Junior School Academic Programme
Students follow an established and research-based program of study.
This includes that includes Reader’s and Writer’s Workshop, the Singapore approach to mathematics, and the IPC, which integrates inquiry-based units in Science, History, Geography, Art, Technology, and International Understanding (click on the menu bar on the left-hand side to read more about these programs). Of equal importance are the IPC Personal Goals which highlight the critical role that personal and interpersonal skills play in a child’s development.
All Junior School students experience a cross-curricular program that includes specialist lessons in Music, German, Physical Education, Library Skills, and Information and Communication Technology. Students learn to utilize state-of-the-art integrated technology with confidence and responsibility, and build rich connections to the Hamburg community through local trips and outdoor education.
Click on the links below for more about the Academic Structure.
The Junior School Literacy programme is a comprehensive programme that emphasises reading, writing, speaking and listening skills in a balanced approach.
Phonics, grammar, spelling, reading comprehension and writing skills are taught through whole and small group direct instruction according to student’s individual levels. Elements of instruction include the use of Foundations Phonics in Primary 3 and Grade 1, Reader’s and Writer’s Workshop, levelled reading libraries, a home reading programme and both formative and standardized assessment.
The Mathematics programme in Grades 1 - 5 follows the Math in Focus curriculum, a top-ranked programme based on the Singapore Ministry of Education’s pedagogical framework.
It is a research-based model that instructs according to a concrete-pictorial-abstract learning progression. Students learn mathematical concepts in depth with a strong focus on problem-solving processes.
Check out our Math24 Club
In addition to direct instruction in the use of technology tools during weekly Information and Communication Technology classes in our Mac Lab, the use of integrated technology (iPads in Grades 1-5 and Macbooks in Grade 5) is designed to empower our students to:
- comprehend grade level concepts
- create and construct their own learning
- connect to others learners inside and outside of ISH
- communicate their learning to others
Our programme is not a one-to-one programme; a minimum of four iPads are available in each classroom, as well as a mobile cart with 16 additional iPads for student use in research, skill practice, and small group project work. A cart with 24 laptop computers is also available for Grade 5 students in order to bridge the manner in which digital devices are used in the Middle School. This design is meant to encourage teamwork and collaborative learning, and is intended to avoid learning in isolation, which can often be the result of one-to-one programmes. All specialist departments are also fully equipped.
All students in Grades 3-5 are asked to sign the ISH Junior School Responsible Use Policy, which is discussed during their ICT lessons.
The Junior School German programme aims to give the foreign language student a tool to feel comfortable in Germany.
We believe that communication skills are important to enable our students to interact with people in the host country and create understanding, acceptance and respect for the country's traditions and customs. All students are exposed to the language and culture as well as current events and topics of general interest at their respective levels.
German as a mother tongue is taught to native speakers and very advanced language learners in Grades 1 to 5. Reading, spelling and writing are judged as the core task for our native speakers. In Grades 3 to 5, the students develop more proficiency in all areas of the language: writing, spelling, reading and language reflection are judged as the essential aspects of the mother tongue curriculum. Students also experience the richness of the German language through poems, rhymes, fairy tales, stories, literature, topics, plays and songs.