At International School Saigon Pearl (ISSP) we know that quality early years education builds a solid foundation for further developing the minds of young learners. We recognize the importance of encouraging children to be independent and responsible for their very own learning process, and we know that because different individuals learn in different ways our teachers need to be facilitators, not just classroom instructors.
ISSP believes that we should teach by example if we hope that a child will grow to become mentally robust enough to deal with the challenges of modern life. We understand that no two children are the same, and that we must constantly evaluate our teaching methods to ensure that we keep young learners engaged and motivated. As a result, what our students receive is a curriculum that combines both academic pursuits and extracurricular activities to best prepare them for the future.
Developing a sense of personal responsibility in young learners helps build a solid lifelong foundation
The ability of children to take care of themselves is paramount to their success in adulthood. Beyond commonly recognised skills such as self-defense and etiquette, which many parents and guardians place great emphasis, it is important to help young learners develop soft skills including, but not limited to problem solving, decision making, team working and communication. These essential life skills are taught both explicitly and implicitly through the expertly developed curriculum, followed at ISSP.
ISSP also places a great deal of importance on personal development for each student. In addition to providing students with curriculum based activities to develop the necessary soft skills to succeed in life, we also strive to provide opportunities that aid students in developing a strong character. With encouragement and support from our teachers, students are not only taught how to identify and overcome challenges, but are provided with the appropriate tools to become resilient in the face of any difficulties they may encounter. Each challenge also provides opportunities to teach students how to show empathy and responsibility to their peers. It is our belief that by focusing on these skills we will equip our young learners to become engaged members of society in the future.
In order to maximise learning opportunities for our students, teachers seek to identify strengths and skills of each individual child. Once that has been achieved, they are encouraged to develop hobbies and interests in conjunction with the main curricular programme. For example, students interested in sports have the opportunity to explore topics such as food science and dietary planning, while those who are passionate about music and visual arts are actively encouraged to explore how such talents can be incorporated into their work. This approach builds a strong foundation for children to adopt an interest led approach to group-based learning later on in ISSP’s programme.
Ultimately, this approach not only enriches the lives of young learners but allows them to combine their passions with learning. It teaches them to be aware of the connection between ‘work’ and play’ and eventually helps them to become experts at managing their own schedules. These skills are developed as students mature and when eventually they step out into the wider world, you’ll witness that they have become young adults that are able to effortlessly balance their work and life commitments.
The vital role of ISSP educators as proactive collaborators
At ISSP, our students are constantly encouraged to work to solve problems independently, and ISSP’s pedagogical approach helps them beat the steep learning curve.
Instead of dictating what should be learned or memorised, our expert educators begin by introducing relevant and engaging resources and materials during classroom time. Boosting a student’s appetite for learning is achieved by providing stimulating material that appeals to the students, and encourages them to engage with it. Once students begin to engage with the lesson, they begin to learn in a proactive way. Our pedagogical approach then encourages educators to seek feedback from our young learners themselves. This in turn helps them to make sense of newly acquired knowledge, paving the way for practical thought processes.
From years of experience, our educators have discovered that children learn best at their own pace. Learning is enhanced when they feel that they are in a space they can call their own, and if they are with friends and adults they trust. Young learners become increasingly keen to self-learn when they feel in control of their school time. As such, educators at ISSP seek to identify any problems that could impact upon a child’s learning environment, including any signs of bullying, and strive to seek a solution before further complications occur. We know that protecting the mental health of young learners is a key part of ensuring academic success and at the end of the day, ISSP is committed to nurturing confident learners equipped with the life skills necessary to become responsible global citizens.
International School Saigon Pearl; a trusted partner for parents in Ho Chi Minh City
Sowing the seed of independent thinking provides that critical foundation for academic achievement. As more than 85% of our students achieve a grade beyond international standards for English and Mathematics, International School Saigon Pearl (ISSP) is not only the premiere choice for elementary and early childhood education in Ho Chi Minh City, but also a choice that will reward you and your family for many years to come. Enrich your childrens’ lives through ISSP’s multi-faceted and value-added curriculum and watch as their thirst for knowledge spans beyond the classroom and into successful lifelong learning. For more information about our programmes and philosophy, do visit our website at https://www.issp.edu.vn/.