Educational Programs
PRIMARY YEARS PROGRAM (PYP)
The Primary Years Program (PYP) is implemented in alignment with the Ministry of National Education curriculum. It aims to nurture global citizens who know their language and culture, are inquisitive and reflective, think critically, communicate effectively, take risks, are balanced, open-minded, principled, and capable of making thoughtful decisions.
The PYP curriculum is structured around six transdisciplinary themes:
Who We Are
Where We Are in Place and Time
How We Express Ourselves
How the World Works
How We Organize Ourselves
Sharing the Planet
Under each theme, inquiry-based units are developed, and learning is guided by the PYP’s core elements: knowledge, skills, attitudes, concepts, and actions.
GEMS SCIENCE AND MATH PROGRAM (Great Explorations in Math and Science)
Early childhood is a period in which children constantly explore, discover, and ask questions, driven by their natural curiosity.
The GEMS program, developed by the Lawrence Hall of Science at the University of California, Berkeley in 1984, builds on children’s innate:
Curiosity for learning
Research and exploration skills
The program aims to introduce children to the fundamentals of science and mathematics through engaging, hands-on activities.
Program Goals:
Develop inquisitive and questioning minds
Enhance critical and multidimensional thinking skills
Foster positive attitudes toward science
Research shows that early science and math education significantly supports children’s understanding of fundamental concepts and school readiness.
Through science and math activities, children:
Gain scientific skills such as observation, experimentation, research, analysis, and discovery
Actively learn mathematical concepts including classification, grouping, matching, sequencing, measurement, and spatial awareness
Key Features of the GEMS Program:
Engaging activities that stimulate curiosity and interest
Hands-on, active learning of fundamental science and math concepts
Experiencing the full process of scientific inquiry
Inclusive education for all learning styles (visual, auditory, tactile, kinesthetic)
Interdisciplinary learning opportunities
SECOND STEP PROGRAM
Social and emotional skills are supported through the Second Step Program, developed by Committee for Children and implemented in over 70 countries, reaching 30 million children. Since the 2017–2018 academic year, the program has been applied at İSTEK Schools.
The Second Step Program promotes social-emotional development in the school environment from preschool to 4th grade. It helps students develop empathy, emotional regulation, problem-solving, and collaboration skills. Research shows that the program also enhances academic achievement, positively influences school climate, and improves student behavior.
ASSESSMENT AND EVALUATION
Assessment and evaluation are integrated at every stage of the program, including: initial assessment, process evaluation, and final evaluation. Its purpose is to measure and interpret changes in all areas of child development resulting from the planned learning activities. Assessment results are used both to improve the program and to determine the effectiveness of education, always aiming to support children’s growth and learning.
Assessment Tools Include:
Observation records
Anecdotal records
Developmental checklists and standard tests
Portfolio presentations each term
Development reports covering all developmental areas each term
Rubrics based on subject-specific observations (English, Physical Education/Swimming, Computer, Chess, Science & Math, Music, Art, Ballet, Folk Dance, etc.)
Individual parent-teacher meetings each term
Achievement assessment forms completed for each child
From kindergarten through all primary school levels, these tools systematically track student development, provide data for necessary interventions, and aim to enhance the overall quality of education.
