HAYAMA INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL

ELEMENTARY SCHOOL

OUR PHILOSOPHY

OUR PHILOSOPHY

At Hayama International School our philosophy is to encourage children grade 1~6 to learn and grow intellectually, creatively, socially, and physically by providing them with a foundation of developmentally appropriate experiences where all children can succeed in a safe and nurturing environment.
We envision that each student will grow to their full potential, while developing self-worth, self-confidence, good manners and appreciation of both their own and other’s accomplishments.

PROGRAM

PROGRAM

Our academic program follows the United States Common Core and supports the individual needs of our students and includes studies in the core curricular areas of reading, writing, math, science, and social science, as well as specialist areas of art, music, physical education (PE).

The academic standards at Hayama International School are equivalent to private school education in the United States and we are dedicated to helping our students achieve their full potential. Classes at Hayama International School are kept to a low number to enable teachers to focus on the children’s varied abilities, interests, needs, and learning styles.

All programs at Hayama International School are delivered in English. As a school committed to academic success, Hayama International School places the development of strong literacy skills at the center of our curricular program. In addition to a strong English literacy program, our school is committed to helping our students by educating them to be international, multicultural, and multilingual thinkers with a strong sense of community and social responsibility. We embrace cross-curricular projects and the integration of ICT into some areas of the curriculum. The use of ICT encourages students to become independent learners and critical thinkers. IPads, supported by educationally appropriate applications are used across the elementary section.

In addition to academics, great emphasis is placed on encouraging our students to be physically active throughout the school day. We believe that active play and spending time outdoors are integral parts of growing up happy and healthy. Whether it is playing with friends in the school’s yard, playing cooperative games with classmates during our PE class at the local park, or taking a nature hike to the beach or nearby river – the children will have a much needed break from traditional studies while enjoying and learning from the wonderful natural surroundings here at Hayama International School.

GOAL

GOAL

Our goal is to provide a rich, challenging and supportive learning environment that promotes a passion for learning while fostering respect for ourselves, each other and the world in which we live.

CORE BELIEF

We believe that children learn best through an interactive enjoyable experience of exploring and inquiry that is developmentally challenging.

We focus on authentic learning experiences while paying close attention to uniqueness of each child. Students develop at their own pace and level of ability and expand upon skills they have mastered.

Curriculum

  • Language Arts
  • Math
  • Social Stadies
  • Science
  • Arts
  • PE
  • STEM
  • Hayama International School fosters children's development by emphasizing creativity as a foundation for building structured academic learning. Language learning is central to constructing meaning, critical thinking, and inquiry within the IB Primary Years Programme, with a focus on integrating language skills into transdisciplinary themes rather than teaching them in isolation. The school's language scope and sequence is divided into five developmental phases, aligning with students’ grade levels and stages of growth, and supports personalized, multimodal learning experiences. Teachers are encouraged to create opportunities for exploration, collaboration, and reflection to deepen conceptual understanding and address diverse learning needs. HIS continually reviews its curriculum to enhance teaching practices and align with its philosophy of holistic education.

  • Bridges in Mathematics is a math curriculum designed to align with the Common Core State Standards. It incorporates a variety of learning modalities and pedagogical approaches, including direct instruction, structured hands-on experiences, and open exploration, to support diverse learning styles for both native English speakers and English Language Learners."The Bridges Curriculum includes a wide variety of learning tools which help support student understanding. This encourages students to solve problems in multiple ways. A calendar component is also included that goes hand-in-hand with skills learned during math class.

  • In an increasingly diverse and interconnected world, it is essential for students to understand both the past and present, while developing the skills to address future challenges in innovative and informed ways, individually and collectively. At Hayama International School, our Social Studies curriculum fosters curiosity about the world, empowering students to shape their lives, make reflective decisions, and contribute positively to their communities - locally, nationally, and globally. To engage thoughtfully with contemporary issues, students need to recognize different perspectives and understand the complex relationships between historical, geographical, political, economic, and societal factors. Through this exploration, students gain a comprehensive view of the world from multiple perspectives and cultivate a deep respect for social, cultural, and religious diversity.

  • At Hayama International School, the science curriculum enables students to grasp essential scientific concepts and processes, learn the methods used to build scientific knowledge, and appreciate science’s role in our culture and society, along with its practical applications. Our curriculum equips students with the scientific understanding and skills necessary to make informed decisions on local, national, and global issues and to pursue science-related careers if they choose. Science is a dynamic, collaborative, and systematic approach which deepens our understanding of our surroundings by exploring the unknown, uncovering universal truths, making predictions, and addressing challenges. Its goal is to explain a wide range of observations through a smaller set of fundamental principles.

  • We believe that music has the power to inspire and enrich all students, sparking imagination and encouraging creative expression. Through music education, students develop skills in listening, composing, and performing, which enhances their cognitive, emotional, and social growth. As independent learners, students engage in sequential learning activities that build their understanding of music. It is intended that over time, students learn to appreciate music's profound impact on the mind, heart, and spirit, fostering a deeper enjoyment of music. Specialist lessons are also offered, focusing on singing and learning instruments like the ukulele, providing hands-on experiences that strengthen both vocal and instrumental skills.

  • In a world that is becoming more complex, sedentary, and rapidly changing, it is essential for every young learner to not only manage life's challenges but also to thrive as healthy, safe, and active citizens in the 21st century. In Hayama International Schools’s Personal, Social and Physical Education (PSPE), students acquire the skills, knowledge, and understanding necessary to enhance their self-awareness, self-confidence and foster meaningful, respectful relationships. Central to our PSPE program is the development of movement skills and concepts, enabling students to engage in a wide range of physical activities with confidence, competence, and creativity. Infusing students with these foundations supports lifelong participation in physical activities and improves performance.

  • STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) education is crucial for preparing students for the future by developing their problem-solving, analytical, and creative thinking abilities. At Hayama International School, we prioritize STEM to foster curiosity, innovation, and hands-on learning that bridges classroom theory with real-world applications. Through engaging STEM activities, students gain a deeper understanding of how the world works, equipping them for a wide range of future careers, including those yet to emerge. This approach helps them become adaptable, forward-thinking and pro-active global citizens capable of addressing tomorrow's complex challenges.