Primary School Division

Primary Years Program (PYP)

Kumamoto International School Primary School is an accredited International Baccalaureate (IB) World School. Through "cross-disciplinary learning" based on the IB Primary Years Programme (PYP), we aim to nurture students to be active in the global world of the 21st century.

Elementary School Curriculum

The PYP curriculum is based on the KIS Programme of Inquiry. Please see below for details of all study units for each grade level.

At KIS, we also provide rigorous, level-based English instruction to all PYP students every day, ensuring that each student receives instruction tailored to their current level.

The Primary Years Programme (PYP) is taught within a concept-based curriculum made up of six interdisciplinary themes taught each year in each grade. These units explore big-picture questions to ensure that students receive a comprehensive and rigorous primary education during the six years of the PYP.

Inquiry units naturally cross traditional disciplinary boundaries, enabling students to integrate knowledge from many subject areas at a comprehensive and deep level. Students' in-depth inquiries also provide ample opportunities for them to contextualize what they are learning and develop their critical thinking skills.

Discover the Appeal of KIS Discover What Makes KIS Unique

KISの魅力を知る | Discover What Makes KIS Unique

Elementary School Curriculum Primary School Curriculum

"Unit of Inquiry" - a theme that transcends the boundaries of subjects

5-10 lessons per week:

The PYP is based on a concept-driven curriculum, with lessons based on six interdisciplinary themes in each grade. Each of these themes poses big questions and challenges to students. Students will receive a comprehensive and rigorous primary school education by thoroughly tackling these questions and challenges over the course of their six years at KIS.
The Unit of Inquiry lessons go beyond the boundaries of traditional subjects, allowing students to connect the knowledge they have gained in various subjects and understand things at a deeper level. It also encourages students to become the driving force behind their own learning. Furthermore, the process of inquiry provides a great opportunity for all students to understand the content and develop logical thinking.

The six interdisciplinary themes studied in the PYP

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

PYP Curriculum – Cross-disciplinary themes

6th graders preparing for their PYP Exhibition

English Tutoring

5-10 lessons per week:

At KIS,We believe that language acquisition is the foundation of all learning.Our focus on literacy is based on our belief that language mastery leads to improved academic achievement in all subjects.

5-10 lessons per week:
KIS offers English Language Arts classes 5-10 times a week depending on grade level and instructional needs, focusing on building foundational literacy skills and continuing to progress in learning.
Individualized reading and writing instruction: At KIS, we divide students into small groups and provide individualized reading and writing instruction based on their reading and writing ability. This allows instruction to be tailored to each student's individual needs, facilitating more effective learning.

Reading and Writing in the 2nd Grade Class

Arithmetic

5 lessons per week:

Australian Haese Mathematics Curriculum:
Australian Haese Mathematics Curriculum: The KIS mathematics program is based on the Australian Haese Mathematics series, known for its rigor and clear progression. This curriculum ensures that students build a strong foundation in mathematics, from basic arithmetic to more advanced problem-solving and critical thinking skills.

Japanese Language & National Language Instruction

5 lessons per week:
KIS offers Japanese language classes five times a week.

Level-specific instruction: Japanese classes are divided according to level, with native and non-native speakers receiving separate instruction, allowing both groups of students to receive instruction tailored to their language development needs.

Japanese (for non-native speakers)

This program is aimed at students who are learning Japanese as an additional language. Lessons focus on basic language acquisition and fluency development, providing students with the foundational skills to communicate effectively in Japanese. Particular emphasis is placed on conversation skills, vocabulary acquisition, and practical language use in everyday life.

Japanese Language Instruction

Kokugo is a curriculum for students whose first language is Japanese. It assumes that students already have conversational ability in Japanese and places emphasis on deepening their understanding of the language, culture and literature. In addition to advanced reading and writing skills, it also includes the study of classical literature, kanji, grammar and more complex sentence forms. The aim is to develop advanced literacy and understanding in Japanese language and literature as well as a deep understanding of the cultural background.

First grade Japanese (example of unit content)

We provide thorough instruction in reading and writing the Japanese language.

physical education

Two lessons per week:
Physical Education (PE) classes aim to promote physical and emotional health through games, sports and various activities.

A comprehensive approach to health and development:
Physical Education (PE) classes at KIS are fun, engaging and designed to promote physical fitness as well as the development of the whole child. Through a variety of games, sports and activities, we focus on teamwork, sportsmanship and emotional wellbeing. Children develop important life skills such as cooperation and perseverance, as well as physical strength and coordination.

Music

Two lessons per week:

Fun and foundational music classes:
Music lessons emphasize creating a fun and engaging environment while fostering fundamental musical skills. The curriculum is designed to introduce students to fundamental music concepts in a fun way, fostering a love of music while building the foundational skills necessary for future musical development.

3rd grade music class (recorder practice)

School Life school life

Having great friends makes everything more fun!

We're all ready for our dance performance!

Example Timetable

Sample PYP Class Schedule
* If the image below does not fit on your screen,Slide left and right

Time	Monday	Tuesday	Wednesday	Thursday	Friday
8:25–8:35 (10 min.)	Morning meeting	Morning meeting	Morning meeting	Morning meeting	Morning meeting
8:35–9:20 (45 min.)	English/Reading and writing English	English/Reading and writing English	English/Reading and writing English	English/Reading and writing English	English/Reading and writing English
9:25–10:10 (45 min.)	Math	Math	Math	Math	Math
10:30–11:15 (45 min.)	PYP UOI/Unit of Inquiry	PYP UOI/Unit of Inquiry	PYP UOI/Unit of Inquiry	PYP UOI/Unit of Inquiry	PYP UOI/Unit of Inquiry
11:15–13:00 (105 min.)	Lunch/Recess	Lunch/Recess	Lunch/Recess	Lunch/Recess	Lunch/Recess
13:00–13:45 (45 min.)	PYP UOI・Music/Art	PYP UOI・Music/Art	PYP UOI・Music/Art	PYP UOI・Music/Art	PYP UOI・Music/Art
13:50–14:35 (45 min.)	Japanese	Japanese	Japanese	Japanese	Japanese
14:40–15:25 (45 min.)	PYP UOI/Unit of Inquiry	PYP UOI/Unit of Inquiry	PYP UOI/Unit of Inquiry	PYP UOI/Unit of Inquiry	PYP UOI/Unit of Inquiry
15:25–15:30 (5 min.)	Afternoon meeting	Afternoon meeting	Afternoon meeting	Afternoon meeting	Afternoon meeting