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 At PVIS we feel that the primary school years are a very important developmental stage for a child.
From the introduction of their first school setting in Prep to the leadership roles taken in Year 7,the way children develop through this stage is exclusive. At PVIS we aim to provide unique experiences for individuals.
We believe a good educational programme:
- Caters for the needs of the individual through a wide range of learning experiences, extension classes and individualised programmes
- Teaches the fundamental concepts of the various academic disciplines
- Develops the intellectual life skills of information gathering, organisation, analysis, synthesis, critical thinking, decision making and communication
- Encourages those intangibles that enhance the quality of life: humour, sportsmanship, aesthetic appreciation, caring and commitment
- Promotes self-esteem and respect for others and for the environment
- Encourages creativity and spirit of inquiry
- Develops positive attitudes towards learning and applying what is learned
The Primary Years at Port Vila International School is from Prep to Year Seven.
Our primary school teachers are professionals in the classroom, thoroughly dedicated to the students’ learning. They have proven expertise in classroom strategies and management. Our teachers vary instruction to meet the needs of each learner within the larger classroom setting. There are no streams or labels at PVIS.
Curriculum
As our students are from such differing backgrounds, our curriculum is based on a variety of syllabuses. The academic focus is on literacy and numeracy balanced with programmes in Science, Technology, Studies of Society and Environment, The Arts and Health and Physical Education. Our school also offers French as a language study, taught by a specialised French teacher.
Language Support
To cater for the many nationalities at PVIS, we offer initial, and often ongoing support to students from non English speaking backgrounds. The language support teacher specialises in assessing and individualising programmes to suit particular needs.
Homework
All students are required to complete some homework each weeknight. Teachers will inform parents on homework requirements at the beginning of each school year. Home reading is a very important part of the homework programme. Students will have a home reader to bring home each night. Mathematics activities will also be sent home each night to complete for consolidation of classroom learning. Other subject areas may also be sent home for completion.
Reporting to Parents
A variety of reporting formats are used at PVIS.
A structured portfolio is one form of ongoing assessment used. Samples of work are collected during the year and put together in a portfolio clear file. These portfolios are outcome based in line with the levels of our curriculum. The portfolios are sent home mid- year and at the end of the year. It becomes one document of a student's progress through the school and is given to students on completion of Year 10 or departure from PVIS.
Parent/Teacher interviews are conducted mid year. Parents are also welcome at any time during the school year to make an appointment to discuss their child’s progress.
School reports are sent home with students at the end of each school year as an assessment of students’ academic and social progress. The portfolio will accompany the school report.
French
A specialist French teacher is employed for the junior school. All classes, including the Early Education Centre students, have regular French lessons.These lessons include oral and written practise of the French language.
Sport and Physical Education
PVIS recognises that physical development is equally as important for children as cognitive and social development. The Physical Education and Sport programmes have been developed to encourage individual and group involvement, physical fitness, co-operation, development of movement, competence, leadership, sportsmanship and confidence. There is an emphasis on variety, fun and sense of achievement.
School sport is conducted weekly along with regular physical education lessons. A variety of activities are available for all students.
Recreational activities are also offered in the community to stimulate good use of leisure time.
Inter-house House System
The school is divided into three groupings called ‘houses’ which are named after the three national colours. The houses are
Elo (meaning Sun) - Yellow
Vanua (meaning Land) - Green
Nakabu (meaning Fire) – Red.
Each child will be allocated to a house on enrolment. Inter-house activities are not limited to sport but include cultural activities, classroom work and general care of the environment. House groupings give students opportunities to mix and get to know a wider cross section of the school.
Excursions
Most students will go on an excursion during the school year. Organised excursions generally coincide with topics being studied at school. Due to the unique cultural existence in Vanuatu, students are fortunate to experience diverse activities at PVIS.
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