Host Country Studies (HCS) is an integral part of the IB Primary Years Programme (IB PYP).
HCS in a PYP classroom extends beyond the classroom walls. The programme provides students with a cross-cultural focus, and basic Turkish language to develop an appreciation and understanding of the culture and language of the host country.
Studying the products, practices, and perspectives of a particular culture brings the student closer to understanding how the people of that culture think and to develop an appreciation of other people’s motives. Students develop their understanding of the people and culture in the host country, Turkey, by studying its history, geography, language, traditions, arts, literature and daily life. They also learn culture through sharing experiences with each other.
Through units of inquiry; students engage in research and discussion to share their learning. Learning is then presented in presentations, posters and short movies.
The host country language, Turkish, is important for the daily lives of our students as they communicate their needs, make friends and understand the community they live in. Thus, students learn basic language through relevant authentic context and within the units of inquiry.