Elementary School | Academics | International School of Dusseldorf

A GLIMPSE INTO RECEPTION

Play is the highest form of research.

Albert Einstein

Our approach to learning in the early years of the PYP centres around play. Play is essential for young children’s physical, social, and emotional wellbeing; it helps them to build knowledge of their environment, to develop social competencies, and to foster curiosity and imagination. In ISD’s Reception programme, children play and learn in the classroom as well as in the beautiful, outdoor learning environment. The gardens are thriving ecosystems where children can grow and harvest their own fruit and vegetables, cook mucky treats in the mud kitchen, or discover the many plants and animals that inhabit the freshwater pond. Learning in Reception is explorative and experiential; mathematical, scientific, and language-based concepts are introduced in an integrated way, as children enthusiastically discover the world around them. Children find tremendous joy in being creative, learning to build friendships, and participating in the lively atmosphere of our school. Whether we are building, painting, cooking, or singing, we always have lots of fun in Reception at ISD!

A GLIMPSE INTO PREP

The Prep year is a time of change, as children make the transition from pre-school to elementary school.

Through diverse learning experiences, prep students develop their sense of personal responsibility and autonomy, which provide an important foundation for the rest of their education. Importantly, they are given rich opportunities to grow into passionate learners.

Play forms a central component of teaching and learning in the early years of the Primary Years Programme (PYP). We use play to engage children’s innate curiosity. In this way, a simple observation (“look at this!”) will lead to questions like:

• What is it?
• Why is it here?
• Where does it come from?
• How does it work? 

Children at play are flexible and responsive. They are sensitive to others. They are prepared to take risks in their learning. The learning environments in Prep at ISD are spacious and invigorating, allowing children choice and freedom, so that play can unfold to its fullest potential.

Join us in Prep at ISD and discover a world of minibeasts, create wood crafts (once you have earned your all-important hammer licence), explore shapes and patterns, and build lasting friendships!

A GLIMPSE INTO GRADE 1

What secrets lie behind the magic fairy doors in the garden? How will we protect the three little pigs from the big, bad wolf? And will we ever find the answer to the mystery of the missing porridge?

Grade 1 at ISD is filled with fun, creativity, and storytelling. At the heart of the curriculum is the unit of inquiry (UoI) which permeates all aspects of the children’s learning, from art and music, to language and mathematics, to the outdoor spaces. Maths and language instruction is differentiated according to needs and ability so that every student is supported and challenged to reach their fullest potential.

Technology is integrated seamlessly into the learning ecosystem at ISD from the early years of the PYP. We use technology thoughtfully and responsibly to enhance engagement and improve students’ learning processes. Blue-Bot Tactile Readers and Rugged Robots introduce the children to simple programming; we explore the fundamentals of computational thinking; and our ideas and designs are brought to life using 3D printers.

Every day in grade 1 at ISD offers the promise of a new learning adventure - and every day our students couldn’t be happier to come to school.

A GLIMPSE INTO GRADE 2

From gravity glue installations on the banks of the Rhine, to fashioning ‘Beyblades’ from natural materials, to mastering mathematical operations through lively games and activities, the grade 2 experience is ripe with opportunities to discover passions, extend knowledge, and make a difference.

We have plenty of fun along the way, as students explore new concepts in a dynamic, co-taught environment. In the grade 2 programme, students’ units of inquiry encourage exploration of (among other things) nature and issues that affect our environment; creativity and self-expression; and goal-setting.

Later in the school year, children have the opportunity to become architects and engineers as part of a unit exploring the purpose and design of structures. This unit is an especially popular one. We learn about the design process and the reasons why structures use particular shapes and materials, as well as the impact natural forces can have on stability and safety. This unit is driven by the passionate outdoor learning team, who work with the students to build small-scale models. We analyse the structural integrity of the designs in earthquake and flood simulations and then make improvements based on our findings.There is never a dull moment in OLE at ISD!

In the innovative grade 2 environment, students enjoy agency as learners and love the authentic and engaging challenges they encounter. Each and every day, our caring and talented grade 2 team supports the children to develop the growth mindset they need to be happy and fulfilled in their learning, now and in the future.

A GLIMPSE INTO GRADE 3

In grade 3 at ISD, units of inquiry are designed to inspire wonder and imagination, to provoke curiosity and awaken creativity.

Students benefit from a dynamic and flexible learning environment, as well as the support and expertise of a diverse co-teaching team. In the OLE gardens, students will encounter exciting contexts in which they can apply their classroom learning to solve problems and develop richer understandings. The unit of inquiry on changing states of matter never fails to impress and amaze; as we witness interesting, colourful, and sometimes unexpected chemical reactions in the gardens and in the classroom, the students begin to question their assumptions and deepen their understanding of the scientific method. 

Throughout the year, grade 3 students are encouraged to think about ways they can effect positive change through their learning. The class’ sustainable Christmas market is an annual hit at the ISD Elementary School. The students spend several weeks working together to plan for and host an outdoor market, designing ornaments and baking treats to sell, with the overall target of bringing the community together as well as eliminating food and plastic waste. In 2019, the grade 3 students raised over 1600 euros, which was donated to purchase an aquatic waste collection device for the Rhine River. This structure - known as the ‘River Whale’ - was launched by Düsseldorf’s Lord Mayor in 2020. The joy, energy, and warmth in the grade 3 space is contagious; this is an environment where every child can approach their learning with a big smile and an open mind.

A GLIMPSE INTO GRADE 4

Grade 4 is a big year academically, socially, and emotionally for children. ISD students enjoy a safe, fun, and energetic community environment in which to explore and discover themselves as learners and as people.

Our units are carefully designed to balance content, concepts, and skills. For example, our units on energy and water are rich with content, but also lead us to consider complex questions surrounding equitable access to resources, and how we can use natural resources more responsibly and more effectively. The units titled Who We Are and Patterns in Nature encourage students to explore their own creative preferences and identities in a diverse and stimulating world.

In grade 4, we emphasise positive discipline and mindfulness practices to help students become aware of their social and emotional selves, as well as to develop strong skills in problem solving, self regulation, and decision making. Along the way, students will build, design, and test many of their ideas in our dedicated ‘maker space’; children are often happiest when they are working on projects that fuel their curiosity and enrich their understanding.

With the support of a diverse team of passionate teachers, students in grade 4 at ISD love taking risks in their learning and exploring their world.

A GLIMPSE INTO GRADE 5

In the grade 5 learning community, students and teachers work collaboratively in a purpose-built, flexible learning environment. Through collaborative planning, instruction and assessment, all teachers facilitate the learning of all students.

Students experience the tangible benefits of co-teaching, and they love being part of a dynamic community and working with a team of caring adults with varied perspectives and styles.

The curriculum in grade 5 at ISD is exciting too. As students near the end of the IB Primary Years Programme, their inquiries and investigations grow more sophisticated, and their opportunities for autonomy and choice expand.

The PYP Exhibition is a special opportunity for students to pursue a sophisticated, in-depth exploration of a topic of their choice, practising transdisciplinary skills while taking their learning in individual directions.

Many ISD students say that the freedom to explore their passions is their favourite aspect of grade 5.