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International Primary School

A Message from the Early Years & Primary Principal

Early Years

In the Early Years at ICS London, we have created a nurturing and caring environment that supports the holistic development of our youngest learners in the heart of central London.

As the first steps on the International Baccalaureate (IB) journey, the seminal years of a child’s development with ICS London take place within the structure of the Primary Years Programme. This is supported by the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) framework, which ensures children develop appropriately in all key areas.

A headset of Mr James Kendal, the ICS London Primary Principal.

 

Our play-based approach and environment means children have choice and ownership of their learning as they embark on their journey of inquiry. Our skilled and highly qualified teachers and assistants use invitations to play to guide children into the different learning areas. This ensures our young learners utilise all of the fantastic opportunities on offer in the classroom. 

Small class sizes mean that teachers and assistants are provided with multiple opportunities for interacting with and observing play with their learners. This ensures that parents receive regular, high quality feedback from their children’s teacher throughout the week.

With specialist teachers in Art, Music, PE and Language, as well as access to the primary school’s extensive library, Nursery and Reception children enjoy the expertise and benefits of a world class independent international school within the safe and nurturing early years setting. 

Weekly Outdoor Learning sessions led by our level 3 Forest School trained teacher take place in local woodlands. There students develop their fine and gross motor skills whilst learning about teamwork and responsibility in a stimulating outdoor environment. These sessions are complemented by daily visits to local parks and green spaces and educational trips and visits to a host of exciting London museums.

Primary Years

At ICS London, all primary aged children receive a personalised approach to their education. Our small class sizes, experienced and highly qualified teachers, and high teacher-to-student ratio means children thrive in our friendly and nurturing setting.

From the moment children walk through the door at ICS London, they are truly part of a meaningful community. Our staff take the time to understand and get to know all the children in our school. This allows them to really understand their holistic and academic strengths and areas for development. Small class sizes ensure teachers conference with students daily, providing the most effective form of feedback to move children on in their learning and development when it matters most.

The International Baccalaureate Primary Years Programme that ICS London offers is a world-renowned curriculum that balances academic rigour with a holistic education. The inquiry-based approach encourages students to make connections across subject areas within real-world contexts and our academic results place ICS London students far above global averages in core subjects.

Our strong social and emotional curriculum builds the essential characteristics of future leaders. Children are given agency both in the classroom and the wider school community. Voice, choice and ownership of their learning and their environment ensure students are at the forefront of their journey with us.

I encourage you to come and meet us and see our community of dedicated lifelong learners in action. I look forward to meeting you on a tour of our school.

 

James Kendall, Early & Primary Years Principal

ICS London

Assessment and Achievement

Primary students are assessed regularly through teacher monitoring, observation, conferencing with children and the use of formal testing materials. As well as high academic performance, we want to see high levels of conceptual understanding, attitudes and behaviour in order to track the development of the child as a whole. Students are encouraged to set their own academic targets, to take some responsibility for their own learning, and perform self-assessments.

As well as updates throughout the school year, parents receive formal, written progress reports each December and June, followed by an in-depth report at the end of the Summer Term.

Primary Education at ICS London – The Perfect Start

Our Primary campus, a day school just a few minutes from the Secondary site, is home to Early Years students and those on the Primary Years Programme (PYP, ages 3-11).

Children may enrol at ICS London from the age of three, and at any point during the school year. We have the staff and facilities to meet the needs of students coming from overseas, as well as those already residing in London.

 

With two teachers per Early Years’ class providing ample care and attention, we make sure the challenge of starting a new school is a positive one for all our younger students.

Further information about the Early Years and PYP programmes can be found in the Academic Life section.

Inclusion, Respect and Community

Primary education at ICS London is founded upon five principles: achievement; inclusion; compassion; safety; and global engagement. We want to instil a lifelong love of learning that will help all our students become everything they can be!

As well as high achievers, we want our students to be happy, responsible citizens who strive to make the world a better place. To this end, ICS London also promotes what the Department for Education calls fundamental British values: democracy; the rule of law; individual liberty; mutual respect and tolerance.

These principles and values inform our approach to primary education at every level, ensuring that we remain inclusive to students with differing education needs, that every student is equally valued, and that students recognise the importance of democracy and individual freedoms.

Students in a slide