Elementary School
Grades 1 - 5
The Elementary School is a supportive environment where young learners explore, discover, and thrive under the guidance of dedicated educators.
It's a place where curiosity thrives, friendships bloom, and students cultivate a lifelong passion for learning. Elementary classes at ISP are rooted in inquiry and nurture learners’ curiosity. Students develop key knowledge, skills, and understandings in Literacy, Mathematics, Science, and Social Studies in their homeroom classes. Students also develop their competencies in the areas of Music, Physical Education, Visual Arts, Design, and Language Acquisition with specialists outside of their homeroom class. Students also work with specialists in the areas of ICT, Library, and Outdoor Learning.
Primary age children learn through their investigative and creative powers, flourishing as geographers, historians, scientists, readers, writers, and mathematicians when curiosity drives their learning. Our highly qualified and experienced educators leverage this curiosity through thoughtfully designed authentic learning experiences. Children thrive in our contemporary classrooms, engaging outdoor learning spaces, and the beautiful nature reserve on our doorstep.
Matt Woodward, ES Principal
IB Primary Years Programme
The IB Primary Years Programme (PYP) at ISP spans from Early Childhood Foundations 3/4 to Grade 5, offering a globally recognised, inquiry-based curriculum. It emphasises holistic development, addressing academic, social, physical, emotional, and intercultural skills. Through the PYP, students gain deep understanding, essential skills, positive attitudes, and a sense of social responsibility. Enriched by international perspectives, it provides a relevant, challenging, and engaging education for all children.
Diverse and Inclusive Community
The Elementary School is a diverse and inclusive community within ISP, where we actively cultivate connections among students and teachers to foster a sense of belonging and unity. Through traditions like classroom buddy pairings, monthly all-Elementary School assemblies, and outdoor student concerts, we create opportunities for collaboration and celebration. Additionally, events such as Culture Week and the International Food Festival showcase our diverse community and provide memorable experiences that strengthen our bonds and enrich our community spirit and culture.
Connection before Content
"Connection before content” is the guiding principle of our teaching approach in our Elementary School. We recognise that relationships lay the groundwork for trust, a sense of belonging, and deep understanding. This is why, each morning, we start our Elementary School day with homeroom morning meetings, ensuring that we begin on a positive note and foster a supportive environment for all learners.
PYP Exhibition
The PYP Exhibition is a culminating project for students in the Primary Years Programme (PYP), showcasing their learning journey. It involves in-depth inquiry into real-world issues, encouraging students to apply their knowledge, skills, and concepts acquired throughout the programme. Working collaboratively, students research, create presentations, and engage with the community, demonstrating their growth as learners and their readiness for future educational challenges. The exhibition highlights their ability to take action, reflect on their learning, and communicate their findings effectively.
Student Agency
Fostering student agency is a primary focus in our Elementary School, where students are empowered with numerous opportunities to exercise choice in their learning journey. From engaging in passion projects to participating in Elementary School electives, After School Activities (ASAs), and lunchtime clubs such as Book Besties, Changemakers Club, and Student Council, to name a few, students are given many opportunities to cultivate the skills necessary to shape their educational experience.
Parent Partnership
We actively collaborate with families to empower ES parents as integral participants in their children's learning journey and school life. Our commitment involves keeping parents well-informed and involved in all aspects of their child's education, both within the school and beyond. Through Toddle, our learning management system, parent conferences, student portfolios, and weekly Principal letters to parents, we ensure ongoing communication and engagement with our parent community. Additionally, parents are often invited to school for learning mixers, opportunities to learn more about what is going on in the classroom and to celebrate their child’s growth.
Learning in Action
In September 2024, the International School of Prague (ISP) unveiled its Peace Garden, a vibrant installation honoring the United Nations International Day of Peace.
This special project united the entire school community - students, teachers, staff, and parents - in a heartfelt celebration of peace, kindness, and unity.
Gifts from the ISP Fund have helped us to purchase equipment for the environmental scientists, entomologists, horticulturists, naturalists and carpenters from ECF3/4 to Grade 5. This equipment has supported more children in the garden with nature research, exploration and working with natural materials.
At ISP, we appreciate the wide array of cultures and backgrounds that enrich our community. Our students bring fresh perspectives and dynamic energy to our campus, enhancing the uniqueness of the ISP learning environment.
PYP Exhibition (PYPx) is the culminating event of the Primary Years Programme and the highlight of Grade 5! This celebration of learning is an opportunity for students to engage in a collaborative, in-depth inquiry into real-world issues...