Primary School

Grades 1 - 5

In the primary school, teachers from eight countries accompany children on an important journey from the first to the fourth grades. It is a journey that begins in the classroom, where books, computers, and learning materials engage children's innate curiosity and desire to learn. It is also a journey that takes students into the neighborhood and the city of Berlin - to museums, parks, libraries, concert halls, religious institutions, and theaters. And above all, it is a journey that allows children to explore the world by sharing the traditions and perspectives of their classmates and teachers.

Beginning in the first grade, reading, math, science and social studies are taught in English by the class teacher, while German instruction is given at a native level in compliance with the Berlin state curriculum. As a school located in one of Europe's art capitals, we are particularly committed to the arts and hire specialists to teach visual art, music, and drama; we are fortunate to have the support of prominent local artists for special projects. Physical education classes are held in cooperation with a local athletic association, which enables the school to offer such activities as roller skating, swimming, and beach volleyball in its own gymnasium or in neighboring facilities.

Our curriculum is framed by the Primary Years Program of the International Baccalaureate Organization, which counts two thousand members schools in 125 countries. The PYP's inquiry-based approach to teaching and learning fully engages students in the learning process: teachers encourage students to ask questions and teach them how to find answers. Our objective in the primary school years is to develop in our students a foundation for learning that includes a love of reading, skill in writing, and an understanding of numbers, as well as solid study skills and a sense of responsibility.