Students engaged in the Primary Years Programme (PYP) will develop international-mindedness through a comprehensive, inquiry-based approach to teaching and learning. Our programme focuses on the Learner Profile and thereby the development of the whole child by addressing their academic, social, physical, emotional and ethical needs. It reflects real-life by encouraging learning beyond traditional subjects to make the learning more meaningful. It aims to equip students with the skills to succeed in a challenging world and to develop a positive attitude to life-long learning.

The Curriculum

The PYP at LIS offers a balance between learning about or through different subject areas and learning beyond them. Students study six units of inquiry each year which are framed by six global themes:

• Who we are
• Where we are in place and time
• How we express ourselves
• How the world works
• How we organize ourselves
• Sharing the planet

Each unit of inquiry taught is planned collaboratively by the teachers and is significant, relevant, engaging and challenging for students.

Traditional subjects are also studied: language, mathematics, science, social studies, art, music, Portuguese, ICT and personal, social and physical education.

The PYP at LIS engages students actively in their learning. Teachers encourage students to investigate ideas by guiding them through research, experimentation, observation and other means of exploration. Building on the student’s current understanding, the teachers help them to construct meaning by developing connections and establishing a higher level of conceptual comprehension. Through this structured inquiry each student can develop significant skills.

Students studying the PYP at LIS are continually assessed using a variety of methods including written reports, student-led conferences, portfolios and presentations. Assessment is integral to learning as it provides opportunities for the students to reflect on what they know, understand and can do. The teacher’s feedback to the students provides the guidance, tools and incentive to help them become more competent and skilful learners who are better able to understand how to learn. Assessment focuses on the quality of student learning during the process of learning as well as the result.

The Primary School at LIS is a reflective community of learners. The students, teachers, teaching assistants and support staff work enthusiastically to extend their abilities and skills. We enjoy sharing our learning to the wider school community often in assemblies, open days and presentations.

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