Curriculum
Introduction to a balanced, transdisciplinary approach to teaching and learning
At CGK, we have always been committed to developing acute cognitive ability, strong self-expression, and a spirit of inquiry. In the elementary school curriculum, we are building on our mission and experience with hands-on, project-based learning by implementing the transdisciplinary approach of the International Baccalaureate (IB) as an IB PYP candidate school.
*Only schools authorized by the IB Organization can offer any of its four academic programmes: the Primary Years Programme (PYP), the Middle Years Programme (MYP), the Diploma Programme (DP), or the Career-related Programme (CP). Candidate status gives no guarantee that authorization will be granted. For further information about the IB and its programmes, please visit IB website.
The PYP offers a framework for comprehensive well-rounded education through:
IB PYP Curriculum
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Transdisciplinary learning in 6 key subject areas
- Language Arts
- Math
- Science
- Social Studies
- The Arts
- Personal, Social, and Physical Education (PSPE)
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The Learner Profile Attributes - character development that ensure our students are
- Inquirers
- Knowledgeable
- Thinkers
- Communicators
- Principled
- Open-minded
- Caring
- Risk-takers
- Balanced
- Reflective
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Deep conceptual understanding of 7 Key Concepts
- Connection
- Responsibility
- Perspective
- Form
- Causation
- Change
- Function
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Approaches to learning in 5 key areas
- Social skills
- Research skills
- Thinking skills
- Communication skills
- Self-management skills
Learning is organized through Units of Inquiry in 6 transdisciplinary themes
- Who we are
- How we organize ourselves
- How we express ourselves
- How the world works
- Sharing the planet
- Where we are in time and place
Teaching Approach
Lessons are hands-on, conceptually based, and combine learning across subjects. Single-subject lessons are also taught as appropriate, particularly in math, English, and Japanese.
As a non-article 1 school, we are able to choose the best educational standards and practices from around the world. We continually assess and improve our learning and teaching, committing to professional development for all of our staff and administrators.
As an example, we are developing our mathematics learning standards based on meeting or exceeding the Japanese national standards. The Singapore Maths curriculum consistently results in the highest scores in international assessments such as PISA. The combination of concrete and abstract learning with problem-solving and analytical skills help students to develop not only math skills but skills that transcend math and will be useful in their professional life as well. We have the flexibility to follow Singapore Maths, as well as teach the abacus and skills in the year expected in Japan or sooner.
Every teacher will use approaches and techniques to track learning and offer appropriate differentiation. This means students will learn to the best of their personal abilities, rather than having to go too fast or too slow. By teaching children at their appropriate pace and understanding, we can ensure children will be learning and engaging during every activity. This also allows children who excel to in moving and the curriculum standards for their grade as appropriate while offering support to those students who need it.
*Only schools authorized by the IB Organization can offer any of its four academic programmes: the Primary Years Programme (PYP), the Middle Years Programme (MYP), the Diploma Programme (DP), or the Career-related Programme (CP). Candidate status gives no guarantee that authorization will be granted. For further information about the IB and its programmes, please visit IB website.
Contact
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Inquiry for Elementary School
Feel free to contact us, not only regarding applications for open schools or other questions, but also about observations, interviews, community interaction proposals, partnerships, consultancy requests, internships, etc.