Primary Years Programme

The core skills and confidence to achieve success throughout school

Da Vinci is a candidate school for the International Baccalaureate Primary Years Programme (PYP), which prepares students to become active participants in a lifelong journey of learning.

In Primary School, students continue to develop their core skills of reading, writing and mathematics, complemented by a structured wider curriculum that challenges and motivates them to develop a keen interest in the world around them.

Our small classes and excellent facilities ensure high academic results. Within a warm and supportive environment, we motivate children to achieve their best at all times, both academically and personally.

Art, drama, music and sports together with a wide range of extra-curricular activities contribute to every student achieving success and developing confidence in their own abilities.

Curriculum

The PYP is a curriculum framework designed for students aged 3 to 11 (Pre-Kindergarten through Grade 5) which focuses on the development of students as inquirers, both in the classroom and in the world outside.

At the heart of the PYP philosophy is a commitment to structured inquiry as the leading vehicle for learning. Six trans-disciplinary themes provide the framework for the exploration of knowledge by exploring subject areas through these themes. In the process, they develop an understanding of important concepts, acquire essential skills and knowledge, develop particular attitudes and learn to take socially responsible action.

Subject areas

English: first language or English as an Additional Language (EAL)
Mathematics
Dutch & French
Science & Technology
Social Studies
Performing Arts
Visual Arts
Physical Education

Activities

Students in Primary School are ready to take on the world! They start by discovering the treasures that lie within Antwerp and further afield. Field trips include visits to a range of museums, zoos and wildlife parks, a Sports Day as well as curriculum-based excursions. Students can choose to join a range of clubs including Art, Dance, Drama, Sports and Music, in addition to participating in a myriad of events including annual visits from Sinterklaas and the Easter Bunny, Halloween and Carnival celebrations, Discos, Film Forums, Food Festivals, Christmas Shows, Talent Shows and Bicycle Safety Days, to name but a few.

Assessment

Both formative and summative assessments of knowledge, skills and understanding are carried out regularly throughout the school year. Parents are kept up to date about their child’s progress through end of semester reports as well as parent-teacher meetings, but our teachers are also always available for a quick chat before or after school.