IPC
International Primary Curriculum
International Primary Curriculum
The International Primary Curriculum (IPC) is a contemporary curriculum designed to meet the challenges of 21st Century learners. At Singapore Overseas School, we have embraced the IPC for the logical process for learning that it provides and for the specific learning goals of every subject, areas of personal learning and aspects of international-mindedness. We have seen how the IPC transforms learning, as it supports students to think differently, question differently and learn differently.
The IPC values the importance of acquiring of skills in context and exploring the development of knowledge that is relevant to students in today’s world. The units of study take on a thematic approach, weaving together a variety of subjects in an integrated and logical way. Our learners develop the skills to be enquirers, communicators and collaborators with their learning – developing a greater sense of themselves and others in the process. Through inquiry, students develop a deeper connection with their own nationality and culture and, at the same time, a growing understanding of the culture of others and the challenges and wonders of the world.
We are a leading IPC school in Colombo, Sri Lanka and are working hard towards being Accredited at Mastering Level, by Fieldwork Education.
More information below
Global Presence
Education overview by age
IPC Process of learning
IPC Learning Goals
Global Presence
Education Overview by age
The IPC Early Years program is specifically designed for our young learners at Prep 1. With a developmental approach, the learning strands provide the opportunity for a range of flexible learning activities to inspire creativity, curiosity and the development of foundation skills and knowledge. Engaging units of study for our youngest learners include: All About Me, Changes in our World, Clothes, Patterns and Treasure. Prep 2 and Grade 1 begin part of the IPC’s Milepost 1 program. It is here that the students begin to develop the skills of acquiring new learning beyond first-hand classroom experiences. Students explore a range of primary and secondary sources of information and begin to record their learning in a variety of ways. Some highlights of this program include: Transport, Flowers and Insects, Buildings and Structures, Celebrations around the World, Our World and Stories People Tell.
Students in Grades 2 and 3 embark on the IPC’s Milepost 2 program. Learners begin to form connections beyond their personal experiences. They are introduced to multiple perspectives and are challenged to begin forming their own conclusions, based on accurate research and guided analysis. Units have been specifically chosen to inspire and captivate the curiosity of our young learners and include: How Humans Work, The World of Chocolate and Fair Trade, Archaeology and Ancient Civilizations, Rainforests and Fashion. We introduce the Milestone 3 program to our Grade 4 students. Our learners develop independent skills required for conducting their own research within a range of topics including: The Systems of the Human Body, The Holiday Industry, How People Communicate their Beliefs and Views of the World, The Structure and Formation of the Earth.
In the Upper Elementary, students are inspired with units that delve into topical issues, global concerns and moral implications. Within the Milepost 3 program, students are taught to challenge ideas and perspectives, and work collaboratively with others to gather and present information. The units of study demand higher order thinking skills and task pupils to apply key scientific, historical or geographical ideas to wider contexts. Units of interest in the Upper Elementary include: The River System, Migration, The Science of Fairgrounds, AD 900 and Space Explorers.
IPC Process of learning
The IPC units of learning have been developed around a process which supports the ways in which children learn best from the ages of 5-12 years. It is important that children don’t just experience the structure and process of the IPC, but also that they understand why they are learning in this way.
The Entry Point is an exciting and memorable event that launches every IPC unit. The aim of the entry point is to get children thinking about, and engaged with, the learning that’s to follow.
The Knowledge Harvest provides teachers with the chance to find out what children already know about the theme and helps them to personalize the unit by finding out what children want to learn in order to tailor their lessons accordingly. It reinforces connections between existing and new learning and allows children to take ownership of their learning.
The Big Picture provides teachers with subject-based background information and research which links to the learning contained within each unit.
Explaining the Theme provides teachers, children and parents with the big picture of the unit before it launches so that connections between subjects and concepts can be facilitated.
Research Activities: Each subject area has planned research activities which are designed to make sure that children can access information in a way that is appropriate to them, drawing on a wide range of learning approaches such as role play, digital learning, library research and so on. IPC research activities are experiential and exploratory. Some are collaborative; others are designed to develop individual enquiry and resilience, and therefore help to embed and develop the IPC Personal Goals.
Recording Activities: The recording activities enable children to process and present the information they have gained in their research activities through a range of approaches which tap into their different strengths and interests, and enable them to get better at other ways of recording. This might involve learning through digital recording, drama, musical compositions, maps, graphs, experiments, art work and so on.
Exit Point: the exit point completes every unit. It helps children to draw on their prior learning, reminding them of all the connections between subjects that they have made, and creates time and opportunities to build their understanding of their learning, and to reflect on this individually and as a group. The exit point is an excellent chance to engage with parents, guardians and carers and involve them in celebrating the learning that has been achieved.
IPC Learning Goals
