Curriculum

SISQ follows the IB Primary Years Curriculum from PK1 to Grade 5. The PYP is a recognized international curriculum framework designed for children aged 3 to 12 years. The programme is regularly reviewed to keep abreast of best practices and innovations in both national and international systems, worldwide. The philosophy and methodologies of the programme are an excellent fit with our guiding principles and school-wide values. For more information about the IB Programmes, please visit the IB Website. 

The PYP focuses on the development of the whole child, affecting hearts as well as minds. The social, physical, emotional and cultural needs of children, in addition to academics, are met through a progressive set of learning outcomes for each of the subject areas alongside the attributes of the IB Learner Profile. 

The core of the PYP philosophy is learning through structured inquiry and students and teachers collaborate to answer 3 related questions:

• What do we want to learn?
• How best will we learn?
• How will we know what we have learned?

From this basis a comprehensive and rigorous curriculum is built that employs the best of teaching strategies and incorporates effective assessment procedures.

The programme of inquiry (that can be found here) is transdisciplinary in nature. It encourages holistic learning and the transfer of knowledge, skills and understanding from one curriculum area to another. Students engage in Units of Inquiry (UOI) throughout the year that address the following global concepts:

• Who we are 
• Where we are in time and place
• How we express ourselves
• How the world works
• How we organize ourselves
• Sharing the planet

These themes are revisited each year with a fresh focus and students follow related ideas of inquiry that deepen and broaden their learning. The UOI are designed to be inclusive of all abilities, cultures and backgrounds.

The curriculum is comprised of the disciplines:

• Language Arts
• Mathematics
• Science
• Social Studies
• Art
• Physical Education (PE)
• Music
• French
• Information Communication Technology (ICT)
• Arabic
• Qatar History

Language Arts and Mathematics are taught specifically as well as within the UOI. Each UOI has either a Science or Social Studies focus. ICT skills are  taught through the curriculum and children have access to ipads and chrome books. These elements of the curriculum are taught by the homeroom teacher. Art, PE, Music, French and Arabic are supported by specialist subject teachers. Children have the use of specialized Art and Music studios, and a fully equipped gymnasium. All Arabic children participate in Islamic Studies and from Grade 1 children are grouped by language level for French and Arabic.

The Primary School is an active, happy community and regular school assemblies are held to build community across the different grades and provide opportunities for students to perform in public, to celebrate and to share their learning experiences. We actively seek out opportunities for students to participate in curriculum field trips and participate in sports fixtures. The extensive and varied extracurricular activities programme offered at SISQ allows students to explore interests outside of the regular curriculum.

At SISQ we recognise the different learning needs specific to each phase of a child’s development. To learn more about the different learning phases please visit our Early Years and Primary Years sections. 

It is our belief that the relationship between school and parents can have a positive impact on a child’s learning. There are many ways you can become involved at SISQ. Volunteers are welcomed with open arms.

Our team of dedicated, excellent practitioners will be happy to make time to meet with you to discuss any questions you may have about teaching and learning.