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Academics

Early Years

Ages 2-5

Where the joy and curiosity of learning begins!

In the early years programme, ISG ignites the joy and curiosity of learning, setting the foundation for  growth and success. Through engaging experiences and a nurturing environment, we inspire children to explore, create, and discover, fostering their natural love for learning. With a focus on joy and curiosity, we empower children to become confident, lifelong learners who embrace the wonders of education.

The International School in Genoa is an IB World School.  These are schools that share a common philosophy: a commitment to high-quality, challenging, international education.  The International School in Genoa believes this is important for our students. 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, or the Career-related Programme (CP). For further information about the IB and its programmes, visit www.ibo.org.

SOCIAL AND CULTURAL EXCHANGE

Learning to work and play together is a primary goal in the early years.

ISG is an international school that appreciates diversity and sees itself as part of the global community. The school cultivates a global perspective even with our youngest students by introducing them to diverse cultures, traditions, and perspectives. In this way, children are encouraged to develop an understanding of the interconnectedness of individuals and communities.

IB PRIMARY YEARS Programme

In the PYP, learning is based on inquiry and focused on real world context through transdisciplinary units. Learning with the PYP takes a global approach, helping children to connect their learning to where they are living now, and using the perspective of other people in other countries.

It incorporates knowledge, concepts, skills, and action. Children develop their knowledge and understanding of language, social studies, mathematics, science and technology, the arts, personal, social and physical education.
The educational programme is complemented by the presence of subjects such as physical education, drama, music, choir and visual arts, offered on a weekly basis by specialist teachers who are native speakers of English. The school also has a library, which each class visits on a regular basis to enhance literacy and the love of literature.

LEARNING
APPROACH

The language of instruction is English. Our approach to learning English in early childhood creates a language-rich environment where language is seamlessly integrated into various activities and subjects. Our youngest learners begin to learn English when provided with strong language models and exposure to rich and purposeful language experiences.

In the 2 and 3 years old class, we follow the ISG Toddler Curriculum which fosters intellectual growth, learning and independence and prepares children for the PYP curriculum. At age 4 students move into the PYP curriculum. The PYP and the ISG Toddler Programmes are organized in units of inquiry of the duration of 6 to 9 weeks each. Each unit will explore a topic (e.g. transportation, growth mindset, farming, etc.) and will offer contents in different subjects, including language, math, science, art, music, drama and PE.

Logo Pyp Model
teaching staff isg

TEACHING STAFF

Each class has a native English speaking and certified homeroom teacher supported by a bilingual assistant. Highly trained specialist teachers work closely with the classroom teachers to collaborate in integrating language, social development, and academic learning through subjects such as Italian, art, music, physical education and drama.
outdoor learning

OUTDOOR LEARNING

Outdoor learning is a fundamental part of child development, offering a wide range of stimuli and natural elements that promote imagination, exploration, and problem-solving through play. At ISG we have a beautiful and spacious outdoor environment that  contributes to our students’ physical health and environmental awareness.

class placement

CLASS PLACEMENT

The students’ placement is based on the year of birth of the child. It takes into consideration the physical, social and emotional needs of the child.
Classes are organized into three main age groups:

Students must reach the indicated age for the grade by December 31st of the school year. 

DIGITAL PLATFORM

DIGITAL PLATFORM

Parents are involved in their children’s learning experience in many different ways. Teachers have daily contact with parents at the children’s arrival and dismissal time. In addition, teachers share students’ learning through the educational online platform called Seesaw. When necessary, teachers may share online activities for students to access with the support of their parents. 

School Hours ISG

SCHOOL HOURS

The school day starts at 8:15 am and ends at 3:20 pm. The optional extended day ends at 17:20. Once a month, students are released at 12:30 as the academic staff is involved in professional development meetings and workshops.
calendar early years

SCHOOL CALENDAR

School breaks and festivities are indicated on the school calendar.

ENGLISH LANGUAGE ACQUISITION

Children who do not speak English or who are beginning to speak English are immersed in an environment rich in linguistic and pedagogical stimuli. From the linguistic point of view, the teachers’ work focuses on the acquisition of the necessary basic structures, vocabulary and listening and speaking skills.