Windhoek, 4 June 2024: At Windhoek International School (WIS), the Primary Years Programme (PYP) is transforming the lives of young learners, starting from Kindergarten. As the only school in Namibia offering the International Baccalaureate (IB) continuum, which includes the PYP, Middle Years Programme (MYP), and Diploma Programme (DP), WIS provides a unique, seamless educational experience that sets children on a path to lifelong success.
The IB is a globally recognized educational framework, highly regarded by universities worldwide for its rigorous, holistic approach to learning. By offering all three IB programmes, WIS ensures that students receive a consistent, high-quality education from Kindergarten through Grade 12, preparing them for success in higher education and beyond.
Research has consistently shown that a solid foundation in the early years of education is a significant indicator of success later in life. The Center on the Developing Child at Harvard University emphasises that the preschool years are crucial for children to reach their full potential. By investing in high-quality early education, such as the PYP, children are given the best possible start to their educational journey.
"The PYP recognizes the importance of the early years in a child's development," explains Marcelle van Leenen, Primary School Principal at WIS. "By providing a research-backed, holistic approach to learning, we ensure that our Kindergarten students have the best possible start to their educational journey."
The PYP, as part of the IB continuum, focuses on the holistic development of each child. Through inquiry-based learning and play-based activities, children in Kindergarten at WIS develop critical thinking, problem-solving, and social-emotional skills that will serve them well throughout their lives.
"At WIS, we believe that every child deserves the best possible start to their educational journey," says van Leenen. "The PYP in Kindergarten provides a nurturing, stimulating environment where children can explore, discover, and develop a genuine love for learning." Schools that offer the PYP across the world share this goal, but what makes WIS special is its vibrant and warm community where parents often have children across the school and are actively involved in their child's education. Because the school places value on parental involvement, a key feature of our programme is our learning celebrations. After a six-week unit, parents visit their child's class to see the culmination of their learning journey. For instance, after learning about the life cycle of butterflies, children might showcase their understanding through a variety of hands-on activities, such as creating a 3D model of the life cycle, role-playing the stages of metamorphosis, or presenting their own findings on different butterfly species which they collected on a field trip. Parents often share with me how amazed they are at their children being confident communicators, collaborators, and able to speak with confidence about their goals and areas for improvement. This is unlike any type of school they know in Namibia, they say. “The foundations are laid in Kindergarten and by the time these students reach Grade 10, they will be engaging in more complex and in-depth studies, such as analyzing the environmental factors affecting life cycles, discussing the ethical implications of human intervention in natural processes, and proposing innovative solutions to protect endangered species”, says van Leenen.
WIS understands the importance of a smooth transition for both children and parents, offering flexible aftercare options until 5:30 pm. This ensures that children are engaged in enriching activities while parents can manage their busy schedules with peace of mind.
The dedicated teachers at WIS, trained in the IB framework, work to create a supportive, inclusive learning environment where every child can thrive. By choosing the IB continuum at WIS, parents are giving their children the opportunity to develop a global mindset, a strong sense of self, and a lifelong love of learning.
"We invite parents to visit our campus and see for themselves the incredible learning opportunities available to their children within a safe, vibrant and warm community," says van Leenen. "At WIS, we are committed to unlocking the potential of every child, and it all begins in Kindergarten with the PYP, setting the stage for a successful journey through the IB continuum."
About: WIS
Windhoek International School ( WIS) is an IB World school offering the PYP, MYP and International Baccalaureate ( IB) Diploma. The school was founded in 1990 to serve the needs of the international community in Namibia as well as Namibian families who are attracted by the unique international character of the school. WIS aspires to develop the full potential of each student in a stimulating environment of academic excellence, cultural diversity and active social responsibility to become internationally minded and independent thinkers.
About the author: Marcelle van Leenen
Marcelle van Leenen, the Primary School Principal at Windhoek International School, is a dedicated educator with 25 years of experience in international schools across the globe. Throughout her career, she has taken on various roles, from classroom teacher to school principal, giving her a comprehensive understanding of the education system and the needs of students at different stages of their learning journey. With a strong belief in the power of a well-rounded education, Marcelle is committed to creating a learning environment that focuses on academic excellence as well as nurturing essential skills and personal growth. Her approach to education is centered on inclusion and community, fostering a sense of belonging and collaboration among students, teachers, and parents.
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