ICSA's Lower School
The Lower School focuses on the development of core skills, including critical, creative and reflective thinking, communication, research, social, physical and personal skills. Content is taught through authentic projects, following the Common Ground Collaborative standards and guided inquiry cycle, during which students construct their understanding, skills and character. Through our Service Learning program, children identify problems in the world about them, learn about the causes of these problems, then plan and take action to solve the problem. In this way, they are well on their way to becoming contributing citizens.
An Inquiry-Based Curriculum
- Literacy-reading, writing, spelling, language, speaking & listening-is taught through the TC Readers & Writers Workshop units, Words Their Way and other resources.
- Math is taught through a combination of Bridges and a range of other resources.
- Other opportunities for learning include play, After School Activities, trips and community events.
Our 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.
“Interacting with the world in playful ways is essential for laying a foundation for learning early in life”
—ICSA Curriculum Coordinator, Matt Losch.
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.