Elementary

Our rigorous Elementary Program blends academics into a socially supportive environment, and establishes a strong foundation of learning to support both secondary and post-secondary studies.

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Our comprehensive Elementary Program focuses on literacy, numeracy, STEAM, and passion projects across all grades. Our Elementary students take the following courses:

English/Literacy
Mathematics
Science and Technology
Social Studies
Health and Physical Education
the Arts (Drama, Dance, Visual Arts, and Music)
International Languages (French, Japanese or Putonghua)

We are known for having established an engaging and challenging curriculum where students can thrive due to the support of professionally trained teachers and the socio-emotional care experienced within a friendly atmosphere of students and school professionals. We believe that a quality education begins with a safe and supportive classroom environment and builds on the collective strengths of the students. Our commitment is to challenge our students intellectually, help them grow socially, guide them toward independent thinking, and develop advanced problem-solving skills. These skills will help prepare them not only for our excellent Secondary Program but also for life in the 21st Century.

In addition, our student-centered approach to learning develops thinking and communication skills, problem-solving skills, and social skills as well as fostering empathy through the School’s approach to conflict resolution, celebration of diversity, and commitment to civic responsibility. This responsibility exists within both physical and virtual learning spaces. The integration of technology throughout the curriculum, continuing from our Early Years Program, assists students in using technology in safe and productive ways. This includes collaborating online and accessing learning support materials off-site through our web-based learning platforms. Curriculum-based field trips support our philosophy that learning occurs both within the classroom and outside in the community.

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Curriculum

STEAM

Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Mathematics are integrated into our Elementary and Secondary curriculum. Each week, students have time built into the school timetable to explore concepts relating to STEAM which includes the design process, inquiry, problem-based learning, and innovation. Rich tasks that span across various disciplines enhance student understanding, curiosity, and application skills.

Passion Projects

DSC International School is a place where students find their passions, and they are provided with the tools and time to explore them. Each Elementary class has a time dedicated to Genius Hour, where student-led, passion based projects come to life. Guided by the homeroom teacher, students choose their topic of interest and dive deep into exploration. They proudly share their discoveries and connections with their peers in Genius Hour showcases and throughout the learning process.

School Spirit and Elementary House Program

Community is a key part of our identity and how we aim to fulfill our Vision and Mission. Upon enrollment, each student is assigned to one of four Houses, in which they will stay with throughout their time in the Elementary Section. Through the Elementary House Program, students get to know others from different grades and participate in team building activities that focus on kindness, friendship, leadership, and diversity. Throughout the year, students earn points for their House by completing House Challenges and by participating in fun House Activity Days. Additionally, students can gain points by displaying character traits such as cooperation, kindness, leadership, and perseverance. These traits will help them develop into global citizens who have the mindset to make the world a better place.

Community Connection

Giving our students an opportunity to connect to a real world community and explore ways to make a positive impact is embedded within our Mission and within our Early Years Program from the moment a student joins DSC. Our pre-grade 1 teachers collaborate and hand pick places within our local community where our youngest students can go and learn about different people and roles and how we are all connected to each other. The importance of providing experiential learning opportunities continues in both lower and upper Elementary grades through field trips. Students are regularly provided with opportunities to extend their learning experiences beyond the walls of the classroom. Additionally, our Elementary students have the opportunity through STEAM to grow and harvest food that is then donated to communities in need. This experience instill a sense of civic responsibility that will be further built upon in their Secondary years.

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