IB Primary Years Programme (Grades 1-5)

“Igniting Curiosity. Building Foundations.”

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

Primary Education for Global Explorers

At Cologne International School, our IB Primary Years Programme (PYP) sets the stage for lifelong learning from Grades 1–5. With a unique bilingual concept, small classes, and inquiry-based learning, children grow in two languages, develop confidence, and explore the world with curiosity and joy.

Bilingual Concept

"Two teachers, two languages"

Each class has one German- and one English-speaking teacher. About 50% of lessons are taught in each language, ensuring natural fluency in both by the end of Grade 5. Students don’t just translate — they live the languages through immersion, examples, and real-life application.

Inquiry-Driven Curriculum

"Qualified for the future"

As an IB Continuum School, we combine the IB PYP framework with the NRW state curriculum. Core subjects — language, math, science, social studies, arts, music, and sports — are taught through six-week transdisciplinary Units of Inquiry. Students connect concepts, ask meaningful questions, and apply their learning in real-world projects and field trips.

Child-Friendly Learning

"Hands-On Learning and Movement"

Learning comes alive through projects, experiments, and field trips. Students discover answers through curiosity and collaboration with lots of movement embedded throughout the curriculum and lessons every day.

Small Learning Groups

"Optimal support"

With about 20 students and two teachers per class, each child is seen, supported, and challenged at their own pace. Individual strengths are nurtured, and tailored lessons ensure that every student thrives.

Holistic Development

"Social, Emotional and Physical Wellbeing"

Education at CIS nurtures both mind and heart. Guided by the IB Learner Profile, children learn empathy, reflection, courage, and responsibility. They discover talents, build resilience, and grow into open-minded, responsible world citizens.

Extracurricular & Enrichment

"Skills, Friendships, Growth"

After-school clubs run Monday–Friday, offering engaging activities for students — from sports and games clubs to acting, music, and various art clubs. All activities are supervised by qualified instructors and teachers and designed to foster skills, friendships, and confidence.

How Students Are Supported

Every child receives individualized attention in a nurturing learning environment. Lessons are tailored to learning levels and styles, supported by enrichment or remedial lessons where needed. Language support is available for newcomers to English or German. Families are partners in the journey through regular updates, events, and open communication.

Transition to MYP

By the end of Grade 5, PYP graduates are fluent in English and German, confident learners, and ready for new challenges. With strong inquiry skills, independence, and social-emotional growth, they transition smoothly into the IB Middle Years Programme (Grade 6), supported by teachers across PYP and MYP who collaborate to ensure continuity in learning. All Grade 5 students are assessed for language proficiency in both English and German to ensure they are placed at the correct language learning level and receive appropriate support as they continue their language journey.

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 Grades 1-5.

Commonly Asked Questions

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

Our EAL (English) and GAL (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.

Join for art projects, hold little presentations in class if the expert in a field we are studying.

Primary Years Programme students Moments

Apply Now!

Curious to see how we inspire young learners? Contact admissions or book a tour to learn more about our PYP.

Time	Monday	Tuesday	Wednesday	Thursday	Friday
08:15 - 09:45	Targeted Learning	Spanish / French / EAL	Math	The Arts	Humanities
09:45 - 10:15	Snack & Break
10:15 - 11:15	Humanities	The Arts	English	English	Personal Growth
11:15 - 12:15	Math	English	Science	Science	German / GAL
12:15 - 13:15		Science
13:15 - 13:45	Lunch & Break
13:45 - 14:15	Spanish / French / EAL	Homeroom	German / GAL	Sport	Math
14:15 - 15:15	German / GAL	Clubs	Clubs	Clubs	Clubs
15:15 - 16:45	Clubs	Cubs	Clubs	Clubs	Clubs