IST Nursery

Welcome to the Nursery e-learning site!

I encourage you to visit this site regularly so that you can keep up-to-date with the exciting learning that takes place in our busy classroom.

IST Early Years Philosophy

IST defines the early years as those from 2 years 9 months to 5 years of age (N1, N2 and PRK). The Primary Years Programme curriculum is central to teaching and learning; and supports the growth of skills in all areas of cognitive, physical, emotional and social development. The flexible nature of the program enables teachers to promote the attributes of the IB learner profile and PYP attitudes.

At IST we recognize that each child is an individual with a unique family background, personality and learning style. With this in mind, the grouping of students is flexible for children of various levels of developmental readiness to learn together through differentiated experiences.

Three main beliefs underpin the Early Years Program at IST:

We believe children learn best when activities and materials are authentic, concrete and relevant to their lives. The PYP framework gives support to active learners and inquirers, enabling them to construct meaning. The program allows young children the time to actively explore and interact with their international community and environment in order to learn about themselves, other people and the world around them.

We recognize that play is essential to a child’s development. Play can take many forms: child initiated, child-directed, teacher directed.  All play helps children learn about the world in which they live, builds self-esteem and social skills, supports language development and stimulates creativity and imagination.

We believe that self-esteem is central to a child’s growth. Our program facilitates the development of independence and self-discipline. We foster self-worth by respecting and accepting each child as a unique individual. Children are encouraged to communicate their feelings, thoughts and ideas. We value the importance of interactions between all members of the community to create a harmonious and secure learning environment.

The IST Early Years brings together children, parents and teachers to work side by side as a collaborative, international community.