Primary School

“Everybody loves personal inquiry workshop! It has amazing labs, you can make things and use your imagination. It helps you explore the world around you." (Grade 2 student)

Every Wednesday afternoon students in KG through grade 5 engage in challenging personal inquiries driven by their own curiosities, interests and passions. Personal Inquiry is one of our students’ favourite times of the week. This is because students are empowered in the decision making about what, how, when, where, and with whom they learn during personal inquiry. Some examples of students personal inquiry include:

• How do I choreograph and perform a dance? (Grade 3)
• How can I use coding to create a video game? (Grade 2)
• How do I create a school newspaper? (Grade 3)
• What are the benefits of poisonous animals? (Grade 5)
• What happens when the hot lava of the volcano meets the cold water of an ocean? ( Grade 1)

During the Personal Inquiry time, students learn foundational skills that transfer to all learning areas. The Approaches to Learning (ATL) frame and guide student learning and reflection. Specific skills in the five ATL areas: Research, Communication, Thinking, Social, and Self-Management, inform teacher conferences and assessment. The role of the teacher is to support students in developing engaging questions and plans that will help them use the time to develop these skills within the context of personal curiosity. This sets the stage for becoming a lifelong learner.

At ISB Primary, we aim to create learning environments that nurture our learners' curiosity. Students have regular opportunities to attend learning labs for science, Lego, coding, Minecraft, research, and physical activities (dance, games, etc.).

“I want to know about volcanoes. I want to know what happens when the hot lava of a volcano meets the cold water of the ocean" (Grade 1 student)

We believe that every student has the capacity to lead. Rooted in this belief, we create the conditions and intentionally design learning experiences that nurture, support and promote students’ leadership.

Student leadership refers to the ability of students to lead and influence others, as well as their own personal development and growth. This can include taking on roles and responsibilities in their schools, engaging in community service, and developing qualities such as communication, collaboration, and critical thinking skills. Impactful student leaders are able to inspire and motivate their peers, and create positive change in their schools and communities. Our commitment to student leadership is evident through our curriculum and co-curricular activities.

At the International School of Belgrade (ISB), co-curricular activities (CCAs) extend far beyond mere after-school pursuits—they're transformative learning experiences. Here, students not only discover new skills but also delve into their passions, exploring a rich tapestry of offerings from arts and athletics to cooking, languages, crafts, and STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, Mathematics) activities. The CCAs, held three times annually for approximately two months each session, are a vibrant hub of exploration and growth. With over 50 diverse options available each term, more than 80% of our students enrol, eager to unleash their potential and broaden their horizons.

These co-curricular activities serve as invaluable extensions of classroom learning, nurturing holistic development and sparking lifelong interests. As students immerse themselves in these varied pursuits, they acquire practical skills and cultivate essential life skills such as teamwork, creativity, and resilience. Beyond mere extracurricular engagement, ISB's CCAs create a dynamic environment where curiosity thrives and students discover new facets of themselves. This comprehensive approach to education ensures that learning extends far beyond textbooks, empowering students to embrace their passions and forge their unique paths toward personal and academic success.

We go beyond memorisation to build a strong foundation in maths. Our inquiry-based programme, rooted in the PYP philosophy, emphasises conceptual understanding through hands-on activities and real-world applications. Students explore four key areas: Numbers, Patterns & Functions, Data Handling, and Shape & Space, developing critical thinking and problem-solving skills that will empower them throughout their academic journey.

Technology plays a key role in enhancing and transforming learning at ISB. However, it should be used thoughtfully, not just for its own sake or to replace traditional methods that work well.

Before incorporating technology, our teachers consider the following:

• Does it promote deeper inquiry?
• Does it develop critical thinking?
• Does it personalise learning?
• Does it encourage ownership of learning?
• Does it enhance collaboration?

To support our Primary School learners, we provide all Kindergarten to Grade 6 students with a school-owned iPad for use on campus. These iPads are managed by the school to ensure that the apps and tools used align with our educational goals. Primary School iPads are used only at school and are stored in grade-level iPad carts when not in use.

In addition to using iPads, our students have access to technology learning labs, where they can explore areas like robotics, 3D CAD design, and other innovative technologies. We also incorporate SEESAW as a digital platform for teachers and students to showcase their learning. SEESAW allows teachers to share work and communicate with families on a weekly basis, keeping them engaged with their child’s learning journey.

What is MAP Testing?

MAP testing is a special type of quiz that helps us understand how much you’ve learned in different subjects like reading and math. It’s not like a regular test you take in class because it changes with every question to fit you just right!

Why Do We Take MAP Tests?

• To Learn About You: MAP tests show us what you know and what you’re ready to learn next. It’s like a map that guides your teachers to help you better.
• To Help Your Teachers: These tests help your teachers plan lessons that are just right for you, making learning fun and exciting.
• To Watch You Grow: We take the MAP test a few times a year to see how much you’ve learned and grown.

Remember, MAP tests are not about getting a grade; they’re about discovering new ways to help you learn and grow!