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Academics

Elementary School

Ages 6-10

Making Learning Fun and Engaging

Students are engaged, well-rounded, and internationally minded individuals who are eager to explore and learn. Through the Primary Years Programme and ISG’s commitment to the best educational practices, children are nurtured to become inquisitive, reflective, and critical thinkers prepared to take action in their world.

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.

In 2023, ISG received recognition from the Italian Ministry of Education and Merit, starting from the first grade of primary school.

This achievement brings us immense satisfaction and pride. While upholding our school’s commitment to international education, it also places a significant emphasis on the acquisition of Italian culture and language.

Codice Meccanografico: GE1EEG5005

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

Teaching within the framework of the PYP, students develop critical thinking by making connections and exploring global topics. Providing opportunities for reflection and action empowers students to apply their learning in real life. Teachers act as facilitators, encouraging diverse perspectives and creativity.

Children develop their learning of literacy, languages, world studies, mathematics, science, technology, the arts, and physical education. We balance their understanding, skills, and knowledge of these subjects while prioritizing students’ social and emotional growth. We support our students in reaching their full personal and academic potential.

Logo Pyp Model
TEACHING STAFF

TEACHING STAFF

Each class is led by an English native level, certified classroom teacher. In grade 1, the teacher is also supported by a bilingual assistant. The classroom teacher supervises the child’s journey in their language, academic, and social development. Highly trained specialist teachers work closely with the classroom teachers to collaborate in integrating other subjects such as Italian, art, music, physical education and drama.
student placement

STUDENT PLACEMENT

The students’ placement is generally based on the child’s year of birth. We also consider previous schooling and social-emotional needs of the child.

Classes are organized into five main age groups:

Students must reach the indicated age for the grade by December 31st of the school year.
SUBJECTS TAUGHT IN THE PRIMARY YEARS

SUBJECTS TAUGHT IN ELEMENTARY SCHOOL

The elementary program uses the PYP inquiry based framework. Learning is based on transdisciplinary units that explore global topics where students have the opportunity to gain different perspectives and use critical thinking. Literacy and maths are integrated into these study units and developed through direct teaching to balance understanding, skills, and knowledge. Social and emotional development is fostered in positive classroom environments where a growth mindset is encouraged and students have many opportunities to collaborate in work and play.

The curriculum includes: Literacy, Mathematics, Italian, Physical Education, Science, Social Studies, Art, Music and Choir, and Library.

subject middle years

DIGITAL LEARNING PLATFORM

Google Classroom and SeeSaw are the primary digital platforms in the primary school. They are used to support and enrich students’ learning and to communicate learning experiences with parents.

A variety of other digital resources, such as Khan Academy, Reading A to Z, and Epic Books for support and enrichment are also included. 

LANGUAGE SUPPORT PROGRAMME

LANGUAGE SUPPORT PROGRAMME

Students from any linguistic background may join ISG at every grade level. In elementary school, students are admitted after reviewing their academic and personal information. In addition, English language proficiency is verified to program language support as needed. Language support might be individualized or in small groups during school hours, with the goal of teaching students the fundamentals of the English language in order to communicate and learn with their peers. International students will also participate in Italian language instruction. 

School Hours ISG

SCHOOL HOURS​

The school day starts at 8:15 am and ends at 3:40 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.
student placement ISG

SCHOOL CALENDAR

School breaks and festivities are indicated on the school calendar.