Early Childhood Curriculum
The Early Childhood classes at ISB offer a wide ranging programme of activities for students between the ages of three and five years. There is a strong emphasis on directed play and the development of basic academic and social skills. In the Early Childhood classrooms there are full-time teachers and assistants who speak Norwegian and English. The programme develops students’ language, number, gross and fine motor skills, as well as general organisational, self-help and social skills. The curriculum design supports an understanding of the community and culture, through celebrations, festivals and participation in events in the local community.
Regulations governing the pre-school and kindergarten programme at ISB
The Early Childhood Programme Features:
1. Constructive /planned play activities, which involve sharing and caring.
2. Early mathematic concepts.
3. Language – listening, speaking, early reading and early writing skills.
4. Arts and Crafts.
5. Physical education.
6. Computer assisted instruction.
7. Science activities.
8. Social Studies activities
9. Musical games, songs and rhymes.
When enrolment allows, the three and four year olds are split into two teaching
groups, but mix for social activities. The three-year-old group focuses on
social,
manipulative and communication skills through play. The four-year-old group
develops
these skills further through structured work activities and preparation for
Kindergarten.
We encourage a constructive home-school partnership through frequent
interactions between parents and instructional staff.
| COMPARATIVE GRADE/AGE/SCHOOL SYSTEM REFERENCE | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| ISB | |||
| AGE | NORWEGIAN | N. AMERICAN | BRITISH/SCOTTISH |
| 3 - 5 | Barnehage | Pre-School | Nursery/Reception/P1 |
| 5 – 6 | Barnehage | Kindergarten | Year 1/P2 |
| 6 – 7 | 1. klasse | Grade 1 | Year 2/P3 |
| 7 – 8 | 2. klasse | Grade 2 | Year 3/P4 |
| 8 – 9 | 3. klasse | Grade 3 | Year 4/P5 |
| 9 – 10 | 4. klasse | Grade 4 | Year 5/P6 |
| 10 – 11 | 5. klasse | Grade 5 | Year 6/P7 |
| 11 – 12 | 6. klasse | Grade 6 | Year 7/P8 |
| 12 – 13 | 7. klasse | Grade 7 | Year 8/S1 |
| 13 – 14 | 8. klasse | Grade 8 | Year 9/S2 |
| 14 – 15 | 9. klasse | Grade 9 | Year 10/S3 |
| 15 – 16 | 10.klasse | Grade 10 | Year 11/S4 |
SPECIAL NOTE REGARDING PLACEMENT
Children in pre-school must be 3 or 4 years old by December 31st to start the
school year in August. They must also be out of nappies/diapers. December 31st
is also the cut off date for school age children. This means, for example, that
kindergarten students must reach the age of 5 by that date. A child’s grade
placement is not necessarily automatic according to chronological age. A child’s
past educational experience and ability, and teacher evaluation will
determine which grade level the child will be placed in upon admission.
