Support programme provides an assessment and instruction programme tailored to the needs of individual children when required.

IB Learner Profile

The aim of all IB programmes is to develop internationally minded people who, recognizing their common humanity and shared guardianship of the planet, help to create a better and more peaceful world.

IB learners strive to be:

  • Inquirers - They develop their natural curiosity. They acquire the skills necessary to conduct inquiry and research and show independence in learning. They actively enjoy learning and this love of learning will be sustained throughout their lives.
  • Knowledgeable - They explore concepts, ideas and issues that have local and global significance. In so doing, they acquire in-depth knowledge and develop understanding across a broad and balanced range of disciplines.
  • Thinkers - They exercise initiative in applying thinking skills critically and creatively to recognize and approach complex problems, and make reasoned, ethical decisions.
  • Communicators - They understand and express ideas and information confidently and creatively in more than one language and in a variety of modes of communication. They work effectively and willingly in collaboration with others.
  • Principled - They act with integrity and honesty, with a strong sense of fairness, justice and respect for the dignity of the individual, groups and communities. They take responsibility for their own actions and the consequences that accompany them.
  • Open-minded - They understand and appreciate their own cultures and personal histories, and are open to the perspectives, values and traditions of other individuals and communities. They are accustomed to seeking and evaluating a range of points of view, and are willing to grow from the experience.
  • Caring - They show empathy, compassion and respect towards the needs and feelings of others. They have a personal commitment to service, and act to make a positive difference to the lives of others and to the environment.
  • Risk-takers - They approach unfamiliar situations and uncertainty with courage and forethought, and have the independence of spirit to explore new roles, ideas and strategies. They are brave and articulate in defending their beliefs.
  • Balanced - They understand the importance of intellectual, physical and emotional balance to achieve personal well-being for themselves and others
  • Reflective - They give thoughtful consideration to their own learning and experience. They are able to assess and understand their strengths and limitations in order to support their learning and personal development.

Attitudes

The PYP recognizes the importance of concepts, knowledge and skills but also believes these alone do not make an internationally educated person. It is crucial that we also focus on the development of positive attitudes towards people, the environment, and learning. These attitudes are a constant part of the curriculum and students are encouraged to understand and display them.

  • Appreciation - Appreciating the wonder and beauty of the world and its people.
  • Commitment - Being committed to their learning, persevering, and showing self discipline and responsibility.
  • Confidence - Feeling confident in their ability as learners, having the courage to take risks, applying what they have learned and making appropriate decisions.
  • Cooperation - Cooperating, collaborating, and leading or following as the situation demands.
  • Creativity - Being creative and imaginative in their thinking and in their approach to problems and dilemmas.
  • Curiosity - Being curious about the nature of learning and of the world, its people and cultures.
  • Empathy - Imaginatively projecting themselves into another's situation, in order to understand his/her thoughts, reasoning and emotions.
  • Enthusiasm - Enjoying learning.
  • Independence - Thinking and acting independently, making their own judgments based on reasoned principles and being able to defend their judgments.
  • Integrity - Having integrity and a firm sense of fairness and honesty.
  • Respect - Respecting themselves, others, and the world around them.
  • Tolerance - Feeling sensitivity towards differences and diversity in the world and being responsive to the needs of others.