IB: EARLY YEARS

The early years in a child’s education are key. Children are active in the learning process and this time lays a solid foundation for future learning. 

Early learning in the Primary Years Programme (PYP) is a holistic experience that integrates socio-emotional, physical and cognitive development. 

Research by the centre on the developing child, Harvard University, indicates that for children to reach their full potential, they need stimulating and appropriate experiences in the earliest years, when their brain is optimally programmed to benefit from these experiences.

And, research supports the effectiveness of the IB’s PYP in an early years setting. A study by researchers from Deakin University in Australia of four such programmes in both Australia and Singapore found that literacy skills were fairly developed; children were performing at rates commensurate with or better in terms of school readiness; and, children were developing learning skills at higher rates than a comparative sample. 

PYP is a holistic learning experience that integrates socio-emotional, physical and cognitive development.

These very young learners need stimulating, supportive interactions with their peers and teachers and the effective use of curricula. The early years settings of the Primary Years Programme (PYP) provides schools with a thoughtfully designed way to give 4-to-5-year-olds exactly that. 

Early learning in the PYP is a holistic learning experience that integrates socio-emotional, physical and cognitive development. In the PYP classroom, it takes place in dynamic environments that promote play, discovery and exploration. 

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.