What is IPC Curriculum?
IPC stands for the International Primary Curriculum, which was created in 2000. The IPC focuses on creative, inquiry-based thematic education for students aged 5-11 years old. There are specific learning goals for every subject, guiding children through the key areas of development needed for their further education. The IPC is based on the English National Curriculum and is one of the fasted-growing international curriculum programs in the world.
What subjects does the IPC cover?
All core areas of learning are covered in the IPC, including Art, Geography, Music, Science, Technology, International Studies, ITC, and History. The classes and learning areas for assessment are split into are three different categories: ages 5-7, 7-9, and 9-11. There is a very creative approach to the IPC, encouraging the inquiry of students to drive the learning material.
What themes are explored in the IPC?
The IPC has set ‘Thematic Units of Learning’ within the subjects areas. These are ‘Who Am I? The Magic Toymaker, Buildings, Chocolate, Active Planet, Young Entrepreneurs, Mission to Mars, and What Price Progress.
What are the learning goals of the IPC?
At the end of their studies within the IPC curriculum, students are expected to meet the criteria of the learning goals which are categorized in three sections: Subject (knowledge, skills, understanding), International (global & intercultural perspectives), and Personal (individual qualities that learners need to navigate the world).
How many schools use IPC?
Currently, there are over 1000 individual schools across more than 90 countries. The six schools in this article are the most well-known international schools that provide the IPC.
After learning more about the IPC Curriculum, if you’re still making a decision on the type of curriculum you’d like your child to follow, explore the different options here.
WANT MORE SCHOOL GUIDES TO HONG KONG:
Founded in 1984, this school has an international student count of 200 children from different regions in the world. The curriculum includes International Early Years Curriculum (IEYC) which heads into the International Primary Curriculum (IPC). This Christian school is owned by Generations Christian Education not-for-profit organization, which also leads other Hong Kong early education centers and schools. The school has a strong biblical influence in the classes and a beautiful green campus for children to spend time outside as they play and learn.
Norwegian International School, 170 Kam Shan Rd., Kam Shan Village, Tai Po, Hong Kong, +852 2658 0341, office@nis.edu.hk, www.nis.edu.hk
The programs of the Island Christian Academy are also run by the Generations Christian Education organization, just like the Norwegian International School. As a relatively new school, founded in 2012, it is located in Hong Kong Island and provides primary and middle school teaching to kids from 5-11 years old. The religious emphasis in school life is strong, so families who are committed to their Christian faith will love this school.
Island Christian Academy, 70 Bridges Street, Sheung Wan, Hong Kong, +852 2537 2552, office@islandca.edu.hk, www.islandca.edu.hk/
The Invictus International School is located in the New Territories region of Hong Kong. They have both English and Mandarin immersion programs available for kids from 3-11 years old. This school is known to be more accessible than other international primary schools in Hong Kong, with the tuition fee sometimes half of what you may pay at another school. The school prides itself on its great teachers, sharing that it offers “holistic education delivered by our skilled educators.” To check it out, you can easily book a tour of the campus online.
Invictus International School, G27 Monterey Place, 23 Tong Chun St, Tseung Kwan O, New Territories, Hong Kong, +852- 643 1868, info@invictus.edu.hk, www.invictus.edu.hk/tko
As another more modern inclusion to Hong Kong’s international schools, the Hong Kong Adventist Academy (HKAA) was opened in 2011 and has since grown to have more than 200 international students. Almost half of the students are local to Hong Kong, but there are still others from the U.S, Japan, Korea, and more global regions. The unique curriculum is based on the IPC core tenants, with added Chinese elements, creating a hybrid education system. The HKAA also offers boarding options for older students.
Hong Kong Adventist Academy, 1111 Clear Water Bay Road, Sai Kung, New Territories, Hong Kong, +852 2623-0034, info@hkaa.edu.hk, www.hkaa.edu.hk/
The Discovery Bay campus of the Discovery Mind Primary School has been running since 1996. The National Curriculum for England and the IPC are both integrated into the school’s teaching, which has a balanced range of numeracy, literacy, inquiry-led classes of the IPC structure, and physical education. The small class sizes allow the teachers to focus on each child, promoting a ‘family’ environment where everyone feels welcome and accepted. The school shares that “we focus on nurturing the creative minds of our students.”
Discovery Mind Primary School (Discovery Bay), 401, Marina Commercial Centre, G/F, 2-8 Coastline Villa, Peninsula Village, Discovery Bay, Hong Kong, +852 2987 8088, dmk@discoverymind.edu.hk, www.discoverymind.edu.hk/primary-school/
The FIS is another international school that offers accessible tuition fees for families. Additionally, having both a French and International education stream gives children the opportunity to focus on either the French National Curriculum or the English National Curriculum. The IPC is offered in the International Stream, focusing on giving primary students lessons to foster confidence building, curiosity, and creative thinking. The school is focused on being an environment where the community is “open-minded about each other’s differences and cultures.”
French International School (FIS), 165 Blue Pool Rd, Happy Valley, Hong Kong, +852 2577 6217, info@lfis.edu.hk, www.fis.edu.hk/
Benefits of the IPC Curriculum
There are many ways that the IPC Curriculum will enhance your child’s learning and allow for a head start in their studies and life. Benefits of the IPC Curriculum include:
Learn more about the IPC here.
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