Elementary School
Senior Kindergarten to Grade 5 | 5-11 years of age
Develop the skills needed to be a self-regulated and life-long learner
The elementary years are a time when the foundations for learning are nurtured. At CIS, our teachers support students in following their curiosities, being creative, building independence and developing agency. CIS students become life-long learners who demonstrate multicultural empathy and respect.
Elementary students engage in a diverse and integrated learning experience that supports their academic, social, and emotional development. Their weekly schedule includes core subjects like English, math, social studies, and science, as well as specialized classes in the arts, physical education, wellness, and technology. Students regularly visit our well-resourced library, art loft and makerspace to explore their interests and apply their knowledge. Complementary field trips further enrich the curriculum, allowing students to connect their learning to the real world. Through this holistic approach, CIS fosters the growth of the whole child, preparing them to thrive academically, socially, and emotionally.
As multilingual learners, our elementary students receive weekly instruction in their choice of Khmer, Mandarin or French. Students may also enrol in our complimentary French Bilingual Program or Mandarin Bilingual Program.
Literacy development is a focus at CIS. All elementary students participate in our Reading Bag Program, which encourages reading for pleasure at home. Our specialist Literacy Team provides explicit literacy teaching based on the evidence-informed Science of Reading. Our specialist English as an Additional Language Team provides targeted programming and instructional support to students who are developing English language proficiency.
All elementary students may participate in Discovery Week, intercultural celebrations, performing arts opportunities, and a wide variety of after-school activities.
As an IB Primary Years Programme (PYP) candidate school, teaching and learning at CIS is inquiry-based. Inquiry means "to ask" or "to investigate." Students actively analyze information and ask questions as a way of deepening their understanding across subject areas. Teachers guide and co-construct learning with students as they build the skills they need to investigate, conduct research, and solve problems. This includes skills in literacy, numeracy, critical thinking, and social-emotional responses, among others.
Throughout their studies, students showcase their progress through a variety of means, such as written work, oral presentations, visual displays, and collaborative discussions with their teachers and the wider learning community. This allows students to take an active role in documenting and reflecting on their own learning journey.
Inquiry-based learning empowers students to reflect and set learning goals, participate in their assessments, and to collaborate with teachers to shape their own learning as they work towards high academic standards and make authentic connections with the world around them. Learning takes place in spaces that are accepting and supportive, enabling important risk-taking as part of the learning journey. The IB PYP at CIS is aligned and integrated with the curriculum from the Canadian province of Alberta, ensuring students develop a strong foundation in core academic subjects, while also exploring transdisciplinary themes.
Integral to the PYP is the development of the IB learner profile, which fosters essential attributes. We support students in becoming inquirers, knowledgeable thinkers, communicators, principled, open-minded, caring, risk-takers, balanced, and reflective. Through activities, discussions and modeling by teachers, students cultivate these valuable dispositions that support their academic and social-emotional growth.
Friendships and safe spaces are essential for student well-being and learning. Our Social-Emotional Learning Team, along with our elementary counsellor, work to support students in developing positive interpersonal relationships, collaboration skills, organizational skills and a healthy state of mind. Our Elementary Student Council and monthly assemblies help to build community spirit with the Elementary School.
Message from the Director of Learning
I believe students learn best when they are empowered to ask questions and engage in authentic, inquiry-based experiences. This approach helps them develop deep understanding and apply knowledge meaningfully.
By exploring relevant, engaging real-world issues, our students build critical thinking, problem-solving, and communication skills, gaining a deeper understanding of the interconnected world.
We hope to continue to foster a collaborative partnership between teachers and students, where they co-construct learning experiences together. This empowers students to take an active role in their education, preparing them to be successful, lifelong learners.- Avril Van Zyl, Director of Learning