Primary Years Program
International Community School of Abidjan is a Candidate School* for the PYP. This school is pursuing authorization as an IB World School. These are schools that share a common philosophy—a commitment to high quality, challenging, international education that ICSA believes is important for our students.
*Only schools authorized by the IB Organization can offer any of its four academic programmes: the Primary Years Programme (PYP), the Middle Years Programme (MYP), the Diploma Programme, or the Career-related Programme (CP). Candidate status gives no guarantee that authorization will be granted. For further information about the IB and its programmes, visit www.ibo.org
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ICSA's Primary Years Program
In August 2024, ICSA became a Primary Years Candidate school. During the candidacy period, ICSA is committed to delivering the Primary Years Program as well as informing teachers, students and the greater community about the Primary Years Program (PYP).
The Primary Years Program focuses on the development of the whole child. Instruction is centered around inquiry which allows students to actively engage in their learning.
Each of the IB's programmes is committed to the development of students according to the IB learner profile.
The profile aims to develop learners who are and strive to be:
Inquirers
We nurture our curiosity, developing skills for inquiry and research. We know how to learn independently and with others. We learn with enthusiasm and sustain our love of learning throughout life.
Knowledgeable
We develop and use conceptual understanding, exploring knowledge across a range of disciplines. We engage with issues and ideas that have local and global significance.
Thinkers
We use critical and creative thinking skills to analyze and take responsible action on complex problems. We exercise initiative in making reasoned, ethical decisions.
Communicators
We express ourselves confidently and creatively in more than one language and in many ways. We collaborate effectively, listening carefully to the perspectives of other individuals and groups.
Principled
We act with integrity and honesty, with a strong sense of fairness and justice, and with respect for the dignity and rights of people everywhere. We take responsibility for our actions and their consequences.
Open-minded
We critically appreciate our own cultures and personal histories, as well as the values and traditions of others. We seek and evaluate a range of points of view, and we are willing to grow from the experience.
Caring
We show empathy, compassion and respect. We have a commitment to service, and we act to make a positive difference in the lives of others and in the world around us.
Risk-takers
We approach uncertainty with forethought and determination; we work independently and cooperatively to explore new ideas and innovative strategies. We are resourceful and resilient in the face of challenges and change.
Balanced
We understand the importance of balancing different aspects of our lives—intellectual, physical, and emotional—to achieve well-being for ourselves and others. We recognize our interdependence with other people and with the world in which we live.
Reflective
We thoughtfully consider the world and our own ideas and experience. We work to understand our strengths and weaknesses in order to support our learning and personal development.
An Inquiry-Based Curriculum
*Students learn through units of inquiry centered around the six transdisciplinary themes.
*Literacy is both integrated and taught separately. The PYP uses “Into Reading” as a core resource.
*Math is taught through the units of inquiry as well as through the core resource of “Bridges.”
*Students are encouraged to take action based on their learning.
*The Personal, Social and Emotional program, much of which is delivered during our morning meetings, focuses on developing character values and habits of mind.
The Importance of Play
Students are challenged to develop their minds and bodies, to explore their potential through meaningful and inspiring discoveries. These discoveries can happen anywhere. Through social interactions, children problem-solve, make connections, communicate their ideas and enjoy being with others, allowing them to apply their knowledge and skills to different situations, and to come up with new ideas.
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Specialist Classes
The Lower School Program includes specialist classes in Music, Art & Design, Library and PE, which support the development of the whole child.
French is the language of the host country and all students in the Lower School receive French instruction. Students develop strong second language skills, which enable them to communicate confidently with the wider community.