Foundation Years

 At RISS our Foundation Years consist of Grades 6, 7 and 8 (ages 11 to 14 years).  This is a very exciting and precious time in a young person’s life.  It is also a period of transition as students move into secondary school and adolescence.

At RISS, we recognise that each student will experience this new journey differently.  Our core values of Relationships, Respect, Courage and Responsibility stand at the centre of our practice.  We aim to provide an environment and opportunities where students can feel comfortable and confident in their learning, and social and emotional development.

In an inquiry-based setting, we strive for our students to take an active role in their learning. The Foundation Years is a creative programme where students follow a range of subjects that enable them to enter the Middle Years as well-rounded and balanced individuals.  In an international school with more than 70 different nationalities, we celebrate diversity.  Our students all have potential, and bring their gifts and talents.  We aim to provide opportunities to develop these in various settings:  pastoral programme, foreign/heritage language Programme, Learning Diversity programme, extra-curricular activities and also our classrooms.

As a school, we also strive to evolve and enhance our students’ learning by providing unique learning opportunities.  The RISS Rose programme was phased in with Grade 6 in 2021 and is designed specially for this purpose.  For more information on these opportunities please follow the link to our RISS Rose Programme page.

We provide specific support for our new Grade 6 students, who are transitioning into secondary school and welcome students who join our school community throughout the year.  It is important to us that all new students’ learning continue smoothly and that they have the opportunity to find their feet and feel at home at RISS.

Our students are entitled to be happy and fulfilled. With our aims and opportunities we offer, we strive for all students to enjoy their youth, enjoy their learning journey and challenge themselves.

Curriculum offer in Foundation Years:

Grade 6	Grade 7	Grade 8
Core subjects	Core subjects	Core subjects
English Language Arts English as an additional language (only for students who need the additional English support) Dutch Mathematics Integrated Science Integrated Humanities Art and Design ICT Drama Music PE	English Language Arts English as an additional language (only for students who need the additional English support) Dutch Mathematics Integrated Science Integrated Humanities Art and Design ICT Drama Music PE	English First language English as an additional language (only for students who need the additional English support) Dutch Mathematics Integrated Science Integrated Humanities Art and Design ICT Drama Music  PE
Foreign languages (electives) Students select two languages.	Foreign languages (electives) Students select two languages.	Foreign languages (electives) Students select two languages.
French Spanish German Chinese	French Spanish German Chinese	French Spanish German Chinese