Elementary School
Elementary School is designed for our Grade 0 through 5 students.
It embraces the excitement and wonder of childhood, helping students develop the
fundamental skills, knowledge and attitudes to help them succeed and be happy
as lifelong learners and global citizens in an ever changing world
Helping children learn – academically, socially, spiritually, emotionally and physically – is the real purpose of schools. And empowering them to take control of their learning ensures it will continue throughout their lives.
What your children learn should respect the past but it must also prepare them for the world in which they are going to live. That’s why ISK focuses on academic and personal development, and the development of a global awareness. With an eye toward the IB Diploma Program in High School, the Elementary school focuses on the IB Learner Profile Traits. This helps build well-rounded, self-aware learners ready to take on the challenges of the later grades.
Learning should be active and engaging, and, above all, meaningful to children. That’s why we have designed an inquiry-based, ever-evolving curriculum which promotes brain-friendly learning in every area.
Elementary School Student / Parent Handbook
Elementary School Program of Studies
Recess
Believing in the power of play as a part of the learning process, Elementary classes have recess each day before lunch and in the afternoon before the final 2 periods of the day. The school has ample space for students to play, including an all weather sports field, playgrounds with equipment, and open, green areas in which to run and play. Unstructured play of this kind helps them develop their creativity, interpersonal skills, leadership abilities and physical health. Besides, it’s fun!
More information:
In Elementary School (grades 0 to 5), great emphasis is placed on the core subjects of English Language Arts and Mathematics, which are scheduled every day.In English Language Arts, we utilize the workshop model in order to ensure each student is working at his or her own developmental level in Reading, Writing, and Phonics/Word Study.
Mathematics instruction is inquiry-based with a focus on problem solving and building a strong understanding of basic math concepts. Whole-class, small group, and individual instruction are utilized in order to ensure that students not only develop the necessary math skills they will need but also the collaborative and cooperative skills needed in our 21st century world.
In addition to the Core Subjects of English Language Arts and Mathematics, Elementary students also have Social Studies and Science classes with their Homeroom teacher. Covering the AERO and NGSS standards, these subjects are 100% inquiry-based and engage students through many hands-on, real world experiences. Elementary students also have classes dedicated to Art, Music, Physical Education, Health, and select Native and World Languages.
Frequently Asked Questions
ABOUT ISK’S ELEMENTARY SCHOOL PROGRAM
Do you have questions?
The International School of Krakow is dedicated to the development of world citizens by facilitating meaningful and structured service learning experiences as part of the whole school curriculum. As they progress from early years through elementary, middle and high schools, students develop greater civic responsibility by researching and identifying needs in both the local and world communities, planning and initiating student-centered activities and experiences, and reflecting on their learning. As they build toward the ultimate goal of creating reciprocal and sustainable service learning experiences, students will gain a deeper understanding of, and commitment to, ISK’s mission.
In the Elementary school, we do not have percentage or number grades. We also do not use the traditional A-F grades. Our grades are based on students’ progress toward the given standards in each class and are reported as N (not meeting), A (approaching), M (meeting), or E (exceeding). These are based on formative and summative assessments given within the classroom and are reported twice per year – in the Semester 1 and Semester 2 report cards.
Admission to the IB Diploma Programme in grade 11 is considered on an individual basis for all students. However, it is recommended that students have already earned all 18 credits by the end of grade 10, AND show product grades of 4 for subjects that they are interested in pursuing at SL, and 6 for subjects at HL. Additionally, grade 10 students who are on ILP’s or in EAL are given further guidance according to the following procedures:
- The student’s academic record, ILP / WIDA scores and teacher recommendations are reviewed at a secondary SST meeting.
- The student’s academic record, ILP / WIDA scores and teacher recommendations are reviewed at a secondary SST meeting.
- The student meets with the Learning Support and IB coordinators to discuss grade 11-course plan and accommodations available.
- There is a follow-up meeting to discuss this information with parents.
- Up-to-date psycho-ed assessments may need to be requested in some cases.
- The student then submits his or her final choice sheet, signed by the parents.
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