Curriculum

As in most Dutch International Primary Schools (DIPS), the ID combines the 
British National Curriculum with the International Primary Curriculum. The 
National Curriculum provides the framework for Literacy and Numeracy. 
The International Primary Curriculum (IPC) is the framework through which 
science, geography, history and art are taught.
The educational programme is divided into stages:  
• The Foundation Stage, covering Pre-school, F1 & F2 
• Key Stage 1, covering Years 1 & 2 
• Key stage 2, covering Years 3, 4, 5 & 6 

Foundation stage:

This stage follows on from the pre-school programme and offers a carefully 
integrated two year programme of learning. The progress of each child is closely 
monitored across the six key areas which make up this stage: 
• Personal, Social & Emotional Development. 
• Communication, Language and Literacy. 
• Mathematical Development. 
• Knowledge and Understanding of the World. 
• Physical Development. 
• Creative Development. 
During these formative years, particular emphasis is put on personal, social and 
emotional development. As the children move through the Foundation Stage, 
they are guided in building on their understanding of the world around them. 
Their curiosity for learning increases and they build up layers of knowledge on 
which to base their further education. 

Key stage 1 & 2:

This stage consists of literacy and numeracy, together with Science, ICT, 
Geography, History, Art, Music, Dutch and Physical Education. As the children 
move through these stages, they are offered a range of learning experiences in 
order to constantly build on previous learning and consolidate their knowledge 
and understanding. The children are encouraged to take pride in their 
achievements and to develop their skills as independent learners.  
In the upper part of the school, an increasing amount of autonomy is expected of 
the children, and they are gradually prepared for their further education through 
planning their work independently. 

Development through the curriculum  
In the section below, we have set out the learning goals which most children 
will have achieved in Key Stages 1 & 2. Due to the diverse nature of the 
international primary school’s pupil population, as well as the natural diversity in 
children’s abilities, your child may be achieving above or below the ‘norms’ set out 
below. Your child’s teacher will have discussed this with you and made clear how 
your own child’s learning needs are being met. 
For children joining the school in the pre-school group or Foundation classes, 
there is a separate handbook which outlines literacy and numeracy learning in 
these early years. 

Timetable:

In each class, the timetable provides the children with a balanced curriculum. 
Your child’s teacher will provide you with a copy of the timetable, as well as 
information about homework.