THE INTERNATIONAL BACCALAUREATE PRIMARY YEARS PROGRAMME (PYP)

ISR is an authorized International Baccalaureate Primary Years Programme (IBPYP) school, authorized in April 2005. The PYP is for students between the ages of 3 to 12 years old. At ISR, even toddlers are introduced to PYP values and are prepared for the Programme.

ISR aims to meet the widely varying needs of its international student body. Our students and teachers come from a variety of backgrounds and experiences; they carry myriad beliefs and expectations to school. Our goal is to provide a programme that will not only meet the needs of this diverse group, but will create added-value from the richness of that diversity.

The student is at the center of the PYP. The traits of the model IB person are outlined by the IB Learner profile attributes:

• Caring
• Knowledgeable
• Principled
• Courageous
• Thinker
• Communicator
• Open-Minded
• Balanced
• Reflective
• Inquirers

Inquiry-based learning is the leading pedagogical approach of the Primary Years Programme (PYP); it recognizes students as being actively involved in their own learning and as taking responsibility for that learning. Through inquiry, students not only acquire a wealth of knowledge, but also learn how to learn. ISR puts a strong emphasis on connecting learning with real-life experience through field trips, guest speakers, and supporting each other as well as the community around us. Inquiry-based teaching and learning helps students take action by using what they have learned.

PYP is a concept-based curriculum. Unlike other curricula that focus mainly on factual knowledge, the PYP focuses on ideas that are broad, abstract, timeless and universal. These concepts help to weave essential understandings across, between and beyond subjects areas and to transfer learning to new contexts.

The Approaches to Learning (ATLs) are a set of lifelong skills that everyone needs within

and beyond the classroom: research skills, communication skills, social skills, thinking skills, and self-management skills. These skills form the foundation of every student’s toolkit for lifelong learning.

THE ISR DIFFERENCE

Whether their stay is short lived or long lasting, all members of the ISR family call Latvia “home”. ISR is an International School with a Latvian Heart. Families who are part of our community experience and celebrate Latvia as a unique country with a rich heritage. When families embark on the next phase of their life journey, they take a little piece of Latvia with them.

ISR prides itself on having strong roots into the local community through charity work and sharing both educational knowledge and resources with local schools.

ISR has a highly skilled Primary Division headed by Ms. Amanda Romey, the School Principal/Deputy Director. She is supported by Ms. Ginta Karklina, the PYP Coordinator. Together they combine 47 years of experience. Student learning is guided by a Homeroom Advisor, a Support teacher, and a variety of Specialist teachers.

ISR is one of the longest established international schools in Latvia. ISR was founded as a playgroup and the playgroup developed into a school. The PYP was chosen as a programme to implement because it develops the whole person. Through carefully following each child’s growth and learning, we foster individual success both in academic development and social-emotional wellbeing. Teachers aim to differentiate and personalize learning as much as possible to help each student reach their potential.

The adage is that “it takes a village to raise a child.” At ISR, every adult is considered a teacher. Students can learn from everyone, from the custodial staff to the Director.