Curriculum Night at Tessa International School
Curriculum Night is an interactive information session hosted by schools all over the country a few weeks after children get back to school every year. It takes place at all levels, from early years to high schools; in public and private schools alike.
Typically, teachers make short presentations focusing on curriculum, routines, expectations, homework assignments and the concepts, skills, and knowledge that will be addressed and attended to during the year–all of which are crucial for a successful year ahead for your child.
A blend of best educational models at Tessa:
Tessa’s mission is to prepare children to be leaders of the 21st century and happy world citizens. At Tessa, we provide a world-class education, based on the most successful international models. This means that we blend French, Spanish, and New Jersey State Standards and combine them with a progressive educational model called the International Baccalaureate (IB) Primary Years Program (PYP). We are currently a candidate school for implementing the IB PYP starting from this month and we hope to get authorized by the end of the academic year 2020-21. The authorization journey is a rigorous process and a transformative experience for the entire learning and teaching community including parents.
The IB PYP is a curriculum framework designed for students aged 3 to 12 years. The PYP transdisciplinary framework focuses on the holistic development of the child as an inquirer–both at school and beyond. The PYP practice is informed by the latest research in how students learn, how educators teach, and the principles and practice of effective assessment. The program places a powerful emphasis on inquiry-based learning.
The International Baccalaureate aims to develop students into inquirers, thinkers, communicators, knowledgeable, principled, caring, open-minded, balanced and courageous learners. To this end, the IB works with schools, governments, and international organizations to develop challenging programmes of international education and rigorous assessment.
Unique Language Immersion in Early Years at Tessa:
At Tessa, we offer a unique opportunity to our young learners to immerse themselves in either Spanish or French stream (and Mandarin starting in September 2021) all day long. Apart from immersing themselves either in their native language or a new language, children are provided with opportunities to explore their environment and learn about their world through play and relationships with peers, teachers, family and community members. The IB believes that young learners are intelligent, resourceful and creative individuals who grow, develop and learn at different rates. At Tessa, we aim to make it a holistic learning experience that integrates social-emotional, physical and cognitive development in a dynamic environment that promotes play, discovery and exploration.
Dual language Immersion in the PYP at Tessa:
It is believed that all learners stand to benefit from dual language immersion. Starting from Grade 1, native French or Spanish speakers maintain and develop their first language while acquiring native like linguistic skills in English language or vice versa. Besides language acquisition, children inquire and learn math, content areas (social studies, science) and specialist subjects such as visual arts, music, technology and P.E. through inquiry-based learning. Children will learn to take responsibility for their learning and construct their own understanding in a variety of content areas and strive to become life long learners.
What to Expect on the Curriculum Night at Tessa:
- Meet the school leadership team including the founder, the Head and the Deputy Head of the school and the program coordinators.
- Meet your child’s teacher in the classroom to gain an insight into what and how your child will be learning this year. Get a glimpse of the daily schedule, routines, and curriculum expectations for the year
- Get familiar with your child’s learning environment. This is an opportunity for you to sit in your child’s seat literally as the presentation tends to be in your child’s homeroom. You’ll get a feel for their learning environment.
- If you are interested in volunteering, please sign up to become a class parent.
Padmaja Naidu
PYP Coordinator
Tessa International School
