Elementary School

In the Elementary School, students at SSIS develop their knowledge, skills, and understanding of concepts through inquiry-based learning. This puts the student at the heart of our learning process.

At SSIS we believe that each child enters our school already possessing a wide range of knowledge, skills, attitudes and understandings about the world and their place within it. It is our aim to celebrate and build on each child’s strengths, identify areas for growth and development, and work in partnership with parents to create a learning environment where all children will feel safe, supported, and successful. When children join our school, they are placed in the appropriate grade level according to their age.

The Elementary School (ELC to Grade 5) at SSIS employs the transdisciplinary approach of the IB Primary Years Programme (PYP). This means that we plan collaboratively and purposefully to maximize how learning experiences are conceptually connected between all subject areas. Subjects such as Math, Literacy (English and Chinese), Social Studies, Science, the Arts, and Design/Computer Technology all follow vertical alignment according to international standards, while also fitting within thematic Units of Inquiry.

We believe in a balanced and differentiated learning programme. Student learning is supported by specialists in the areas of Physical Education, Visual Arts, Music, Drama and Dance, and Library/Media Studies. In addition, all of our students learn Chinese daily, according to their level of need. Students also have access to English Additional Language teachers and Learning Support teachers who work directly with them and with their teachers to ensure the most effective and appropriate level of planning and support. 

The Elementary School further organized into Early Years (ELC to Kindergarten), Primary (Grades 1 to 5), and the German Department (Native German speakers).  Please follow the links below for more information regarding each of these programmes.