The International Primary Curriculum (IPC) is an International Curriculum that has been aligned with the standards in the English National Curriculum and also has clear links with an inquiry-based approach to learning. The IPC goals are perfect for International children aged 5 to 11, with a creative, thematic approach to learning that encourages students to research and ask questions.

The IPC enhances and broadens the learning process and is influenced by progressive pedagogy, metacognition and primary education best practice. It helps learners form connections within a bigger picture and learn subject knowledge, skills and understanding through a central idea.

Through the IPC, children learn subjects such as Art, Geography, History, Computing, Music, Physical Education, Science, Technology and International Mindedness through themes.

For example, recently in Year 4 Nexus learners explored different concepts and lessons around the theme of Chocolate. During the process the learners took part in an Entry Point where they were able to taste different types of chocolate and record what they liked or disliked about each variety. Learners then undertook a process of learning in which goals in history, geography, science and international mindedness were addressed. The children learnt knowledge such as how and where chocolate is made, who first discovered it, the science behind growing cocoa beans and how fair trade practices ensure that cocoa bean farmers are well compensated. As well as skills based assessments along the way, the learners were quizzed on their knowledge, allowing teachers to identify areas that still needed development & further learning. At the final stage, learners set up a chocolate enterprise to develop and celebrate what they had learnt.

This is only one example of the many IPC themes that have managed to capture the curiosity of learners and excite them to learn and discover. This is also what makes the IPC unique - its flexibility and the capability to challenge all learners at the level they need to progress.

"I think IPC is important because it teaches you very important lessons for when you’re in the outside world," enthuses Year 6 learner Alya. "My favourite IPC unit so far is the one about chocolate in Year 4. We even got to look inside a chocolate factory to see how it is made!"

At Nexus International School Malaysia, the IPC is taught by experienced professionals who are highly skilled at encouraging learners to become curious learners and engage with their learning on a deeper level. Nexus International School Malaysia is one of only a handful of schools in the world to have been accredited twice with a Mastering status.

Nexus IPC leader Janine Grassby says, “Our curriculum is aimed at creating internationally-minded learners. Every group, from Year 1 to Year 6, uses the IPC within their learning. The IPC ensures that the activities are interactive and engaging, and that learning is rigorous, but also fun.”

The school’s Head of Primary Kerry Legg sheds light on how the programme equips learners with the knowledge, skills and understanding for their academic careers and for their lives in the 21st century, emphasising the importance of engaging experienced teachers for effective delivery of the IPC.

“We make sure that our teachers are fully prepared to present and teach an exciting and motivating curriculum, and we do this through an extensive programme of professional learning for our teachers,” she explains.

Visit Nexus Open Days on Nov 4th (Friday) & Nov 12th (Saturday) 2022 from 10am – 12pm to learn more about Nexus International School’s Primary, Secondary, IBDP program and about the boarding trial sessions available for ages 10 and above.

Register now at www.nexus.edu.my/openday/. For more information email Nexus at [email protected], call +603 8889 3868 or WhatsApp +6017 606 6255.

Founded in 2008, Nexus International School has campuses in both Malaysia and Singapore and is a member of the renowned Taylor’s Education Group. The Malaysia campus offers the IB Diploma Programme as a pre-university qualification for its senior learners, the International Primary Curriculum at Primary and IGCSE curriculum in Secondary. In addition, the Nexus Boarding House provides boarding facilities for ages 10 to 18 years old. For more information log in to www.nexus.edu.my.