Empowering Global Citizens: The Role Of IPC At Holland International School

At Holland International School (HIS), our mission is clear: we aim to empower happy, confident, and competent learners who are inspired to become the best version of themselves in an ever-changing world. We believe that education should be more than just acquiring knowledge—it should be about developing the skills and understanding needed to navigate life's opportunities and challenges. This philosophy is embedded in our adoption of the International Primary Curriculum (IPC), which has become more than just a curriculum; it is the heartbeat of our school.

 

The IPC: More Than a Curriculum, Our School’s Philosophy

At HIS, the IPC isn’t a collection of subjects. Instead, it’s our entire school philosophy. We integrate the IPC’s principles into every aspect of school life, allowing us to embody our vision for learning daily. The IPC’s framework emphasises the development of learners through enjoyable, playful, personal, international, and academic experiences. These experiences prepare our students for the future, equipping them with the tools they need to face the complexities of tomorrow.

Learning at HIS is a carefully structured process that aligns with the developmental stages of our students. From Milepost 1 (ages 5-7) to Milepost 2 (ages 7-9) and Milepost 3 (ages 9-12), the IPC’s sequenced learning goals ensure that students build on their knowledge, skills, and understanding in a cohesive and meaningful way.

 

Unit Learning: A Process to Facilitate Learning for All

Our research on learning leads us to conclude that learning does not follow a single, uniform process, as it can look and feel different for everyone. All IPC units place learners at the centre and follow the process to facilitate learning. 

Each unit of learning at HIS is designed around a series of steps that guide the learning journey: Entry Point, Knowledge Harvest, Explaining the Theme, Research, Record and Reflect, Exit Point. This structure ensures that children’s learning experiences are stimulating and therefore, effective.

 

 

The Three Circles of Learning

At HIS, the IPC’s three circles of learning—Subject, Personal, and International—are at the core of our educational approach. These circles represent different areas of focus that help develop well-rounded learners. We believe that learning should be a joyful, enriching experience that fosters growth in all areas—academically, personally, and globally. Our philosophy centres on improving learning for all students, regardless of their starting point, reflecting the values of top international primary schools in Singapore.

Knowledge, Skills, and Understanding

Our approach to learning is multifaceted, focusing on three key areas:

  • Knowledge: Involves memorising and retaining information.

  • Skills: Requires practice and application.

  • Understanding: Involves reflecting and making connections between different areas of knowledge.

By balancing these three types of learning, we help our students become well-rounded individuals who can think critically and solve problems effectively. This approach to primary education ensures that students are prepared for the opportunities of the future.

 

Personal Learning Goals: Building Character for the Future

At HIS, we believe that happiness leads to excellence. This belief is reflected in our emphasis on the IPC Personal Learning Goals, which underpin the individual qualities and learning dispositions that responsible citizens of the future will need. The development of these goals motivates students to contribute positively to their local and global communities. The eight personal goals we aim to achieve are:

We integrate these goals into every aspect of school life, discussing them in class, demonstrating them during assemblies, and selecting two goals to focus on during each unit. Through this approach, we aim to develop not only the character but also the attitudes that will help our students succeed in the future.

 

Nurturing Globally Competent Learners

At HIS, we are committed to nurturing world citizens with strong roots. By integrating the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) into our IPC curriculum, we aim to develop learner agency and global competence. Our students are encouraged to engage with global issues, apply their personal learning goals and work towards positive change. This culminates in our annual SDG Fair, where students share their actions with the community, showcasing their commitment to making a difference.

 

Celebrating Diversity And International Mindedness

We find beauty in diversity, and international mindedness is central to everything we do at HIS. Our students explore their home, host, and heritage countries through the IPC units, fostering a deep appreciation for different cultures. We celebrate this diversity during events like International Day, King’s Day, and Sinterklaas, and we invite guest speakers to share insights about our host country, Singapore. At HIS, we believe that home can be anywhere in the world, and we strive to create a learning environment that reflects this global perspective.

 

A Holistic Approach To Learning

At Holland International School, we believe in a holistic approach to learning that prepares our students for the future. Through the IPC, we are equipping them with the knowledge, skills, and understanding they need to thrive in an ever-changing world. By focusing on personal growth, international mindedness, and academic excellence, we are helping our students become globally competent learners who are ready to make a positive impact on the world.

As we implement the 2020-2026 curriculum, we are working towards achieving the “Recognition” level by the end of this school year. This achievement will not only mark our commitment to excellence but also highlight our dedication to continuous improvement in providing high-quality education.

For parents looking for an international preschool or primary school in Singapore and want to learn more about our rigorous curriculum, schedule a visit with us here.