Primary School
Fully bilingual education with the Dutch curriculum and the International Primary Curriculum (IPC). Small classes, personal attention.
The Best of Both Worlds
Our primary school combines the Dutch curriculum with the International Primary Curriculum (IPC). Children receive education in both Dutch and English, preparing them optimally for either return to the Netherlands or continuation of international education.
Our vision on bilingual education
At the Dutch School, we believe that multilingualism is a strength, a key to connection, understanding, and success in an international world. We offer education in which Dutch and English are used in balance, so our students are firmly rooted in Dutch and Flemish culture and can communicate confidently in an international environment.
Our bilingual education is more than receiving lessons in two languages. It is a thoughtful approach in which students learn language through meaningful experiences, within rich themes from the International Early Years and Primary Curriculum (IEYC/IPC). This way, children grow into true global citizens: flexible in language, culture, and thinking.
Through this approach, students develop not only two strong language systems, but also a deeper language awareness (metalinguistic awareness). They learn to think about language, recognize differences, and use strategies that strengthen their learning capacity. This stimulates their creative, social, and cognitive development, and prepares them for diverse onward education paths; both internationally and Dutch-speaking.
Our teachers work purposefully on rich knowledge and skills, with attention to play, inquiry, reflection, and self-insight. Students discover how their brain works, learn how they themselves influence their growth, and experience the joy of learning in two languages.
The strength of our bilingual education lies in the balance between familiar and international: Dutch as a solid foundation, English as a window to the world. This way we create an environment in which students can be themselves, experience connection with others, and grow with confidence into multilingual, curious, and open-minded global citizens.
Our Approach
Kindergarten Education (Groups 1-2)
In our kindergarten groups, we lay a solid foundation for lifelong learning through play. In a rich, bilingual learning environment (3 days Dutch, 2 days English) full of play, discovery, and wonder, children grow in language, self-confidence, and social skills. Through meaningful IEYC themes, we stimulate curiosity, creativity, and a natural development in both Dutch and English.
Lees meer / Read more›
Dutch-speaking kindergarten education is internationally recognized as powerful and future-focused. In our kindergarten groups, we lay a solid foundation for lifelong learning. Young learning is discovering, wondering, and growing, and that is what our kindergarteners do every day in a rich learning environment full of play, language, and curiosity. Our education is bilingual: three days a week in Dutch and two days fully in English. This way, the children build a natural foundation in both languages, without separate language lessons. Our kindergarten classes are set up with various corners full of play, learning, and development materials, inviting discovery and collaboration. We work with themes from the International Early Years Curriculum (IEYC) and devote much attention to social-emotional development. We track development with the KIJK! observation system. Our kindergarten class is a safe, cheerful, and stimulating place where every child has the space to grow; in language, in self-confidence, and in wonder.
Pedagogical and Didactic Approach
At the Dutch School, the development of the child is central, both as a student and as a person. In a safe, warm, and structured environment, children learn not only what they learn, but also how they learn. Our teachers stimulate curiosity, self-confidence, and ownership, with attention to executive functions, talent development, and getting to know their own brain. Together we build brain-friendly, future-oriented education in which every child blossoms.
Lees meer / Read more›
At the Dutch School, we believe that children only truly learn when they feel safe, seen, and valued. Our teachers play a central role in this. They are not only teachers, but also guides in the broad development of every child, with attention to head, heart, and hands. Within our heterogeneous groups, students naturally learn to work together, take responsibility, and consider one another. The basis of our pedagogical approach is shaped by our five golden rules: 1. We make sure everyone feels safe at school. 2. We are friendly and kind to one another. 3. We take good care of our own and others' belongings. 4. We let each other play and work undisturbed. 5. We trust each other. Using the brain powers from Breinhelden, the personal goals of the IPC, and a talent-focused lens, we strengthen not only knowledge but also character. Our education is purposeful, child-centered, and inquiry-based.
Broad Development
At the Dutch School, we look beyond just academic performance. We guide children in their cognitive, social, creative, and physical development, so they can grow with confidence, resilience, and curiosity. With attention to ownership, talent development, and global citizenship, we create an environment in which every child learns with head, heart, and hands.
Lees meer / Read more›
At the Dutch School, we believe learning goes beyond knowledge alone. We guide children in their broad development; cognitively, socially, creatively, and physically, so they meet the world with confidence and curiosity. Our teachers stimulate students to think independently, collaborate, and reflect. Within IPC education, personal goals such as resilience, empathy, respect, and responsibility are central. Programs like Breinhelden help children understand their emotions, stay focused, and persevere; qualities that contribute to growth, self-confidence, and joy in learning. Alongside a strong academic program, we offer space for creativity and talent development. During our Skills Clubs, students discover new interests in art, music, sport, woodworking, and gardening. Movement is also a regular part of the weekly program, with weekly gym and swimming lessons for all groups. As an international Dutch-speaking school in a diverse community, we devote much attention to citizenship and global citizenship.
Curriculum
Dutch Curriculum
- Dutch language
- Reading comprehension
- Spelling
- Writing
- Mathematics
IPC (International Primary Curriculum)
- Thematic learning
- Science
- History
- Geography
- Arts & Culture
English Lessons
- Listening
- Speaking
- Reading
- Writing
Assessment & Tracking
We use observation and student monitoring systems to track each child's progress. In group 8, students take the official transition test.
- KIJK observation system for groups 1-2
- CITO student monitoring system for groups 1-8, benchmarked with the Netherlands
- Transition test in group 8
- Pearson Young Learners English Benchmark
- Regular progress reports to parents
Want to Know More?
Discover how our bilingual education can prepare your child for the future.