Early Years

Early Years (EY) at the International School of Hamburg is comprised of our youngest students in Early Years 1 (age 3), Early Years 2 (age 4) and Early Years 3 (age 5).

As learners in the EY, children are encouraged to become confident and motivated learners, risk takers and explorers. They are encouraged to learn to understand that mistakes are part of the learning process and to think creatively to find solutions to problems. Students develop curiosity, self-efficacy, interdependence as well as communication and social skills. EY teachers build a positive relationship with children based upon respect and kindness. We provide a warm, welcoming atmosphere based on trust, respect, safety, responsibility and kindness.

Teaching Concept

In Early Years 1, children are introduced to the routines of the school day and through the medium of play, explore the world around them and develop a strong foundation in early concepts of language, number, and social interaction.

Children in Early Years 1 and 2 develop their science and social studies topics by engaging in our International Early Years Curriculum (IEYC) such as “This is Me”, “Once Upon a Time”, “To The Rescue”, and “The World Around Us.” Central to the IEYC is the belief in the holistic development of each child through enjoyable and playful personal, international and academic learning experiences that prepare them for opportunities and challenges now and in the future.

In Early Years 2, students develop their number understanding and pre-literacy awareness through play-based learning.

Our Early Years 3 program introduces students to a developmentally appropriate approach to phonological awareness and writing through a Phonic program called, "Foundations" as well as Reader's and Writer's Workshop, Number Talks which develops number sense and early Mathematical concepts in the "Math in Focus" programme.

All EY students experience a cross-curricular program that includes specialist teachers who teach Music, Physical Education and Library skills. In Early Years 3, students also have the opportunity to participate in Information Technology and English as an Additional language classes. EY teachers plan high quality learning experiences in collaboration with our Literacy, Math and IT Coaches in order to provide age-appropriate, engaging, hands-on and appropriately challenging activities to support students to reach their full potential.

Play based learning is integrated into all areas of the EY curriculum, during which teachers observe, offer support, nurture, assess and extend learning.

Group of cheering students posing outdoors with the blue and yellow ISH school mascot

Children playing outdoors near a woven dome structure on the green campus playground

Five young primary school students standing in a line outside the school building

Students gathered around a table clapping during a classroom science experiment

Teachers are very welcoming, classrooms are nice and we like the playful way of learning.
Parent of EY3 Student

ISH Early Years is an ideal school for kids to adopt and develop their skills with other friends from around the world.
Parent of EY Student

A very positive atmosphere. My daughter has got wonderful teachers. I also met her music and PE teachers and we are very grateful she has got them.
Parent of EY3 Student