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IB Primary Years Programme (Grades 1-5)

A nurturing, academically rigorous international primary education that prepares children for a globalized world.

Primary Education
for Global Explorers

At Cologne International School Primary, children ask questions, grow in two languages, and learn with joy. Here’s how:

Bilingual Concept

"Two teachers, two languages"

Small classes with native German and English teachers co-teaching. 50/50 language exposure ensures fluency by 5th grade.
1

Academic Program for Young Inquirers

"Qualified for the future"

The IB PYP transforms curiosity into critical thinking. Students connect subjects like science, art, and math through real-world themes.
2

Child-Friendly Learning

"Hands-on and interdisciplinary"

Curious minds explore big ideas. Through hands-on projects and field trips, students connect subjects, ask questions, and find their own answers.

3

Small Learning Groups

"Optimal support"

Two teachers, twenty students. Each child gets the support they need to grow at their own pace, with lessons tailored to their level and learning style.
4

Character Development

"We Grow Good People"

We believe true education nurtures both mind and heart. Through daily practice, our students develop empathy by collaborating across cultures, courage by exploring new challenges, and responsibility through hands-on projects.
5

Want to Learn More About Our IB Primary Curriculum?

The IB Primary Years Programme (PYP) shapes how we teach every subject – blending languages, math, and science into real-world exploration. Our admissions team can explain how it works for your child.
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Contact Admissions
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Every Child Finds
Their Spark

Every Child Finds Their Spark

We support creativity, curiosity, and skills that grow beyond school walls.

Music

Students participate in group music lessons, learning instruments like the recorder and xylophone through the Orff approach. Regular choir practices and performances, such as winter concerts, help build confidence and teamwork. Music is integrated into daily school life, bridging cultures and languages.

Sports & Movement

Daily physical education focuses on motor skills, coordination, and teamwork. Primary years programme students can join after-school clubs like basketball and gymnastics. Annual events like Sports Day and swimming programs encourage active participation and healthy competition.

Science & Discovery

Students explore hands-on PYP units like “How the World Works,” conducting experiments in the school garden and nature-based projects. STEM Week brings in guest scientists for interactive learning. Curiosity and problem-solving are at the core of every lesson.

Art & Drama

Students explore creativity through painting, sculpting, collaborative murals, and more. Drama is also part of the PYP, with activities like class plays and role-playing. Their work is proudly shared each year in the school-wide art exhibition.

Outdoor Learning

Learning extends beyond the classroom with forest days, weather tracking, and garden projects. Students engage in planting, composting, and environmental studies, fostering a connection with nature and practical science skills.

Curious what a day looks like for a primary school student?

Every day at Cologne International School Primary is filled with movement, creativity, and learning. Explore our sample timetable for Grade 3 and 4 to see how it all comes together.

Check Time Table

Parents & Teachers Growing Together

Our active Parent-Teacher Association (PTA) creates opportunities to learn, volunteer, and shape the CIS experience. Join monthly meetups, workshops, and social events where families and educators collaborate as one community.

Extracurricular Program

We offer extracurricular activities Monday-Friday from 14:45 to 17:30 (until 16:15 on Fridays). Students can choose from sports, arts, languages, and more – including football, acting club, language courses, and music ensembles. All activities are supervised by school staff.
Download Complete Club List with Schedules

Download Full School Year Calendar

Commonly Asked Questions

How does the PYP prepare my child for middle school?

Through inquiry projects and bilingual foundations, students develop critical thinking and language skills that smoothly transition them to the MYP.”

Our EAL (English) and GFL (German) programs gently support beginners, most students become fluent within a year.

Minimal and playful (e.g., reading together). We focus on in-class discovery.

oin workshops, volunteer for ‘Mystery Reader’ days, or share cultural traditions with students.

Primary Years Programme students Moments

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Apply Now!

At Cologne International School Primary, we support curious, bilingual learners through small classes and the IB PYP framework. If you’re considering a place for your child in the next year, we’d love to hear from you!

Check Availability & Apply Now
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Grade 3/4 Timetable Example
Time Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday
07:00 - 08:00 Early Supervision Early Supervision Early Supervision Early Supervision Early Supervision
08:00 - 09:30 Unit of Inquiry Unit of Inquiry Unit of Inquiry Unit of Inquiry Unit of Inquiry
09:30 - 10:00 Snack & Recess Snack & Recess Snack & Recess Snack & Recess Snack & Recess
10:00 - 10:30 Instrumental Kung Fu Instrumental Tai Chi Instrumental
10:30 - 12:00 Unit Unit Unit Unit Tai Chi + Unit
12:00 - 13:30 Lunch & Recess Lunch & Recess Lunch & Recess Lunch & Recess Lunch & Recess
13:30 - 14:30 Unit
Math, German, English, Social Studies		 Swimming Library Music Unit
14:30 - 15:30 Spanish Clubs Art Unit Clubs
15:30 - 16:30 Spanish Spanish Spanish
16:30 - 18:00 Late Clubs Late Clubs Late Clubs Late Clubs
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Amazon Jungle

Throughout February, 2024, 25 of our CIS students embarked on a long journey to the Amazon Jungle in Iquitos, Peru. Students worked hard the previous months to raise funds to be able to create their community service project with the local communities of El Chino in the Tahuayo Region of the Amazon basin. Once there, our 25 students, along with our three teachers and the guides at the lodge they stayed in, participated in a whole day community service project where students built two complete Primary School classrooms. Our students built 20 desks and 20 chairs from scratch with the help of the local community and finished the day by putting the new furniture inside the classrooms. Thanks to this initiative, the students were able to fill up two classrooms that are now providing full day education to the children of the community. At CIS, one of our pillars of excellent education is understanding the privilege that comes with being an IB student and an international school student, and the importance of being global citizens. With this, comes the responsibility of being stewards of the communities that inhabit this world and the importance of giving back and being change makers!
Time Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday
08:15 - 09:45Targeted LearningSpanish / French / EALMathThe ArtsHumanities
09:45 - 10:15Snack & Break
10:15 - 11:15HumanitiesThe ArtsEnglishEnglishPersonal Growth
11:15 - 12:15MathEnglishScienceScienceGerman / GAL
12:15 - 13:15Science
13:15 - 13:45Lunch & Break
13:45 - 14:15Spanish / French / EALHomeroomGerman / GALSportMath
14:15 - 15:15German / GALClubsClubsClubsClubs
15:15 - 16:45ClubsCubsClubsClubsClubs
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Primary Years Programme (PYP)
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