IB: 1 - 5

Rather than relying on traditional content-driven pedagogy, Walden offers an approach that inspires discovery and experiential learning. Furthermore, there is unprecedented attention and commitment to student needs and well-being.

Walden International School is an International Baccalaureate (IB) World School delivering the Primary Years Programme. The International Baccalaureate® (IB) Primary Years Programme (PYP) is a leading curriculum framework for international primary education focused on the development of the whole child as an inquirer, both in the classroom and in the world outside.

Students become active, caring, lifelong learners who demonstrate respect for themselves and others and have the capacity to participate in the world around them.

The PYP Curriculum Framework

Knowledge Concept Skill Action

These elements that students need to lead successful lives underpin the PYP’s curriculum framework. Schools work with the elements to construct a rigorous and challenging primary education curriculum that is transdisciplinary, engaging, relevant, and significant.

With local and global issues incorporated into the curriculum, students are asked to look at six related themes and to consider the links between them. The themes include: ‘who we are’, ‘where we are in place and time’ and ‘how the world works’, ‘how we express ourselves’, ‘how we organize ourselves’, and ‘sharing the planet’.

Students are encouraged to be agents of their own learning by asking questions, setting goals, self-assessing, reflecting and engaging in action inspired by their learning.

Students in grade five participate in the PYP Exhibition, synthesizing and applying the skills, concepts and dispositions developed throughout their years in the PYP. Students research and organize action that stems from an interest of global significance. Their learning is presented and celebrated with the school community.

The PYP develops students’ academic, social and emotional wellbeing, while simultaneously focusing on international-mindedness and the development of strong personal values.*

For more information just click IB FAQ.

*Adapted from ©International Baccalaureate Organization 2016

We believe, actually, we know, that we all learn more effectively when we remain curious and open to thoughts from people and institutions outside of our own silos. For example, we discovered this video from India’s Next School. It’s a great example of how we approach education at Walden and how we embrace global thinking. We hope you find it inspiring and relevant.

Walden International School is dedicated to cultivating and preparing principled, compassionate and confident young women and men who will become globally responsible citizens. Our balanced world-class education, with a unique focus on wellness, fosters respect and harmony for self and with others; and, empowers students to imagine, explore and achieve a peaceful and sustainable future.

Proactive in fostering student achievement, we recognize wellness as an essential pillar of education. Students participate daily in mindfulness activities, which is a mandate of our program. Evidence suggests that introducing mindful meditation into the classroom is an effective means of improving attention and emotional regulation. We recognize the importance of encouraging and modelling a healthy lifestyle that includes mindfulness, which will prepare students for success.

Here’s what science* says about the benefits of this approach:

More Kindness - Grade 4 and 5 students who participated in a mindfulness and kindness program showed better social behaviour than their peers, were less aggressive and better liked. 

Better math scores - The mindful group had math scores 15% higher than their peers. In a separate study, 41% of meditating middle schoolers gained at least one level in math on a state-standardized test.

Fewer ADHD symptoms - Even Grade 3 students can get Zen. Eight weeks of mindfulness and yoga resulted in fewer ADHD symptoms and less hyperactivity - and the effects last for months after the program ended. 

Less depression - Just nine lessons of a mindfulness program led to lower depression scores, less stress and improved well-being in British kids aged 12 to 16 compared to students who did not participate in the program.

Improved focus - At an elementary school in California, teachers reported better focus, self-control, class participation and peer respect in kids who following a mindfulness program, compared with their levels before the program. 

*Statistics Source: Mindfulness: The New Science of Health and Happiness, TIME Magazine Special Edition 2018

Service learning is an essential element for the development of student confidence, success, and leadership. We encourage and model for our Walden scholars the spirit of meaningful volunteerism through local and international projects, with the tenets of our philosophy as the foundation of all activities.

Walden offers before- and after-school care for parents who require a little extra time. The service is available to families from 7:30 - 8:30 a.m. and from dismissal to 6:00 p.m. You can also use the service on an occasional basis when your life gets more busy. Ask us about our fees.