At Windhoek International School (WIS), the Primary Years Programme (PYP) is transforming the lives of young learners, starting from Kindergarten.
As the only school in Namibia offering the International Baccalaureate (IB) continuum, which includes the PYP, Middle Years Programme (MYP), and Diploma Programme (DP), WIS provides a unique, seamless educational experience that sets children on a path to lifelong success.
This was said by Windhoek International School (WIS) primary school principal Ms Marcelle van Leenen.
Van Leenen stated that the IB is a globally recognized educational framework, highly regarded by universities worldwide for its rigorous, holistic approach to learning. And by offering all three IB programmes, WIS ensures that students receive a consistent, high-quality education from Kindergarten through Grade 12, preparing them for success in higher education and beyond.
“Research has consistently shown that a solid foundation in the early years of education is a significant indicator of success later in life,” said Van Leenen.
“The Center on the Developing Child at Harvard University emphasises that the preschool years are crucial for children to reach their full potential. By investing in high-quality early education, such as the PYP, children are given the best possible start to their educational journey.
The PYP recognizes the importance of the early years in a child’s development.
“By providing a research-backed, holistic approach to learning, we ensure that our Kindergarten students have the best possible start to their educational journey,” she pointed out.
The PYP, as part of the IB continuum, focuses on the holistic development of each child. Through inquiry-based learning and play-based activities, children in Kindergarten at WIS develop critical thinking, problem-solving, and social-emotional skills that will serve them well throughout their lives.
“At WIS, we believe that every child deserves the best possible start to their educational journey,” stated Van Leenen.
“The PYP in Kindergarten provides a nurturing, stimulating environment where children can explore, discover, and develop a genuine love for learning.”
Schools that offer the PYP across the world share this goal, but, Van Leenen said, what makes WIS special is its vibrant and warm community where parents often have children across the school and are actively involved in their child’s education.
“Because the school places value on parental involvement, a key feature of our programme is our learning celebrations. After a six-week unit, parents visit their child’s class to see the culmination of their learning journey.
“For instance, after learning about the life cycle of butterflies, children might showcase their understanding through a variety of hands-on activities, such as creating a 3D model of the life cycle, role-playing the stages of metamorphosis, or presenting their own findings on different butterfly species which they collected on a field trip.
“Parents often share with me how amazed they are at their children being confident communicators, collaborators, and able to speak with confidence about their goals and areas for improvement. This is unlike any type of school they know in Namibia, they say.
“The foundations are laid in Kindergarten and by the time these students reach Grade 10, they will be engaging in more complex and in-depth studies, such as analyzing the environmental factors affecting life cycles, discussing the ethical implications of human intervention in natural processes, and proposing innovative solutions to protect endangered species.”
Van Leenen pointed out that WIS understands the importance of a smooth transition for both children and parents, offering flexible aftercare options until 5:30 pm, which ensures that children are engaged in enriching activities while parents can manage their busy schedules with peace of mind.
The dedicated teachers at WIS, trained in the IB framework, work to create a supportive, inclusive learning environment where every child can thrive. By choosing the IB continuum at WIS, parents are giving their children the opportunity to develop a global mindset, a strong sense of self, and a lifelong love of learning.
“We invite parents to visit our campus and see for themselves the incredible learning opportunities available to their children within a safe, vibrant and warm community,” said Van Leenen.
“At WIS, we are committed to unlocking the potential of every child, and it all begins in Kindergarten with the PYP, setting the stage for a successful journey through the IB continuum.”
In the photo: Windhoek International School’s primary school principal Ms Marcelle van Leenen.
