The MSF curriculum is international, whilst taking into account our local culture and state curriculum requirements in Germany. It is a comprehensive and balanced curriculum designed to meet the needs of the international student population at MSF.
The Primary Years Programme (PYP) of the International Baccalaureate (IB) provides the curricular framework for Early Years and allows for connections to the Hesse curriculum for 0-10 year olds (Bildungs-und Erziehungsplan für 0-10 Jährige in Hessen, BEP).
Parents at MSF receive an overview of what the children are learning with the start of each new unit of inquiry and receive regular learning updates through our online portfolio.
A unit of inquiry is a 6-8 week in-depth exploration of a concept. Students will inquire into a central idea or a main understanding by exploring lines of inquiry, guided by student and teacher questions.
Each year, Kindergarten children will inquire 3 units, such as “Tell me a Story” or “People who help us” and one yearlong unit.
Transition students will dive into 4 units including “Imagine That” or “I can see the Light” and one yearlong unit.
The framework for our Language curriculum is the IB Scope and Sequence for Language. Our curriculum is broken down into four strands:
1. Reading
2. Writing
3. Listening and Speaking
4. Viewing and Presenting
The framework for our Math programme is the IB Scope and Sequence for Math. Our curriculum has been broken down into five strands:
1. Number
2. Pattern and Function
3. Measurement
4. Shape and Space
5. Data Handling
The framework for our PSPE programme is the IB Scope and Sequence for Physical, Social and Personal Education. Our curriculum has been broken down into three strands:
1. Identity
2. Active Living
3. Interactions
The framework for our Arts programme is the IB Scope and Sequence for The Arts. Our curriculum has been broken down into 4 strands:
1. Dance
2. Drama
3. Music
4. Visual Arts
Music is taught weekly by our internal Early Childhood Music Specialist.
The Technology curriculum is currently being finalised. The framework for our Technology programme will be the ISTE Standards as well as IB recommendations.
Specific resources in the Early Years include for example a set of BeeBots, an iPad-Trolley with 2 iPads per class plus additional flexible iPads, a beamer in each Transition classroom as well as access to the Primary ICT Laboratory.
In addition, we have access to online tools and resources such as an online portfolio or specific library resources for students, teachers and families.
