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 fastest-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 three different categories: ages 5-7, 7-9, and 9-11. There is a very creative approach to the IPC, encouraging students to drive the learning material.
What themes are explored in the IPC?
The IPC has set ‘Thematic Units of Learning’ within the subject 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.
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At YMCA Christian Academy in Sheung Wan, learning goes beyond the classroom. Combining the UK National Curriculum with the International Primary Curriculum (IPC), the school creates engaging, real-world learning experiences that spark curiosity, creativity, and a lifelong love of learning. Students are encouraged to explore ideas, ask questions, and make meaningful connections across subjects in a supportive and nurturing environment.
With a strong focus on learner agency, children are empowered to take ownership of their learning through inquiry-based projects that build confidence, critical thinking, collaboration, and problem-solving skills. Complemented by comprehensive pastoral care and a warm community atmosphere, YMCA Christian Academy nurtures academic achievement alongside students' social, emotional, physical, and spiritual development.
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YMCA Christian Academy, 70 Bridges Street, Sheung Wan, Hong Kong, +852 2537 2552, admission@yca.edu.hk, https://yca.edu.hk
The French International School of Hong Kong (FIS) is a highly regarded institution that delivers exceptional international education across four campuses in the city. Within the International Stream, the school adopts the IPC curriculum, encouraging primary students to develop confidence, curiosity, and creative thinking.
French International School of Hong Kong, www.fis.edu.hk
French stream: +852 2892 3631, inscriptions@lfis.edu.hk
International Stream: +852 28923677, admissions@lfis.edu.hk
Founded in 1984, this school has an international student count of 200 children from different regions in the world. The curriculum includes the International Early Years Curriculum (IEYC), which leads into the International Primary Curriculum (IPC). This Christian school is owned by Generations Christian Education, a 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
Established in 2011, the Hong Kong Adventist Academy (HKAA) is a relatively modern addition to Hong Kong’s international school landscape. HKAA offers a distinctive curriculum that blends the core principles of the International Primary Curriculum (IPC) with Chinese cultural elements, resulting in a unique hybrid education system. For older students, the school also provides boarding options.
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 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 to 11 years old. 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
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.
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/
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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