You Belong @BCISB

Kindergarten at BCISB

Learning Through Play and Inquiry

Kindergarten provides joyful first experiences of school where play and inquiry go hand in hand. Through purposeful play, children explore significant concepts, ask meaningful questions, and engage in hands-on experiences that develop:

• Language and communication skills
• Early numeracy and problem-solving
• Motor skills through movement and play
• Creativity and imagination
• Social and emotional resilience

Guided by teachers, children begin to understand themselves and their world through exploration, experimentation, and reflection.

An Environment That Nurtures Growth

In a safe, supportive, and stimulating environment, children feel valued and respected. Our teachers foster independence and agency, encouraging children to:

• Make choices in their learning
• Express ideas and feelings in multiple ways and build relationships, and learn to collaborate
• Develop confidence in their ability to think and act for themselves

This approach reflects both the BC vision of holistic development and the International Baccalaureate (IB) learner profile attributes, such as being caring, open-minded, and reflective.

A Holistic School Life

Beyond the classroom, Kindergarten students enjoy a rich school experience that includes:

• Celebrations and cultural events that promote international-mindedness
• Age-appropriate extracurricular activities to broaden interests
• Whole-school events that give children a sense of belonging and community

From day one, our youngest learners feel part of a diverse and vibrant school community.

Preparing for the Journey Ahead

Kindergarten is the bridge between Early Years and Elementary School. By the end of the program, students are:

• • Academically prepared, with strong foundations in literacy, numeracy, and critical thinking
  • Socially and emotionally ready to collaborate, share ideas, and manage transitions

• Equipped with the mindset of an inquirer, ready to engage fully in the International Baccalaureate (IB) Primary Years Programme (PYP)

Stepping into the Future

The Kindergarten experience ensures that children are not only school-ready but also world-ready—curious, confident, compassionate, and eager to embrace the lifelong journey of learning.

*Only schools authorized by the IB Organization can offer any of its four academic programmes: the Primary Years Programme (PYP), the Middle Years Programme (MYP), the Diploma Programme, or the Career-related Programme (CP). Candidate status gives no guarantee that authorization will be granted. For further information about the IB and its programmes, visit www.ibo.org

Building on Strong Foundations

Our Elementary program builds upon the joyful learning experiences of Kindergarten, guiding students toward deeper inquiry, greater independence, and meaningful connections across subjects. Through a globally informed, school-developed curriculum delivered within the International Baccalaureate (IB) Primary Years Programme (PYP) framework, students engage in a balanced, inquiry-based education that emphasizes academic excellence, international mindedness, and holistic development.

An Inquiry-Driven Approach to Learning

Through the International Baccalaureate (IB) Primary Years Programme (PYP), students explore transdisciplinary themes that connect knowledge across subject areas. They learn to ask thoughtful questions, investigate significant issues, and take responsibility for their learning. Core areas of focus include:

• Language and Literacy – building strong communication skills
• Mathematics – problem-solving, reasoning, and application to real-life situations
• Science and Social Studies – fostering curiosity and global awareness
• Arts, Music, and Physical Education – encouraging creativity, expression, and well-being

Developing the Whole Child

Elementary education at BCISB goes beyond academics to nurture the social, emotional, and personal growth of each student. With guidance and support, children learn to:

• Work collaboratively and value different perspectives
• Develop resilience and self-management skills
• Cultivate empathy and respect for others
• Grow as confident, caring members of the community

A Vibrant School Life

Learning extends beyond the classroom through a wide range of opportunities:

• Extracurricular activities that encourage exploration of new interests
• Cultural celebrations and community events that promote international-mindedness
• Leadership opportunities that give students voice and agency within the school
  
  

These experiences help students feel connected, supported, and proud to be part of the BCISB community.

Preparing for Lifelong Learning

By the end of Elementary School, our students are:

• Academically prepared with strong literacy, numeracy, and inquiry skills
• Socially and emotionally confident to express themselves and work collaboratively
• Aligned with International Baccalaureate (IB) learner profile attributes, ready to continue their journey as principled, open-minded, and reflective learners
  
  

Elementary at BCISB lays the groundwork for success not only in Middle School and beyond but also in life—developing students who are curious, compassionate, and ready to make a positive impact on the world.

*Only schools authorized by the IB Organization can offer any of its four academic programmes: the Primary Years Programme (PYP), the Middle Years Programme (MYP), the Diploma Programme, or the Career-related Programme (CP). Candidate status gives no guarantee that authorization will be granted. For further information about the IB and its programmes, visit www.ibo.org

Building independence, responsibility, and a love of learning

Middle School is where students learn to manage themselves. We intentionally coach organization, time management, and goal-setting so learners take ownership of deadlines, materials, and daily routines. Students practice self-advocacy—asking good questions, seeking feedback, and reflecting on next steps—so they grow into confident, independent learners.

Finding passions through real experiences

These years are also about discovering interests. Through clubs, arts, design, service, and sports, students try new things and begin to identify what excites them. Teachers design authentic projects—presentations, experiments, performances, prototypes—so students can showcase strengths and build confidence.

How We Integrate a Global Curriculum with the International Baccalaureate (IB) Middle Years Programme (MYP)

At BCISB, we integrate a globally informed, school-developed curriculum with the IB Middle Years Programme (MYP) framework to provide a rigorous, inquiry-based, and internationally minded education.

• Global Curriculum: Draws upon internationally recognized educational standards to establish strong foundations in literacy, numeracy, and subject knowledge.
• IB MYP Framework: Promotes conceptual understanding, inquiry, global perspectives, and Approaches to Learning (ATL) skills, including research, communication, collaboration, and critical thinking.
• Assessment: Uses MYP criterion-referenced assessment (Criteria A–D) and descriptive feedback to support student growth and achievement.

Together, these approaches develop confident, knowledgeable, and internationally minded learners, preparing students for the British Columbia Graduation Program in Grades 10–12.

Subjects in the Middle Years Programme (MYP) (Grades 6–9)

• Language & Literature (English)
  
  
• Language Acquisition (e.g., Thai, Mandarin, Spanish)
  
  
• Individuals & Societies (Social Studies)
  
  
• Sciences
  
  
• Mathematics
  
  
• Arts (Visual Arts, Music, Drama)
  
  
• Design (Digital/Product Design, ADST)
  
  
• Physical & Health Education
  (Interdisciplinary learning and Service as Action are embedded across subjects. English Language Learning support is provided as needed.)

Beyond the classroom

• Field trips that extend learning into the community—museums, labs, businesses, nature sites, and cultural experiences.
  
  

• Annual residential camp (multi-day) focused on independence, outdoor education, team-building, and service.

A smooth bridge to High School

By the end of Grade , students are academically prepared and personally ready—organized, reflective, and responsible. Allowing students to confidently begin our BC Graduation Program. 

Grades 10–12: BC Graduation Program (BC-certified)

From Grade 10 onward, students follow the British Columbia Graduation Program (not IB), taught by BC-certified teachers. The program blends rigorous academics with meaningful choice so students can harness their passions to build their future.

What this looks like

• Academic core: English Language Arts, Mathematics, Sciences, and Social Studies
• Pathway choice: Arts, Business & Entrepreneurship, Design & Technology (ADST), Languages, Physical & Health Education, Science and other electives aligned to student interests
• Career education & planning: Structured guidance, course selection support, and clear pathways to post-secondary goals
• Wellbeing & balance: Manageable homework, advisory, counseling, leadership, athletics, arts, and service
• Experiential learning: subject-aligned field trips, university/career visits, and an annual residential camp that builds leadership, independence, and class community.
  
  

Capstone Projects (Grade 12)

All seniors complete a Capstone Project that showcases a personal passion or future pathway. Students research, create, and present a culminating product or performance—building real-world skills in planning, problem-solving, and communication while articulating their next steps after graduation.

Student-led clubs and leadership

High School students shape campus life through student-led clubs and service groups. Signature opportunities include:

• Leadership Club — student voice, event planning, and peer leadership
  
  
• Green Bears — sustainability initiatives and environmental stewardship
  
  
• Care Bears — LGBTQ+ advocacy & allyship; education, safe-space initiatives, and inclusive events.

Graduation requirements & outcomes

• Earn the Dogwood Diploma (BC Certificate of Graduation)
  
  
• Complete 30 Work Service volunteer hours
  
  
• Build a portfolio of experiences—courses, Capstone, service, and leadership—that reflects individual passions and post-secondary goals
  
  

Outcome: Graduates leave BCISB as confident, globally minded young adults—with purpose, skills, and a clear plan for what comes next.