Nursery School
International Baccalaureate Primary Years Programme
Overview
Welcome to GHA Nursery, where we proudly embrace the globally acclaimed International Baccalaureate Primary Years Programme (PYP) for our Early Years curriculum. Our approach to early learning within the PYP framework is designed to foster holistic development, encompassing socio-emotional, physical, and cognitive growth. Our vibrant PYP classrooms are dynamic spaces that encourage play, discovery, and exploration. We are dedicated to providing a well-rounded education, and our team of specialists guides learners in language, culture, art, music, and physical education, ensuring a comprehensive and enriching experience.
INTEGRATED LEARNING
The subject areas of Mathematics, Language (English, French, Kinyawanda), Science, Social Studies, Information, and Communication Technologies, PSPE (Personal, Social, and Physical Education) and the Arts are taught through transdisciplinary themes to help learners make connections between the subjects, thereby facilitating more effective learning. The six themes are:
Who we are
Where we are in place and time
How we express ourselves
How the world works
How we organise ourselves
Sharing the planet
APPROACHES TO LEARNING SKILLS (ATL)
The Approaches to Learning Skills complement the Learner Profile. At GHA Nursery School we focus on how to learn, and support our young learners to become self-regulated individuals. We promote learners’ sense of agency, which is an integral part of an IB education.
APPROACHES TO LEARNING SKILLS (ATL)
We provide education for international understanding and to nurture globally minded citizens who are:
Communicators
Thinkers
Enquirers
Risk-takers
Balanced
Knowledgeable
Principled
Caring
Open-minded
Reflective
Our emphasis is on fostering genuine connections at the core of our inquiries. We prioritize building strong relationships with our families and communities, ensuring each learner feels a genuine sense of belonging in our diverse community. Recognizing each learner as unique, we see their inherent knowledge and experiences as a foundation to be enriched and expanded upon. Learning is personalized.
Our thoughtfully crafted indoor and outdoor environments empower our learners to take charge of their own educational journey with focus and curiosity. Embracing the philosophy that young minds thrive through play-based inquiry, our educators inspire children to navigate situations that foster independence, teamwork, and self-expression. Play is not just a pastime; it's the vehicle through which our learners discover the world, honing communication skills and developing empathy for their peers. As educators, we lead by example, striving to be positive role models for our young learners. We believe in continuous growth and encourage our educators to engage in professional development, collaboration, and the implementation of best practices.
LANGUAGE ACQUISITION
The GHA Nursery Language scope and sequence identifies the major expectations considered essential in the PYP. These expectations are arranged into three main strands: oral communication, written communication and visual communication. These communication strands are organised into sub-strands which include listening, speaking, reading, writing, viewing and presenting. Each of the sub-strands is addressed separately, although in practice they are interactive and interrelated elements of the Programme. Additionally, all learners are introduced to Kinyarwanda. This exposure helps them recognize the significance of being part of a diverse and multicultural school community from the early stages of their educational journey.
At our Nursery school, learners have the option to explore French either as an additional language within their English classes (2 lessons per week) or as part of a bilingual program.
How do students acquire proficiency in other languages?
Engaging in enjoyable and interactive exploration
Cultivating an appreciation for the culture associated with the foreign language
Grasping fundamental aspects through games, songs, and meaningful communicative activities
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LIFE OUTSIDE THE CLASSROOM
We offer an extra-curricular program after school hours. Extracurricular activities help learners demonstrate their interests and personalities. These activities include:
Swimming, Football / Soccer, Judo, Crafts, Board Games, Language Club, Cooking, Kinyarwanda (culture and language), Art, Ballet, STEM.
Together, we aspire to create a community of joyful and confident children who share a love for learning.
Administration
Ms. Susan Leese
Principal
Ms. Phillistus Mugasia
Vice Principal
Ms. Martine Uwacu Karekezi
Vice Principal