K e y D e v e l o p m e n t a l M i l e s t o n e s
A s a d o l e s c e n c e b e g i n s , c o g n i t i v e s t r u c t u r e s i n t h e b r a i n a r e r e w i r i n g t h e m s e l v e s a t a n
a m a z i n g s p e e d . S i x t h g r a d e r s o f t e n e n j o y a r g u i n g a n d d e b a t i n g a s t h e y l e a r n t h e s k i l l s
o f s o c i a l n e g o t i a t i o n . L e a r n i n g w e l l i n c o l l a b o r a t i v e g r o u p s , t h e r e i s i n t e r e s t i n i m a g i n i n g
t h e m s e l v e s i n a d u l t r o l e s m a k i n g h i s t o r y , b i o g r a p h i e s a n d c u r r e n t e v e n t s e x c i t i n g .
P r o j e c t s a n d S e r v i c e L e a r n i n g a r e e n g a g i n g , p a r t i c u l a r l y w h e n t h e i r i d e a s a r e
i n c o r p o r a t e d . T h r i v i n g o n e x p l o r i n g n e w a r e a s o f k n o w l e d g e a n d o p p o r t u n i t i e s t o
p r a c t i c e l i f e - s k i l l s , G r a d e S i x e s o f t e n s p e a k p a s s i o n a t e l y a b o u t t h e i r i d e a s , o p i n i o n s a n d
a l l e g i a n c e s T h e y c h a l l e n g e a s s u m p t i o n s a b o u t t h e w o r l d , b u t a p p r e
Personalising Learning
In the Lower School, we embrace the unique potential within each learner craft individualised educational experiences that grow learner strengths empower learners to explore their passion and interests integrate technology into all subject areas cultivate critical thinking and collaborate using diverse perspectives develop learners who confidently navigate the current challenges of our world
CORE LITERACIES
R e a d i n g
Literature
M
Informational Text
Strand Areas of Focus & Development W r i t i n g
Cite textual evidence to support analysis of what the text says explicitly as well as inferences drawn from the text; Determine a theme or central idea of a text and how it is conveyed through particular details; Describe how a particular story’s or drama’s plot unfolds in a series of episodes as well as how the characters respond or change as the plot moves toward a resolution; Determine the meaning of words and phrases as they are used in a text, including figurative and connotative meanings; analyze the impact of a specific word choice on meaning and tone
Analyze in detail how a key individual, event, or idea is introduced, illustrated, and elaborated in a text; Analyze how a particular sentence, paragraph, chapter, or section fits into the overall structure of a text and contributes to the development of the ideas; Determine an author’s point of view or purpose in a text and explain how it is conveyed; Integrate information presented in different media or formats; Trace and evaluate the argument and specific claims
Strand Areas of Focus & Development
Text Types & Purposes
Vocabulary Use
Conventions of Standard English
Production of Writing
Write arguments to support claims with clear reasons and relevant evidence; Write explanatory texts to examine a topic and convey ideas, concepts, and information through the selection, organization, and analysis of relevant content; Write narratives to develop real or imagined experiences or events using effective techniques
Demonstrate understanding of figurative language, word relationships, and nuances in word meanings; use accurately grade-appropriate general academic and domain-specific words and phrases
Demonstrate command of the conventions of standard English grammar, spelling, capitalization and punctuation; Understand how ideas can be expanded and sharpened through careful choice of verbs, elaborated tenses, and a range of adverb groups / phrases
With some guidance and support from peers and adults, develop and strengthen writing by planning, revising, editing, rewriting
CORE LITERACIES
S T E M : M a t h e m a t i c s
Expressions and Equations
Geometry
Statistics and Probability
Mathematical Processes
Compute fluently with multi-digit numbers and find common factors and multiples
Apply and extend previous understandings of numbers to system of rational numbers
Apply and extend previous understandings of arithmetic to algebraic expressions
Reason about and solve one-variable equations and inequalities
Represent and analyze quantitative re ationships between dependent and independent variables
Solve real-world and mathematical problems involving area, surface area and volume
Develop understand ng of statistical variab ty
Summarize and describe distributions
Make sense of problems and persevere in solving them
Construct viable arguments and critique the reasoning of others
Model with mathematics
Attend to precision
CORE LITERACIES
S T E M : D e s i g n & T e c h n o l o g y
Opportunities to build understanding of programming structures are integrated across the year
The main focus in Grade 6 is designing & coding an app.
Through projects during year, students are introduced to the different design tools at ISB and the design process
We emphasize using technology responsibly and effectively for communication , collaboration and creation Becoming proficient and postive members in a digital world is a primary goal
CORE LITERACIES
t h e m e s . S c i e n c e & S o c i a l S t u d i e s
D
h a n d
Forces & Energy - Physics Human Rights - Geography / History Creativity - History
In this unit, students ‘do science’ through a series of experiments to explore forces, light and energy transfer. Concepts of gravity, absorption, refraction, electrical generation, circuits and sustainable energy are tested as students evaluate scientific claims
By delving into key human right leaders, students explore concepts of power, exclusion, the impact of poverty and catastrophic events as students build understanding of the history of Human Rights, the roles of laws in society and factors that lead to discrimination or denial of Human Rights.
Using Tina Seelig’s creativity engine model, students analyze the case study of Leonardo da Vinci to determine how external and internal factors impacted his creativity Further testing the model, students choose a historical or contemporary figure and analyze the factors of their creativity while creating an oral argument defending their analysis.
CORE LITERACIES
T r a n s f e r a b l e S k i l l s
Strand Key Questions
Collaboration Thinking Self-Management Research
How do I share my ideas and build on the ideas of others?
How can I find the best evidence for my questions?
How does information from different sources connect to each other?
How do I set effective goals and where am I now in achieving them?
Electives Program
Areas of Focus & Development
Participate in an Academic Discussion Listen to understand, rather than reply
Record Evidence
Select the evidence that is most useful to record
Reason Across Multiple Examples Identify Similarities & Differences
Set Effective Goals
Seek and use feedback as part of the process of monitoring goals
In Grade 6, students take part in the Elementary School Elective Program. This gives students opportunities to further delve into areas of interest or passion while developing the ISB Character Standards. Examples of electives include Model United Nations, Robotics & Coding, Film Study & Creation, Textile Design, Sports Health & Nutrition, Book Study & Creation, Comic Book Art. Although some electives run a full year, most electives are by semester giving students the opportunity to explore different areas.
LANGUAGES PROGRAM
L a n g u a g e s P a t h w a y s
Students, who have demonstrated proficiency in English, access either the Dutch or French language. Additional languages are offered as part of the ISB+ program, based on demand.
ISB follows the Common European Framework for Languages.
French Discovery A1
Foundations A1 2
Consolidating A2 1
Building A2 2
Independent B1 / B2 / C1
Grade 5 & 6
Social Studies in French option
English Proficiency
Dutch Indpendent B2 / C1
ISB+ Plus Languages
Open to all regardless of English Proficiency
SPECIALIST PROGRAM
The Physical Education and Heath program focuses on the following areas:
Motor Skills & Movement Patterns
Concepts, Principles, Strategies & Tactics
Understanding Healthy Lifestyles
Health, Fitness & Wellness P h y s i c a l E d u c a t i o n & H e a l t h
Employs correct techniques and methods of stretching
Describes the role of warm-ups and cooldowns before and after physical activity
Describes how being physically active leads to a healthy body
Defines resting heart rate and describes its relationship to aerobic fitness and the Borg Rating of Perceived Exertion (RPE) Scale
i s u a l & P e r f o r m i n g A r t s
The Arts program focuses on the following areas:
Creating & Performing and Responding & Connecting to visual and musical artworks
Invasion Games Rock Climbing
Performs pivots, fakes, and jab steps designed to create open space
Dribbles with dominant hand using a change of speed and direction
Reduces open space on defense by making the body larger and reducing passing angles
Executes at least one of the following offensive tactics to create an open space: moves to an open space without the ball; uses a variety of passes, pivots and fakes, give & go
Strategies for using feet to find firm footings
Maintaining balance, including counter-balance
Using arms, hips and eyes to climb efficiently
Parkour / Gymnatistcs Net Games
Varies application of force during dance or gymnastics activities
Demonstrates correct technique for basic skills
Performs a legal underhand serve with control for net/wall games such as badminton, volleyball or pickleball
Transfers weight with correct timing for the striking pattern
Creates an open space in net/wall games
Reduces offensive options for opponents
Visual Arts
Sixth grade students learn about 3D forms, symbolism, and modern art to create clay vessels, watercolor paintings, and Pop Art self-portraits referencing Jean-Michel Folon and Roy Lichtenstein The focus is on process (coil building, watercolor techniques) and on communication (use of visual symbols, viewpoints on human rights) Students respond to art by identifying ideas & moods and developing evaluation criteria
Units in Sixth Grade are:
Three-Dimensional Form: Clay Vessels & Sculpture
Symbolism: Jean-Michel Folon & Symbolic Art
Modern Art: Pop Art & Human Rights (Self-Portraiture)
Performing Arts
In Sixth Grade, students choose between Band, Strings or Voiceworks
Each program focuses on musical elements such as rhythm, beat, pulse, pitch, and temp along with the fundamental skills of reading music, interpretation and habits of musicianship in the respective ensembles Drama blocks are incorporated on a rotating basis throughout the year
FIELD TRIPS & HOME LEARNING
Field Trips
In the Elementary School, we look to connect our curriculum to our local community so as to give students opportunities to acquire and apply learning in different contexts In addition to one-day trips to locations in Brussels throughout the year, in late-spring Grade 6 students also go to the Netherlands for an extended multiday field trip
This experience builds both student independence and self-belief, but also is a highlight of the student’s experience at ISB
Home Learning
Typical Assignments
Independent Reading
All ES students should spend at least 20 minutes per evening with a good book
Mathematics
ES students will have a Problem of the Week that they can work on independently
We value perseverance as much as solving the problem We expect all students to make a concentrated effort for at least 20 minutes and be able to show their attempts
There may also be brief assignments connected to other subject areas such as Science & Social Studies, French/Dutch, Music.
