At the Norwegian International School, our journey with the International Primary Curriculum (IPC) has been nothing short of transformative. As we look back on our experience, we can say with confidence that this curriculum has not only changed the way we teach but has also brought us closer together as a teaching community.
The Accreditation Adventure
Our foray into IPC accreditation wasn't exactly a walk in the park. It came with its fair share of challenges and hurdles. However, these challenges turned out to be blessings in disguise. They pushed us to step out of our comfort zones, experiment with new teaching methodologies, and ultimately become better educators. The process helped us identify our strengths and areas where we can improve. It also helps that the Fieldwork staff has always welcomed our questions and provided guidance.
Perhaps the icing on the cake is that the challenges we faced during accreditation brought us closer as a teaching team. We learned to lean on each other for support and guidance, and the bond that emerged from these shared experiences has been invaluable.
Personal Learning Goals: Creating Little Vikings
One of the unique aspects of our IPC journey is the use of Personal Learning Goals. We've found a creative way to make these goals more relatable for our students by creating "Little Vikings" to represent them. These simple yet endearing characters have become an integral part of our teaching toolkit.
The Little Vikings not only make Personal Learning Goals more accessible to young minds but also help in character development both inside and outside the classroom. Through these characters, children learn valuable life skills and qualities that go beyond academic achievement.
The Joys of IPC
What do we love most about the IPC? Well, it's like having a reliable roadmap for our teaching adventures. The framework provides a sturdy structure that guides our lesson plans while leaving room for creativity. This flexibility allows teachers to adapt lessons based on available resources and the cultural backgrounds of our students.
Thematic learning, a cornerstone of IPC, is a hit with our students. It's a joy to see their minds expand as they explore various themes. Sometimes, they stumble upon a newfound interest they never knew they had. It's a reminder that education can be a thrilling journey of self-discovery.
Moreover, IPC is a superb tool for fostering teamwork. Watching our students develop their interpersonal skills while collaborating with their peers is wonderful. Initially, there may be challenges as children learn to navigate group dynamics, but witnessing their growth and transformation is fascinating.
The Accreditation Journey Continues
IPC 2020 brought its own set of changes. Initially overwhelming, as we delved deeper, we began to appreciate the modifications. The addition of the Sustainable Development Goal units is a great enhancement. It empowers our students to explore global issues and take meaningful actions to address them. The introduction of the metacognition unit has sparked excitement among our students as they engage in something refreshingly different.
Welcoming the Future
As we embark on this new academic year, our goal is to complete our reaccreditation. We approach this task with a sense of humility, recognizing that there is always more to learn and room for improvement in the field of education. It's a reminder that the journey of learning is a continuous one, and we are committed to embracing it with open hearts and minds.
Learn more about the International Primary Curriculum
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