The Pre-Ivy Curriculum
Our international team of experts has created a curriculum known as the Pre-Ivy Curriculum. This innovative system incorporates the best practices from teaching philosophies from around the world, such as Montessori and Reggio Emilia. It aligns with the EYFS, English National Curriculum as well as International Baccalaureate(IB) and the 3-6 Chinese Kindergarten Standards. In this way children are prepared for a variety of choices when they transition to primary school.
The result is an enquiry-based learning experience that combines child and teacher-led activities with free and structured play in an enriched environment. The programme is customised to the developmental ability of each child.
The curriculum is divided into six areas of learning each which are divided into different ‘subjects’. This holistic approach allows children to make the essential links in their learning experiences.
⦁ Personal, social and emotional development
Skills for learning, relationships, self-regulation, health and self-care
⦁ Literacy
Listening and understanding, speaking ,reading, writing, handwriting(spelling and grammar)
⦁ Mathematics
Number, operations, shape and space, measure
⦁ Enquiring about the world
Science, social studies(geography and history), technology
⦁ Creative expression
Music and drama, art and design
⦁ Physical development
Fine and gross motor skills
Learning is holistic in kindergarten and one activity/lesson could be meeting many outcomes. Each child will learn new concepts and skills in a different way. To be able to lay down neural pathway’s children need to link their learning and make it relevant to them.
The Pre-Ivy curriculum is cross curricular and not always divided up into subject areas as you may see in high school. We have 6 areas of learning, but they are broad and interlinked. Don’t be surprised to see children learning mathematics during a sports lesson or language and science with art (creative expression). Every year the curriculum content is adapted to the needs of the children. The schedules are designed to be flexible to support deep level learning, individual and group work.
The curriculum map below outlines the 6 areas of learning and the Ivy learner characteristics.
Language Learning
English will be spoken throughout the day with support from the bilingual teacher assistant when needed to reassure and care for the child. Each child will have their own personal learning journey towards using more English. We assess them against international English Language Learner standards to make their progression to competent bilinguals transparent. The path from new to English to competent bilingual takes approximately 3-4 years.
Using Language in Real Situations
Research shows that the more children use language in meaningful situations, the more rapidly they progress. Therefore, the school creates learning environments where children feel comfortable, accepted, and happy, simultaneously challenged and ready to take risks. In language learning, mistakes and misunderstandings are accepted as essential to growth. This could be child-initiated activities or play (inside or outside), mealtimes, transitions, or other social situations.