Primary School

Welcome from the Head of Primary School

The Primary Years are a vital foundation in a child’s educational journey. It is where curiosity is sparked, confidence begins to grow, and a lifelong love of learning is nurtured. 

At Amity, we follow the principles of the International Baccalaureate Primary Years Programme, combining strong academic foundations with inquiry-based learning. From the earliest years, students are encouraged to ask questions, explore ideas, and develop a deep understanding of the world around them. Our curriculum is designed to build essential skills in literacy, numeracy, and critical thinking, while fostering creativity and independence. 

Learning in the Primary Years extends far beyond the classroom. Through our co-curricular activities, collaborative projects and community experiences, students develop social skills, resilience, and a sense of responsibility. They learn how to work with others, communicate effectively, and take pride in their contributions. 

Equally important is the care and attention given to every child. With dedicated teachers, a supportive pastoral system, and strong home-school partnerships, we ensure that each student feels known, valued and inspired to achieve their best. 

We want to ensure that every child leaves the Primary Years as a confident, capable and curious learner, ready to thrive in the next stage of their education and beyond. 

Mrs Nienke de Jong
Head of Primary School

 

Curisosity. Confidence. Those are the foundations for learning that we need from our young learners. 

Mrs nienke de Jong

Early Years (Ages 3–5)

 

Early Years is where a child’s curiosity is taken further. At Amity, we combine the IB Primary Years Programme (PYP) with structured skill development, creating a nurturing environment where children explore, question and communicate with confidence. 

Learning extends beyond the classroom through Forest School, co-curricular activities, and our trips.  

 

Learn more about early Years

Early Years Key Areas of Learning

  • Language & Communication – confident speaking, listening and early literacy 
  • Numeracy & Problem-Solving – foundational mathematics and logical thinking 
  • Social Development – collaboration, empathy and teamwork 
  • Creativity & Exploration – play-based inquiry and Forest School experiences 

Forest School encourages children to engage with nature, take safe risks, and develop confidence, curiosity and resilience. 

IB PYP Enhancements

  • Learner Agency & Inquiry – children actively shape their learning, fostering independence and critical thinking 
  • Transdisciplinary Themes – stronger links between human, natural and conceptual understanding 
  • Play as Learning – recognised as a central driver for inquiry and development in Early Years 

These updates ensure our Early Years programme is internationally recognised, inquiry-led, and focused on holistic development. 

Primary Years (Ages 6–11)

Primary Years is where curiosity grows into deeper understanding. At Amity International School Amsterdam, we combine the IB Primary Years Programme (PYP) with structured academic development, creating a supportive environment where students inquire, think critically and communicate with confidence. 

Learning extends beyond the classroom through experiential opportunities, co-curricular activities, and our House system, helping students build resilience, independence, creativity and strong social connections. 

Learn more about Primary Years

PYPX (Exhibition)

The PYP Exhibition (PYPx) is a culminating, student-led inquiry in the final year, where learners research real-world issues, take action, and present their understanding with confidence 

These enhancements ensure our Primary Years programme is internationally recognised, inquiry-led and focused on developing knowledgeable, confident and compassionate learners. 

Primary Years Key Areas of Learning

  • Language & Communication – developing confident public speaking, listening, reading and writing skills 
  • Numeracy & Problem-Solving – strengthening mathematical understanding and analytical thinking 
  • Social Development – encouraging collaboration, empathy and responsible citizenship 
  • Creativity & Exploration – fostering inquiry, innovation and real-world connections across subjects 

Latest IB PYP Enhancements

  • Learner Agency & Inquiry – students take ownership of their learning, building independence and critical thinking 
  • Transdisciplinary Themes – meaningful connections across subjects and real-world contexts 
  • Concept-Based Learning – deepening understanding through big ideas that transfer across disciplines