St. Luke's Academy

The International School
Inspiring Excellence

IPC Overview

International Primary Curriculum (IPC)

Primary Programme (Ages 5-11)

Inspiring Curious Minds. Developing Global Citizens.

Our Primary Department follows the International Primary Curriculum (IPC), a globally respected, inquiry-based curriculum taught in over 90 countries worldwide. Designed specifically for children aged 5 to 11, the IPC combines academic excellence with meaningful, hands-on learning that develops knowledge, skills, and understanding across all subject areas.

Children are encouraged to ask questions, investigate, collaborate, create, and reflect as they explore exciting themes that connect learning to the real world. This approach fosters confident, independent learners who are well prepared for secondary education and an ever-changing global society.

While learning is delivered through engaging cross-curricular units, Mathematics and English remain dedicated subjects taught daily to ensure children develop strong literacy and numeracy skills while meeting national curriculum expectations.

Core Curriculum

English Language Arts

Our English programme develops confident communicators, critical thinkers, and lifelong readers and writers.

Children develop skills in:

  • Reading fluency and comprehension
  • Phonics and spelling
  • Grammar and punctuation
  • Vocabulary development
  • Creative writing
  • Narrative, persuasive and informational writing
  • Speaking and listening
  • Presentation and debate
  • Research skills
  • Digital literacy

Mathematics

Mathematics is taught through practical investigation, reasoning, and problem-solving, building both confidence and conceptual understanding.

Areas of learning include:

  • Number and place value
  • Addition, subtraction, multiplication and division
  • Fraction, decimals and percentages
  • Measurement
  • Geometry
  • Statisics and date handling
  • Algebraic thinking
  • Financial literacy
  • Mathematical reasoning
  • Real-world problem solving

IPC Learning Units

IPC learning is organised into exciting thematic units that integrate multiple subject areas while making learning meaningful and relevant.

Examples of learning themes include:

  • Active Planet
  • Rainforests
  • Ancient Civilisations
  • Explorers and Discoveries
  • Chocolate
  • The Olympics
  • Space Exploration
  • Sustainability
  • Inventors and Innovations
  • Living Together
  • Tine Detectives
  • Young Entrepreneurs

Each unit encourages children to investigate authentic questions, conduct research, complete projects, and present their learning creatively.

Science

Children develop scientific understanding through observation, investigation, experimentation, and inquiry.

Topics include:

  • Living things and habitats
  • Plants and animals
  • Human body systems
  • Forces and motion
  • Materials and their properties
  • Electricity
  • Light and sound
  • Earth and space
  • Environmental science
  • Scientific investigation skills

History

History encourages children to understand how the past shapes our present and future.

Children explore:

  • Ancient civilizations
  • Local and Caribbean history
  • World history
  • Significant historical figues
  • Timelines and chronology
  • Historical enquiry
  • Evidence and interpretation

Geography

Children investigate the world through geographical enquiry and environmental awareness.

Topics include:

  • Physical geography
  • Human geography
  • Maps and atlases
  • Climate and weather
  • Countries and continents
  • Natural resources
  • Sustainability
  • Global communities

Technology and Computing

Technology is integrated throughout the curriculum, preparing students for a digital future.

Learing includes:

  • Digital citizenship
  • Coding and computational thinking
  • Research and information literacy
  • Multimedia creation
  • Online safety
  • Digital collaboration
  • Presentation technology

Design, Technology & Innovation

Children become creative problem-solvers by designing, creating, testing, and improving solutions.

Areas include:

  • Engineering challenges
  • Product design
  • Construction
  • Design thinking
  • Innovation projects
  • Sustainable design

Art & Design

Creative expression is encourages through a wide range of artistic experiences.

Children explore:

  • Drawing
  • Painting
  • Sculpture
  • Printmaking
  • Mixed media
  • Design principles
  • Art application
  • World artists and cultures

Music

Music develops creativity, confidence, and appreciation for the performing arts.

Children participate in:

  • Signing
  • Rhythm
  • Instrumental exploration
  • Music appreciation
  • Composition
  • Performance
  • Ensemble work

Physical Education

Physical Education promotes healthy lifestyles, teamwork, resilience, and sportsmanship.

Activites include:

  • Fundamental movement skills
  • Athletics
  • Team sports
  • Fitness
  • Coordination and balance
  • Leadership through sport
  • Health and wellbeing

International Learning

One of the unique strenghts of the IPC is its internationl dimension, helping children understand and appreciate different cultures and perspectives.

Children develop:

  • Global awareness
  • Cultural understanding
  • Respect for diversity
  • International-mindedness
  • Responsible citizenship
  • Environmental stewardship

Personal Development

The IPC places equal importance on character development alongside academic achievement.

Children build:

  • Confidence
  • Independence
  • Leadership
  • Collaboration
  • Communication
  • Critical thinking
  • Creativity
  • Adaptability
  • Emotional intelligence
  • Responsibility
  • Resilience

Assessment

Assessment is continuous and designed to celebrate each child’s progress and achievement.

Teachers use:

  • Classroom observation
  • Practical investigations
  • Projects and presentations
  • Individual learning goals
  • Portfolios of work
  • Skills progression tracking
  • Written assessments where appropriate

Parents receive regular feedback through reports, conferences, and ongoing communication, ensuring a clear understanding of each child’s academic and personal development.

Preparing Children for Tomorrow

Our IPC programme equips children with the knowledge, skills, and attitudes needed to thrive academically while becoming compassionate, confident, and globally minded citizens. Through purposeful inquiry, meaningful experiences, and high academic expectations, we prepare every
child not only for success in secondary education but for success in life.