Specialist Subjects

Music in the lower primary years aims to engage and inspire students, fostering a love of music, enhancing creativity, and developing their musical talents and skills.

Through a repertoire of rhymes, songs, and musical masterpieces, children become aware of musical elements and develop their vocal, rhythmic, and aural skills. They also learn to play a variety of instruments and receive an introduction to musical notation. Learning engagements and musical games support multi-sensory learning, build confidence and enthusiasm, and make music lessons fun and enjoyable.

Music in the upper primary years builds on the skills and knowledge acquired in the lower primary, preparing students for MYP music. They engage with more advanced concepts and begin using specific terminology as they develop their instrumental, vocal, rhythmic, and aural skills through repertoire, songs, games, and active inquiry.

Students also explore transdisciplinary themes from an arts/music perspective. A key focus is expanding their instrumental skills, particularly with the recorder. One of the two weekly music lessons is dedicated to learning the recorder and performing in both solo and ensemble settings. This approach allows students to apply their knowledge and conceptual understanding in a hands-on way, experiencing the long-term process of learning an instrument.

At ISH, the Physical Health and Education (PHE) program promotes a healthy, active lifestyle through a blend of physical activity and informed lifestyle choices.

The program emphasizes cooperative learning, teamwork, and a positive competitive spirit while fostering an appreciation for individual differences and abilities. It lays the foundation of essential movement skills needed for lifelong participation in physical activities.

Students engage in activities and lessons organized into five strands: Individual Pursuits, Adventure Challenge, Movement Composition, Games, and Health-Related Activities.

Language acquisition is a key component of the PYP programme, and learning Danish strengthens the connection between school and the local community, enriching students' everyday life in Denmark.

Danish is taught from PYP 1 to PYP 5, with expectations tailored to the abilities and interests of each year level. Students are grouped into Advanced, Intermediate, and Beginner classes based on their learning needs and backgrounds. The expectations, learning experiences, and assessment tasks are adapted accordingly.

The curriculum is organised around six transdisciplinary themes taught throughout the year, along with independent units focused on reading and writing skills. Connections are made between the Danish Language curriculum and the homeroom units of inquiry, with Danish as the host language also being supported and valued in homeroom classes.