Education of Elementary school｜OKINAWA INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL

We offer additional significant subject in elementary school where children have full sensibility towards the preservation of their indigenous language.
We hold Shimakutuba class, the original instruction that connects to an IB learner’s mission.

We utilize an unparalleled and diversified curriculum.
Units of inquiry (UOI) are IB’s core wherein learners acquire the necessary knowledge, skills, concepts, and abilities.
Through these units, we provide a wide-ranging and balanced conceptual learning experience through interdisciplinary inquiry programs which go beyond just facts and memorization.
While they may be nervous at first, as learners begin to gain skills and confidence with time, they come to enjoy challenging themselves.

Language learning does not occur in a vacuum.
The IB develops ideal learners with international worldviews who approach conflicting ideas with magnanimity and understanding. In our English courses, students focus on core skills such as reading, listening, writing, viewing, and presenting to acquire the English ability and skills to uniquely interact with the world.
Though students may be hesitant in the beginning to express themselves in English, as their abilities develop, they come to freely share their ideas with confidence.

Mathematics classes are conducted interdisciplinarily based on inquiry learning. We incorporate both inquiry and project-based learning to empower students to think from multiple perspectives and connect their mathematical knowledge to real life.
Through this curriculum, learners continuously develop inquisitiveness, deep knowledge, reflectiveness, balance, thoughtfulness, compassion, openness, and the readiness to take on challenges.
Students are motivated and curious to explore mathematics.
Through continual cooperative inquiry, learners build up their abilities while deepening their understanding and
application of concepts.

LifeTech courses promote ICT learning. Each individual learner
receives an iPad, and in the elementary grades, students make use of apps to create posters and develop basic skills for visual programming. In middle and high school, students will have frequent opportunities to learn to use software to create and edit videos and slides for presentations. Students will demonstrate the culmination of these skills in their last year of PYP’s final project: Exhibition.
Learners gradually come to recognize how to use iPads as tools for self-expression and develop as students who fully display their skills and continue to try new experiences.

Our Japanese classes break the mold of traditional textbooks by engaging in literary works and expository texts.
Students increase their appetite for learning through group and pair work and engage in the material activity through communication and digital tools. In this way, learners develop the literary skills necessary for MYP and DP.
Learning which starts in school classes will evolve into mutually supportive independent inquiry at home and on the weekend.

The physical education curriculum covers five units over the school year through which students foster not only practical skills, but through collaboration with their classmates, they also develop teamwork and social skills. We empower learners to think objectively by recording activities and performances and providing chances for reflection. Through these classes, students grow as active risk-takers who consider what step they are on and how they should proceed to achieve their goals.
Through photographic techniques such as slow motion, they take ownership of improving and educating each other about proper postures and movements leading to the growth of their hearts, minds, and bodies.

We lay the foundation for the presentation and communication skills essential for future study and research activities at universities and research institutes.
Learning Goals
◆EIKEN -Grade Pre- 2 or above by G5
◆TOEFL Junior -Score 745~

We robustly support the study of the majority of students’ first language: Japanese.
In IB inquiry courses such as science or social studies, learners use English and Japanese to improve their language acquisition and promote their use of both languages.

We provide an advanced ICT learning environment to all students by providing an individual iPad to promote higher learning outcomes, class efficiency, and the IT skills necessary to participate in this information age through study in English and Japanese in all subjects and IB inquiry.

As students move throughout the school year and between grades, differences in language ability in English and Japanese can arise. In order to address students and guardians’ concerns, the elementary department provides language support (Pull Out) classes for both English and Japanese to firmly reinforce students’ basic language skills.

In their final year of PYP, the fifth graders will hold an Exhibition, IB PYP’s inquiry learning presentation.
Learners will present in English the culmination of their learning, sharing their cooperative experiences, knowledge, and skills all while demonstrating their ability to inquire, consolidate, and present. Students select a social issue of interest about which to present (e.g. endangered species, technology, hunger, natural
disasters, the environment and more).