Curriculum overview

After evaluating curricula from around the world, KIST chose to adopt the International Baccalaureate’s Primary Years Programme (K1 to Grade 5), Middle Years Programme (Grades 6 to 10) and Diploma Programme (Grades 11 and 12) as the most appropriate curriculum frameworks for the school.

 

These programs focus on the total growth of the child, affecting hearts, as well as minds and addressing social, physical, emotional and cultural needs in addition to academic welfare. KIST believes that the inquiry-based approach to education provides students with the opportunity to take responsibility for their own learning. Class inquiries may take the form of:

  • Exploring, wondering and questioning.
  • Experimenting and playing with possibilities.
  • Researching and seeking information.
  • Collecting data and reporting findings.
  • Clarifying existing ideas and reappraising events.
  • Deepening understanding through the application of a concept or rule.
  • Making and testing theories.
  • Making predictions and acting purposefully to see what happens.
  • Elaborating on solutions to problems.

Through this approach we aim to guide students in developing problem solving skills and research skills that will allow them to not only cope with a rapidly changing world, but help them to become lifelong learners and productive members of our global community.

 

Overarching all three IB programmes is the learner profile which is defined by a list of behaviors that the programmes intend to develop in all children in all school cultures. The learner profile encourages children to be:

 

Attributes

Examples

Attributes

Examples

Inquirers

- Being curious about the world

- Asking questions

- Showing enthusiasm for learning

Principled

- Taking turns

- Completing tasks on time

- Being honest and fair

- Doing the right thing

Thinkers

- Solving problems

- Considering ideas

- Finding creative solutions

Caring

- Showing respect

- Being positive

- Helping others

Communicators

- Sharing ideas

- Listening to others

- Helping others understand

- Using different languages

Open-minded

- Being open to new experiences

- Accepting differences

- Appreciating others

Risk takers

- Always having a go

- Being brave

- Trying new things

Balanced

- Spending time doing many different things

- Balancing study, exercise, fun and relaxation

Knowledgeable

- Learning about the world

- Knowing different things

- Connecting facts

Reflective

- Knowing strengths and areas to improve

- Thinking about own learning

 

Curriculum explanation sessions are scheduled throughout the year for families to learn more about the nature of the curriculum, the learning methods focused on and other general expectations. All parents/guardians are encouraged to attend these sessions in order to gain the knowledge necessary to be able to provide appropriate support to their children.