PRIMARY
Early Years, Year 1 – 6
Develops children aged 4-10 into informed, globally competent, and future-ready learners
We are a Cambridge school that offers the thematic units from the International Early Years Curriculum (IEYC for Reception) and International Primary Curriculum (IPC for Year 1 to 6) to ensure we are meeting statutory requirements. The school’s Primary Curriculum is designed to meet the different needs of our particular student body while maintaining an essentially British education and ethos. We aim to give pupils a broad, balanced, relevant and differentiated educational experience with an increasing emphasis on cross-curricular links.
“We guide learners on a dynamic journey that connects their past, present, and future to the wider community.”
KIS Primary Vision
IPC Learning Goals
We embed future-ready skills throughout our Primary students’ learning by placing the IPC Personal Learning Goals at the heart of everything we do.
“I am Adaptable, I am a Communicator, I am a Collaborator, I am Empathetic, I am Ethical, I am Resilient, I am Respectful, I am a Thinker.”
The International Early Years Curriculum (IEYC) is a globally recognised, research-based framework for Early Years education designed specifically for children aged 3-5 years. Developed by leading Early Years experts and informed by contemporary research in child development, neuroscience, and education, the IEYC provides a comprehensive approach to learning that places the child at the centre of the educational experience.
The IEYC is not a prescriptive curriculum that dictates what children must learn at specific ages. Rather, it is a flexible framework that recognises the individual developmental pathways of each child whilst providing educators with clear learning objectives and guidance for creating rich, engaging learning environments. The IEYC acknowledges that young children learn best through direct experience, exploration, play, and meaningful interaction with their environment and the people around them.
At our school, we have adopted the IEYC as the foundation for our Early Years programme because it aligns perfectly with our commitment to child-centred, developmentally appropriate education and our vision of nurturing globally aware, curious learners. The IEYC complements the Cambridge Early Years framework by providing the thematic, play-based structure within which Cambridge learning objectives are achieved.
The International Primary Curriculum (IPC) is a comprehensive, research-based framework designed specifically for primary-aged children (ages 5-11). Developed by leading educators and informed by best practices in international education, the IPC provides a structure for inquiry-based, thematic learning that develops both academic knowledge and the skills, understanding, and attitudes essential for global citizenship.
The IPC is built on the principle that learning should be meaningful, connected, and relevant to children’s lives. Rather than teaching subjects in isolation, the IPC organises learning into thematic units that integrate multiple subjects and disciplines around central ideas or essential questions. This approach helps children see connections across subjects, understand the relevance of what they are learning, and develop a more holistic, integrated understanding of the world.
Each IPC unit is built around a central theme and essential questions that guide inquiry. For example, a unit on ‘Trade and Commerce’ might explore questions such as: ‘What is trade?’ ‘How do people exchange goods and services?’ ‘How has trade changed over time?’ ‘How does trade affect different communities?’
Throughout our IPC units, we focus on developing learners’ mastery of essential learning goals that extend beyond subject-specific knowledge. These goals ensure that all learners develop the skills, understanding, and attitudes essential for success in a globalised world.
Oxford International English
The thematic approach with rich international content delivers a comprehensive programme that focuses on learning self-expression and critical thinking for 5-11-year-olds. The units provide age-appropriate fiction and non-fiction texts that aim to develop learner competency in reading, writing, listening and speaking across Primary. Our learners will read widely, using the Oxford Guided Reading Programme as well as novel studies in Upper Primary to further broaden their reading skills. In addition, we offer English Language Support in smaller group settings to facilitate learners with diverse backgrounds.
Chinese, Korean, Spanish
One of the key features of global competence and future-ready means being able to confidently navigate in multiple languages. We offer comprehensive Second Language options for Chinese (Putonghua), Korean and Spanish.
Each core mathematical concept is taught through a method called Concrete, Pictorial and Abstract. This methodology encourages learners to think mathematically and apply their knowledge to their day-to-day lives. The approach is taught with scaffolded activities that are designed to develop thinking and problem-solving skills through independent and collaborative learning.
The primary objective of the PE curriculum is to foster physical literacy among students. This includes developing fundamental movement skills, understanding the importance of physical activity, and promoting lifelong engagement in fitness. The curriculum aims to instill a sense of confidence and competence in students, encouraging them to participate in various physical activities throughout their lives.
SWIMMING – Swimming is an important life skill taught at KIS with the help of Stanford coaches. Students have compulsory weekly swimming lessons as part of their PE curriculum. Swimming provides lifelong skills, health benefits, and opportunities for recreational activities. KIS believes that every child should learn to swim proficiently and early. The Stanford Swimming Program builds a strong swimming foundation and boosts confidence through basic techniques.
NOTE: Students unable to swim require a medical note for exemption from swimming.
TAEKWONDO – In collaboration with Cheung Do Kwan, the Korean International School is proud to offer taekwondo lessons as part of its Physical Education curriculum. Through this partnership, students at the Korean International School have the opportunity to receive professional training and guidance in the art of taekwondo. The lessons are carefully designed to cater to the needs and abilities of each student, ensuring a safe and enjoyable learning environment. Cheung Do Kwan’s expertise and dedication contribute to the school’s commitment to providing a comprehensive and high-quality education in physical fitness and martial arts.
School trips are an important and compulsory part of our curriculum and each trip has been considered in depth as to how the experience will enrich and broaden the minds of our students. We strive to improve not only your child’s academic skills but also instil whole-person development. We have included a variety of outdoor team-building activities encompassing environmental conservation and community service to help students gain independence, self-confidence and a wider perspective regarding the world around them.
We work hard to develop programs that offer strong experiential learning opportunities as well as offering value for money for Parents. Primary Camps are held during October and November we need to move quickly to ensure that your child can be enrolled and registered well ahead of time.
Our annual Cultural Fair is a vibrant celebration of diversity within our school community, showcasing a variety of performances, traditional cuisine, interactive games, and engaging cultural activities. This event offers students, parents, and visitors a unique opportunity to explore and appreciate the diverse traditions and cultural backgrounds that enrich our school environment.
Talent Show 2026
Swim Gala 2026
Primary Sports Day 2026
International Primary Curriculum
The IPC course structure for primary students lets them have a more in-depth knowledge of the topics, based on projects and experiments.
