Teaching and Learning at KEIS

Kosice International School (KEIS) is committed to high-quality, challenging international education. Our pedagogy brings together the latest international research, 21st-century teaching techniques and technology-enhanced learning (TEL). 

Primary School

The IB PYP is based on inquiry-based learning and student-led action (agency). The curriculum is a student-centred programme that provides a foundation to educate children as internationally-minded, global citizens who strive to make the world a better place.

Inquiry-based learning

KEIS children ‘inquire, question, wonder and theorise about themselves, others and the world around them’ (International Baccalaureate Organisation, 2018, p. 1, 2018). They are keen and inspired to observe and explore. 

Inquiry in teaching and learning is a process and structure that is designed by the educator to facilitate learners’ access to knowledge, facts, and information about a wide range of ideas and opinions, which are discovered and investigated by students in a collaborative environment. A simplified, continual process of reflect-choose-act is a cycle that helps structure learning that is meaningful, motivating, relevant and valuable for the 21st century.

Student agency

Across all aspects of the PYP at Kosice International School, children learn through the concept of learner agency:

‘PYP students with agency use their own initiative and will and take responsibility and ownership of their learning. They direct their learning with a strong sense of identity and self-belief and in conjunction with others, thereby building a sense of community and awareness of the opinions, values and needs of others (p. 1, 2018)

In supporting the Learner, the Learning Community at KEIS promotes agency that helps children to develop important skills and attributes (in particular the IB Learner Profile). Some examples of these skills and attributes are: critical and creative thinking, independence, confidence, perseverance, self-management and organisational skills. 

With a supportive Learning Community, students gain a stronger sense of self-efficacy and deepen their learning through the relationships built within the classroom and broader community.

References:

International Baccalaureate Organisation (2018) ‘The Learner’, Petersen House, Cardiff, UK.

Ridgewood Primary Years Programme (nodate) ‘The Action Cycle’, Ridgewood Primary School, USA [image], Available at: http://p2cdn4static.sharpschool.com/UserFiles/Servers/Server_2947159/Image/Action_Cycle.jpg Accessed on 23 March 2020

Middle School

At KEIS, we believe in student-centred, project-based learning. Our middle school programme strives to incorporate learning engagements and assessments that align with these learning philosophies and that of the IB framework.

In the classroom, teachers enlist a multitude of approaches to teaching, such as hands-on learning, group work, individual work, presentations, and research, to create a learning environment wherein students have agency in their classes. Fostering student interest and curiosity while still rigorously delivering subject-specific content allows students to develop their learning skills and prepare for higher education. 

Our assessments follow the IB MYP objective standards. To foster an inclusive education environment, students demonstrate their learning through various methods. Projects, exams, presentations, essays and scenario-based questions are all utilized to measure students’ progress. Consistent feedback is provided to all students throughout the learning process and formative and summative assessments.  

Subjects offered in the Academic Year 2023/24

Subject	Contact Hours
Language and Literature – English	5
Language and Literature – Slovak	5
Language Acquisition – Spanish	2
Integrated Sciences	4
Integrated Maths	4
Individuals and Societies	3
Physical Health Education	2
Visual Arts	3
Design	3

We also offer the weekly course Approaches to Life and Learning (ALL) for students in the middle school program. This course focuses explicitly on developing life skills that will support student achievement throughout their time at KEIS and beyond. ALL is intentionally designed to foster lifelong learners who are prepared with 21st-century skills. Furthermore, this course will also offer guidance regarding middle school students’ Community Projects and Personal Projects.