Primary School

Learning

Principals Welcome

Primary School at ISB is an innovative and progressive learning community that places students’ learning and well-being at the center of every action and decision. Learning is personalised so that all students can learn, flourish, and progress at their own pace as their natural curiosity is cultivated, nurtured, and extended. Safety and belonging for everyone in the community are hallmarks of ISB Primary School.

As the only fully authorised International Baccalaureate (IB) World School in Belgrade, we offer the Primary Years Programme (PYP) from Pre-Kindergarten to Grade 5. Learning is intentionally designed by experienced, highly competent, and caring educators who work and learn collaboratively with each other and their students.

With a laser focus on ensuring that all our learners become competent readers, writers, mathematicians, and scientists, our academic program is empowering, engaging, and challenging.

Weekly opportunities to engage with Music, Physical Education, Visual Art, Dance, and World Languages classes, facilitated by specialist teachers, complement our strong academic program. Additionally, a wide range of Co-Curricular Activities outside school hours are offered at no additional cost to families. These activities cultivate our learners’ curiosity, promote a love of learning, support their cognitive, social, and physical development, and provide opportunities to try new things and foster a growth mindset.

For students who require extra help and/or are learning English, our team of learning support educators, school counsellors, psychologists, and ESL (English as a Second Language) teachers provides additional support.

At ISB Primary School, we are unwavering in our commitment to ensure that every learner experiences an exceptional international education that equips, empowers, and inspires them to learn at their highest personal level, become the best version of themselves, and contribute to their communities. We welcome you to visit us to see, feel, and experience a thriving school in action.

Dr. Jimena Zalba
Primary Principal

Primary School Philosophy Statements

  • Spark Curiosity, Master Concepts: We ignite a love of learning through hands-on exploration and big-picture thinking.
  • Inclusive & Supportive: Our warm community fosters a sense of safety, belonging, and emotional well-being, ensuring students thrive in all areas.
  • Personalised Learning: We tailor instruction to each child's needs, maximising their potential.
  • Future-Ready Skills: Our curriculum integrates essential 21st Century skills like critical thinking and communication for success in any field.
  • Learning that Matters: We connect learning to real-life experiences, sparking motivation and engagement.
  • Local Connections: We embrace global as well as Serbian culture and community, creating world citizens who appreciate diversity.
  • Student-Led Learning: Students have a voice in their education, developing leadership and confidence.

Primary School Stories

Primary School Learning Stories
Empowering Young Minds: The Joy of Personal Inquiry Workshops

“Everybody loves personal inquiry workshop! It has amazing labs, you can make things and use your imagination. It helps you explore the world around you." (Grade 2 student)

Every Wednesday afternoon students in KG through grade 5 engage in challenging personal inquiries driven by their own curiosities, interests and passions. Personal Inquiry is one of our students’ favourite times of the week. This is because students are empowered in the decision making about what, how, when, where, and with whom they learn during personal inquiry. Some examples of students personal inquiry include:

  • How do I choreograph and perform a dance? (Grade 3)
  • How can I use coding to create a video game? (Grade 2)
  • How do I create a school newspaper? (Grade 3)
  • What are the benefits of poisonous animals? (Grade 5)
  • What happens when the hot lava of the volcano meets the cold water of an ocean? ( Grade 1)

During the Personal Inquiry time, students learn foundational skills that transfer to all learning areas. The Approaches to Learning (ATL) frame and guide student learning and reflection. Specific skills in the five ATL areas: Research, Communication, Thinking, Social, and Self-Management, inform teacher conferences and assessment. The role of the teacher is to support students in developing engaging questions and plans that will help them use the time to develop these skills within the context of personal curiosity. This sets the stage for becoming a lifelong learner.

At ISB Primary, we aim to create learning environments that nurture our learners' curiosity. Students have regular opportunities to attend learning labs for science, Lego, coding, Minecraft, research, and physical activities (dance, games, etc.).

“I want to know about volcanoes. I want to know what happens when the hot lava of a volcano meets the cold water of the ocean" (Grade 1 student)

Primary School Learning Stories
Nurturing Tomorrow's Leaders: Cultivating Student Leadership Through Intentional Learning Experiences

We believe that every student has the capacity to lead. Rooted in this belief, we create the conditions and intentionally design learning experiences that nurture, support and promote students’ leadership.

Student leadership refers to the ability of students to lead and influence others, as well as their own personal development and growth. This can include taking on roles and responsibilities in their schools, engaging in community service, and developing qualities such as communication, collaboration, and critical thinking skills. Impactful student leaders are able to inspire and motivate their peers, and create positive change in their schools and communities. Our commitment to student leadership is evident through our curriculum and co-curricular activities.


Primary School Learning Stories
Unleashing Potential: The Transformative Impact of Co-Curricular Activities at ISB

At the International School of Belgrade (ISB), co-curricular activities (CCAs) extend far beyond mere after-school pursuits—they're transformative learning experiences. Here, students not only discover new skills but also delve into their passions, exploring a rich tapestry of offerings from arts and athletics to cooking, languages, crafts, and STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, Mathematics) activities. The CCAs, held three times annually for approximately two months each session, are a vibrant hub of exploration and growth. With over 50 diverse options available each term, more than 80% of our students enrol, eager to unleash their potential and broaden their horizons.

These co-curricular activities serve as invaluable extensions of classroom learning, nurturing holistic development and sparking lifelong interests. As students immerse themselves in these varied pursuits, they acquire practical skills and cultivate essential life skills such as teamwork, creativity, and resilience. Beyond mere extracurricular engagement, ISB's CCAs create a dynamic environment where curiosity thrives and students discover new facets of themselves. This comprehensive approach to education ensures that learning extends far beyond textbooks, empowering students to embrace their passions and forge their unique paths toward personal and academic success.


Learning Areas

Learning Areas
PYP Framework

Our curriculum is guided by the International Baccalaureate Primary Years Programme (PYP), fostering a love of learning through inquiry-based exploration. This transdisciplinary approach uses six themes [Who We Are, Where We Are in Place and Time, How We Express Ourselves, How the World Works, How We Organize Ourselves, Sharing the Planet] to connect subjects and encourage students to think critically and collaboratively. Through Units of Inquiry, students delve deep into concepts, developing essential skills across various disciplines.

Learning Areas
Math

We go beyond memorisation to build a strong foundation in maths. Our inquiry-based programme, rooted in the PYP philosophy, emphasises conceptual understanding through hands-on activities and real-world applications. Students explore four key areas: Numbers, Patterns & Functions, Data Handling, and Shape & Space, developing critical thinking and problem-solving skills that will empower them throughout their academic journey.

Learning Areas
Language

Language acquisition is a cornerstone of our programme. Recognizing the power of communication, we integrate oral, visual, and written skills development across subjects. Students hone their communication abilities through discussions and presentations while exploring visual language through interpretation and creation. Our focus on reading and writing builds fluency, comprehension, and critical thinking, equipping students for lifelong learning and effective expression.

Specialist Lessons

Specialist Lessons
Arts/Music/PE

We believe in nurturing the whole child. Dedicated programmes in art, music, and physical education promote creativity, musical appreciation, and physical well-being. These programmes enhance cognitive abilities, teamwork, and overall student development.

Technology at the ISB Primary School

Technology

Technology plays a key role in enhancing and transforming learning at ISB. However, it should be used thoughtfully, not just for its own sake or to replace traditional methods that work well.

Before incorporating technology, our teachers consider the following:

  • Does it promote deeper inquiry?
  • Does it develop critical thinking?
  • Does it personalise learning?
  • Does it encourage ownership of learning?
  • Does it enhance collaboration?

To support our Primary School learners, we provide all Kindergarten to Grade 6 students with a school-owned iPad for use on campus. These iPads are managed by the school to ensure that the apps and tools used align with our educational goals. Primary School iPads are used only at school and are stored in grade-level iPad carts when not in use.

In addition to using iPads, our students have access to technology learning labs, where they can explore areas like robotics, 3D CAD design, and other innovative technologies. We also incorporate SEESAW as a digital platform for teachers and students to showcase their learning. SEESAW allows teachers to share work and communicate with families on a weekly basis, keeping them engaged with their child’s learning journey.

MAP Testing

Primary School MAP Testing

What is MAP Testing?

MAP testing is a special type of quiz that helps us understand how much you’ve learned in different subjects like reading and math. It’s not like a regular test you take in class because it changes with every question to fit you just right!

Why Do We Take MAP Tests?

  • To Learn About You: MAP tests show us what you know and what you’re ready to learn next. It’s like a map that guides your teachers to help you better.
  • To Help Your Teachers: These tests help your teachers plan lessons that are just right for you, making learning fun and exciting.
  • To Watch You Grow: We take the MAP test a few times a year to see how much you’ve learned and grown.

Remember, MAP tests are not about getting a grade; they’re about discovering new ways to help you learn and grow!

Support Services

Learning Support

At ISB, we are committed to supporting students with mild learning challenges, defined as those requiring 3 hours or less of individual or small group support per week. Our personalized assistance is offered both within the classroom and through targeted interventions, with our dedicated Learning Support team working closely with teachers to help every student thrive. For families seeking additional services such as speech therapy, occupational therapy, or academic tutoring, we can help connect you with professionals in the Belgrade area. In cases requiring one-on-one support, we assist in sourcing specialized help. Please ensure that all educational, emotional, or physical needs are disclosed during the application process so we can make the best arrangements for your child’s learning journey.

Universities that students attend from ISB.

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