Developing lifelong learners at the HSV International Primary School

Are you looking for an active, engaging way for your child to learn in an international educational setting? The HSV International Primary School is looking forward to the implementation of the IPC 2020 curriculum next school year and is looking for enthusiastic learners to join them in becoming responsible global citizens and lifelong learners in a world that is constantly changing.

An internationally recognised programme

The IPC personal goals help children develop some very important characteristics to become lifelong learners and responsible global citizens

In 2002, the HSV International Primary School took on the International Primary Curriculum (IPC). The IPC is a thematic based and holistic programme, unique in defining International Learning Goals that help children begin the move towards a national, international, global and intercultural perspective and develop a sense of "international-mindedness." The IPC personal goals help children develop some very important characteristics to become lifelong learners.

Fast forward to 2021 and the teaching team are currently preparing for the implementation of the IPC2020 curriculum, which is aligned with up-to-date research in how children learn best.

Moving up the school ladder

The new IPC provision for the children in pre-school and early years settings, the International Early Years Curriculum (IEYC), uses international best practices, holistic enquiry and a play-based approach that covers all curriculum areas including personal, social and emotional development. The IEYC focuses on key learning strands offered through a range of engaging activities and experiences. With units such as Ocean Treasures, Once Upon a Time and Animal Rescuers, children develop into active, resilient learners.

As children move up through the school they move into Milepost One. Learning is still very much hands-on, collaborative and fun! Learners are encouraged to be globally competent, whilst also focusing on the Netherlands as their host country. With the Dutch bilingual department also studying the IPC, there are plenty of opportunities to work alongside one another.

The year starts with a unit on the process of learning and moves on to a range of themes, anything from The Magic Toymakers to Hooray, Let’s go on Holiday! This really enables the children and teachers to bring values from their own cultures into their learning.

Developing a lifelong interest in learning

Learning doesn’t begin or stop at the front door of the school - it takes place all the time. At HSV, children are taken out as much as possible, giving them the opportunity to learn in the "real world" during trips around The Hague and beyond. Parents also contribute to lessons, and they are often invited to share learning experiences with the children.

Where possible links are made with IPC and other areas of the curriculum

The high-quality texts that are used to teach literacy are carefully chosen to complement the themes taught in IPC; children enjoy learning in this way and lessons, subsequently, have real meaning. The unique curriculum for personal, social and health education links to many areas of the IPC and develops learners to really accept and value who they are, as well as helping them understand how they can relate to other people in this ever-changing world.

The specialist teachers who teach Dutch, P.E, music and handicraft plan interesting and exciting learning experiences, which also link into learning in the IPC. As one pupil reported in a recent survey: “I recommend this school to people all around the world because you can learn a lot without even realising you are. Thank you, HSV for providing me with amazing education!”

Contact HSV

Based in four locations in and around the centre of The Hague, the HSV International Primary school offers education for children from 4-11 in English. HSV welcomes applications year-round from temporary expatriate residents and the staff are always happy to answer your questions about the school. Feel free to send an email to [email protected] or make an online application today via the HSV website.