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info@isg-ghent.org
Pre-Primary Curriculum
In Pre-Primary, children embark on a journey of discovery, building confidence and a passion for learning. Their first school experience sets the stage for a lifetime of curiosity and growth!
Our Pre-Primary programme is divided into two stages: Lower Pre-Primary (2.5-4 years) and Upper Pre-Primary (4-5.5 years). This structure ensures age-appropriate learning experiences for each group while also allowing them to come together for various activities. Younger children benefit from learning alongside older peers, while older children build confidence and leadership skills by guiding and supporting the younger ones.
Learning areas
The fun and holistic learning environments in our Pre-Primary classes ensure that our youngest children love coming to school. Integrated topics from the Early Years programme of the International Primary Curriculum (IPC) form the foundation of all language, numeracy, craft, and expressive arts activities. Through these engaging topics, children explore the world around them.
“Capturing a child’s curiosity” is central to how these themes are developed. As we explore each unit for at least five weeks, children have the time and opportunity to deeply engage with their learning. Pre-Primary is motivating, fun, and full of wonder, where each child’s personal interests can flourish and grow.
Field Trips
ISG embraces learning outside of the classroom. Classes go on field trips linked to the current IPC topic. This may include visiting a museum, gallery, observatory, farm, park or even the local bakery!
Personal Values
At ISG, we place great importance on understanding, developing, and celebrating personal values. Each month, we focus on one of eight core values, discussing its meaning and finding ways to put it into practice. During our school assembly, we recognize students who have demonstrated these values in a special way, with their names drawn from our “Golden Box” in celebration of their efforts.
In Pre-Primary, every subject provides opportunities to integrate our school’s Personal Values. For example, during our “All About Me” theme, children explore communication and empathy—learning to talk about their families while discovering the diverse backgrounds of their classmates.
Frequently Asked Questions
In which class will my Pre-Primary child be placed?
Children can start in Lower Pre-Primary from 2.5 years of age and Upper Pre-Primary includes children 4-5.5 years of age.
What level of English does my child need for Pre-Primary?
We do not have any prerequisite requirements for English language skills at the Pre-Primary level.
How are meals and snacks organised for Pre-Primary?
In Pre-Primary, children bring two snacks, a morning snack and an afternoon snack, in addition to their lunch. To promote healthy eating, children are encouraged to eat a fruit or vegetable for morning snack, but may bring a cracker, plain biscuit, cheese, etc., for afternoon snack. Read more about meals and snacks on the Practical Information page.
Can my child have a nap or sleep time in Pre-Primary?
After lunch, there is a sleep time provided for Lower Pre-Primary children in our cosy sleeping room. The length of sleep time depends on the individual child’s needs.
Is it possible to enrol my child for a half-day in Pre-Primary?
We encourage you to enrol your child in our full-day programme; however, the youngest children in Pre-Primary can enrol for half-days only, especially while they are adapting to new routines.
Is there After School Care available for Pre-Primary students?
After school care is available for all students from 17:30. Read more about this topic on the After School page.
“We would like to thank you all for what has been an amazing Early Childhood Education experience for our children. They truly felt safe and cared for and were excited to come to school everyday. ISG is a special school with a special community and we are grateful to have experienced it.”
– Feedback from the Vertriest family
Plan your future with ISG
Learn more about our enrolment process, schedule a visit, and more!