Curriculum

The Oakridge International School of Young Leaders curriculum is designed for students aged 3-11 and draws inspiration from the International Baccalaureate Primary Years Programme (PYP). We share the IB’s core philosophy of fostering internationally-minded learners who are not only knowledgeable but also compassionate and inquisitive.

Core Principles:

• Learner agency: Students are encouraged to be active participants in their learning, taking ownership of their goals and exploring their interests through inquiry-based learning.
• Transdisciplinarity: Subjects are not taught in isolation. Connections are made across disciplines, allowing students to see the bigger picture and how their learning applies to real-world situations.
• Concept-driven learning: Students delve into 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 – fostering critical thinking and problem-solving skills.
• Action: Learning extends beyond the classroom. Students are encouraged to take action on their learning through projects and community engagement, fostering a sense of global citizenship.

Curriculum Framework:

Our curriculum is built upon the six transdisciplinary themes outlined by the PYP, integrating core academic subjects like mathematics, language arts, science, and social studies. These themes are explored through engaging units of inquiry, allowing students to develop a deeper understanding of the world around them.

Assessment:

Assessment is ongoing and formative. We utilize a variety of methods to document student progress, including portfolios, self-reflections, observations, and exhibitions. These assessments help us tailor our learning experiences to meet the individual needs of each student.

Benefits:

The Oakridge International School of Young Leaders curriculum offers several benefits:

• Develops critical thinkers and lifelong learners: Students are encouraged to ask questions, research topics, and develop their own conclusions.
• Promotes international mindedness: By exploring diverse cultures and perspectives, students develop a global outlook and understanding.
• Fosters strong communication skills: Students collaborate effectively, articulate their ideas confidently, and practice critical thinking through discussions and project presentations.
• Empowers future leaders: Through action-oriented learning and community engagement, students develop the confidence and skills to become responsible leaders who make a positive impact on the world.

what is IB PYP?

he IB Primary Years Programme (PYP) is an educational framework designed for children between the ages of 3 and 12 years old https://www.ibo.org/programmes/primary-years-programme/. It emphasizes inquiry-based learning, encouraging students to ask questions and develop their own understanding of the world around them. Here are some key aspects of the PYP curriculum:

• Transdisciplinary themes: Subjects are not taught in isolation, but rather explored through six transdisciplinary themes that connect learning across disciplines. These themes include:
  • 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
• Learner agency: Students are active participants in their learning, taking ownership of their goals and exploring their interests through inquiry.
• Conceptual learning: Students go beyond memorization and focus on understanding core concepts that can be applied in different situations.
• Action: Learning is not confined to the classroom. Students are encouraged to take action on what they learn through projects and community engagement.
• Assessment: Assessment is ongoing and formative, focusing on a student’s progress and understanding rather than just grades.

The PYP aims to develop well-rounded individuals with strong critical thinking, communication, and social skills. It also fosters a sense of international-mindedness, encouraging students to appreciate different cultures and perspectives.

Oakridge International School bases its curriculum on the Republic of the Philippines Department of Education’s K+12 Curriculum and augmented by other countries standards. As summed up by the Common Core State Standards Initiative: Standards provide a consistent, clear understanding of what students are expected to learn, so teachers and parents know what they need to do to help them. The standards are designed to be robust and relevant to the real world, reflecting the knowledge and skills that our young people need for success in college and careers. With Oakridge students fully prepared for the future, our students will be best positioned to compete successfully in the global economy.

Our standards define the knowledge and skills students should have within their K-12 education careers so that they will graduate high school able to succeed in entry-level, credit-bearing academic college courses and in workforce training programs. The standards:

• Are aligned with college and work expectations;
• Are clear, understandable and consistent;
• Include rigorous content and application of knowledge through high-order skills;
• Build upon strengths and lessons of current Philippine standards;
• Promotes Life Skills
• Are informed by other top performing countries, so that all students are prepared to succeed in our global economy and society; and
• Are evidence-based.

Our standards are based on the following:

• Math
• Science
• English Language Arts
• Filipino Language Arts
• Social Science
• HELE

Oakridge follows the definition as set by UNESCO, which states “Inclusive Education systems that remove the barriers limiting the participation and achievement of all learners, respect diverse needs, abilities and characteristics and that eliminate all forms of discrimination in the learning environment.” Students with special needs accepted into the program will have their needs addressed and planned based on their Individualized Educational Program. IEP are delivered within the regular classroom setting to the greatest extent possible. An Educational Assistant/ Resource Teacher is required to assist in the delivery of services. Thus, there is a supplementary charge for Inclusion Program.

English

Oakridge International School of Young Leaders offers ESL (English as a Second Language) to all non-English speakers including foreign nationals who seek to learn English for their future endeavors.

Filipino

Oakridge International School of Young Leaders offers FSL (Filipino as a Second Language) to students who have difficulties in understanding and communicating in Filipino.

Mandarin

Oakridge International School of Young Leaders offers Mandarin Class to equip our students another foreign language that will give them an edge in the world. We utilize a more practical approach (speaking, listening and reading – rather than memorization), our Mandarin program is specifically for non-Mandarin/ non-Chinese speakers.

We are proud partners of Scholastic, a global leader in Reading education, to supplement our curriculum. The Scholastic Guided Reading Program supports a comprehensive reading program by integrating differentiated small–group instruction, assessment, and independent practice into your classroom.

Teachers begin by grouping students, then prompt, encourage, and confirm how students apply problem-solving strategies as they read.

Scholastic PR1ME Mathematics

Scholastic PR1ME Mathematics is a world-class program based on effective teaching and learning practices of methods of three nations leading in the world of Mathematics – Singapore, Hong Kong, and the Republic of Korea.

The program has the following objectives:

1. Provide schools with an effective teaching and Math learning practices from top-performing nations
2. Provide practical and meaningful experiences on Math concepts.
3. To give sustainable trainings and professional development to teachers and implementers.
4. To make math learning more engaging by using technology and interactive materials to teach students

Scholastic Prime Mathematics is based on a pedagogical approach and instructional design that:

Teaches via Problem Solving
Develops Metacognition and mathematical thinking
Is effective, measurable and diagnostic
Incorporated professional leaning into the curriculum framework
Uses technology to teach and engage students

Oakridge International School has always been a K12 school. Our Senior Highschool Program (Grade 11 and Grade 12) follows closely Common Core of the United States and is recognized by our country’s Department of Education. . This is in compliance to an International Curriculum. Furthermore, should our students wish to enroll in International Baccalaureate’s Diploma Program which will earn them an IB diploma, we will customise their lesson and learning according to IB curriculum and procedures.

Oakridge International School is authorised by the Department of Education to offer and implement Academic Track, Business and Management (ABM) and Arts and Design Track. Should you have queries, please contact us at 09173111591 or email at [email protected]

Inclusive education means that all students attend and are welcomed by Oakridge International School into the least restrictive learning environment. That often means students learn in age-appropriate, regular classes and are supported to learn, contribute and participate in all aspects of the life of the school.

Inclusive education is about how we develop and design our school, classrooms, programs and activities so that all students learn and participate together.

All children benefit from inclusive education. It allows them to:

• Develop individual strengths and gifts, with high and appropriate expectations for each child.
• Work on individual goals while participating in the life of the classroom with other students their own age.
• Involve their parents in their education and in the activities of their local schools.
• Foster a school culture of respect and belonging. Inclusive education provides opportunities to learn about and accept individual differences, lessening the impact of harassment and bullying.
• Develop friendships with a wide variety of other children, each with their own individual needs and abilities.
• Positively affect both their school and community to appreciate diversity and inclusion on a broader level.

Inclusive education is for everybody. However, individual needs may mean that some students need to spend time out of regular class for a particular purpose. There are always exceptions, but they are in fact EXCEPTIONS.

At Oakridge you can expect the school to provide an Individual Education Plan. This is a plan designed for one student and is a truly individualized document. The IEP creates an opportunity for teachers, parents, school administrators, related services personnel, and students (when appropriate) to work together to improve educational results for our students with disabilities. The IEP is the cornerstone of a quality education for each child with a disability. There is also a plan to support teachers and students through good inclusive practices —like collaboration, team work, innovative instructional practices, peer-strategies, and more.

Enrollment Procedures:

1) Inquiry – Please contact our SPED department for more information about INCLUSION.

2) Submission of Requirements:

• Clinical Diagnosis by Developmental Pediatrician
• Psychoeducational Analysis
• Eye Test Result
• Hearing Test Result
• Previous Report Cards, Narrative Reports and IEPs (Individualized Educational Plan)

3) Assessment

4) Enrollment

Vocational Education in SPED Department equips special needs students with useful competencies and skills to be gainfully employed, integrate successfully into society, and lead independent and satisfying lives. The new framework outlines the philosophy, vision, objectives and learning outcomes of vocational education. It also includes a series of guides to help SPED teachers and professionals to implement a structured programme of vocational education for their students with special needs. The guides will address the following areas:

• Vocational Assessment Toolkit to help gather each student’s Skills,Knowledge, Interests and Preferences (SKIP) to plan and review their Individualised Education Plans for positive job outcomes;
• Vocational Guidance to guide the students in matching their SKIP to suitable vocations;
• Curriculum for competencies and skills for employability to equip the students with industry-specific skills and social emotional competencies and work habits to become employed and stay employed; and
• Work Experience to facilitate multiple work experiences for students in authentic work settings while still at school so as to help them to make better decisions about their eventual career choices. At the same time, students could apply and hone important work-related skills and work habits under the supervision and guidance of a job coach, before transiting into industry-based settings.

*For more information about the Vocational Preparation of our SPED Department, please do not hesitate to contact Mr. Jayson Farro at 09065255035.

Oakridge International School offers ESL (english as a second language) to all non-english speakers including foreign nationals who seek to learn English for their future endeavours. Our ESL program is held after school at no additional cost.

Oakridge International School offer Mandarin Class to equip our students another foreign language that will give them an edge in the world. Using Singaporean curriculum in teaching mandarin and a more practical approach (speaking, listening and reading – rather than memorization), our mandarin program is specifically for non-mandarin/ non-chines speakers.

For School Year 2016-17, we have 4 chinese teachers from Philippine Chinese Education Research Centre and a coordinator from Harbin, China.

Oakridge International School promotes International Mindedness by means of equipping our students with communication skills necessary to succeed in the world. Through foreign language program (Mandarin, Korean, Japanese, French, Spanish, etc.), we prepare our students to be linguist and communicators in the world.

Oakridge International School is an IB candidate school. Our curriculum is based on IB transdisciplinary approach on teaching and reflecting and making meaning. As an IB world school, we aim to produce learners who are :

They develop their natural curiosity. They acquire the skills necessary to conduct inquiry and research and show independence in learning. They actively enjoy learning and this love of learning will be sustained throughout their lives.

They explore concepts, ideas and issues that have local and global significance. In so doing, they acquire in-depth knowledge and develop understanding across a broad and balanced range of disciplines.

They exercise initiative in applying thinking skills critically and creatively to recognize and approach complex problems, and make reasoned, ethical decisions.

They understand and express ideas and information confidently and creatively in more than one language and in a variety of modes of communication. They work effectively and willingly in collaboration with others.

They act with integrity and honesty, with a strong sense of fairness, justice and respect for the dignity of the individual, groups and communities. They take responsibility for their own actions and the consequences that accompany them.

They understand and appreciate their own cultures and personal histories, and are open to the perspectives, values and traditions of other individuals and communities. They are accustomed to seeking and evaluating a range of points of view, and are willing to grow from the experience.

They show empathy, compassion and respect towards the needs and feelings of others. They have a personal commitment to service, and act to make a positive difference to the lives of others and to the environment.

They approach unfamiliar situations and uncertainty with courage and forethought, and have the independence of spirit to explore new roles, ideas and strategies. They are brave and articulate in defending their beliefs.

They understand the importance of intellectual, physical and emotional balance to achieve personal well-being for themselves and others.

They give thoughtful consideration to their own learning and experience. They are able to assess and understand their strengths and limitations in order to support their learning and personal development.