International School of Bergamo

Early Years Programme

The Early Years programme is designed for children between 2 and 5 years old.
Mothertongue teachers support the Reggio Inspired learning philosophy in a truly international setting.


"Young children naturally explore their questions through play and discovery)”
(Bruner 1960)

The approach to Early Learning followed by the school is grounded in the belief that our youngest children are competent, curious individuals who build theory and understanding about the world they inhabit through the relationships they construct, both with one another and with their environment.

The learning philosophy is directly influenced by the world-renowned, socio-constructivist Reggio Emilia Approach, which is posited within an International and multilingual context, following the International Baccalaureate Primary Years Programme from the age of three.

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ISE-Bergamo

The-power-of-play

 

The power of play

Play is the driver for all learning in the Early Years.
Through play and exploration, students will learn to inquire as they build and test theories to help make sense of the world around them.

english-language-full-immersion

 

English Language full immersion

Our Early Years Section provides an English full immersion programme, which enables them to achieve competence in the English language as soon as possible, making use, where appropriate, of their developing understanding and skills in other languages.

the-central-role-of-the-environment

 

The central role of the environment

Early Years learning spaces are stimulating and inviting spaces that promote wonder, exploration, inquiry, creativity and learning through play. The different creative and sensory materials on offer are organised in a strategic and accessible way to encourage child agency and collaboration.

 Pre-K

The pedagogy that informs our daily practice in Pre-K is carefully constructed to connect seamlessly with the International Curriculum of the IB Primary Years Programme which is a constructivist and inquiry based approach to learning. Influenced by the Reggio Emilia learning philosophy, our Pre-K teachers and educators implement several key features of provision that are essential to the way that two year-olds learn.

Kindergarten-and-transition_

The Primary Years Programme of the International Baccalaureate Organisation® caters for students from 3 to 11 years of age. It is highly appropriate for young learners as its transdisciplinary nature allows to cater for individual students at the various stages of their development. Early learning through the PYP offers a holistic learning experience that integrates social, emotional, physical and cognitive development through play, exploration and discovery.

grade-1

The Grade 1 class offers a natural transition into the Elementary School. Learning is organised into 4 units of inquiry with an emphasis on learning through play and inquiry. Children explore the various subject areas within the units of inquiry. Learning continues to focus on personal, social and emotional development as well as skills which apply across the disciplines such as self management skills, communication skills, early reading and writing.


the-importance-of-a-healthy-diet

The school has an internal canteen with a dedicated chef who prepares freshly cooked food on-site. Special care is given to the needs of the younger children through the preparation of nutritious meals using organic and seasonal produce. Together with our partner, Compass Group, the school pursues a special healthy eating programme, T.U.R.N.I.P, aimed at introducing the correct nutritional practices.

Outdoor-learning

Children’s learning inhabits both the indoor and outdoor spaces of the learning environment. The Early Years children will access the outdoor learning space in front of their classroom and also use the bigger garden for breaks. Outdoor play and exploration informs the relational aspect of the educational experience and the children will go outside throughout the entire school year. Trips and educational visits are also an important part of the curriculum.

Expression-through-the-arts

MUSIC; All children in the Early Years have 1/2 music labs a week based on the ORFFSCHULWERK methodology with an external specialist.

ART ATELIER; In addition to the art activities that integrate daily learning in the Early Years, children access the art atelier with an art specialist.

DANCE; Dance & movement laboratories with an external specialist are organised in the Early Years.

WHAT MAKES US SPECIAL?

  1. High quality pedagogy - The IB PYP framework provides a well-considered early years educational experience for young children. By actively facilitating a student’s exploration, the physical and social environment engages children in rich and developmentally responsive ways.
  2. Qualified staff - English mother tongue teachers are fully qualified to teach in Primary and Early Years education. They are supported by educators in class to cater for all children in the best possible way. All staff have received training from the International Baccalaureate®.