Where Learning Comes to Life: Open Enrolment for Primary Years at Surabaya European School

At Surabaya European School (SES), education is more than acquiring knowledge — it is a journey of discovery, character building, and purposeful global citizenship. Open enrolment is now available for our Primary Years Programme (Year 1 to Year 6), offering an inspiring and internationally-minded learning experience designed to develop not only academic competence but also personal growth and lifelong curiosity.

Guided by SES’s learner outcomes — independent thinking, adaptability, global awareness, creativity, responsibility, and respect for others — the Primary Years create a strong foundation for future success both in and beyond the classroom. Here, children are nurtured to become thoughtful, compassionate, and courageous learners ready to thrive in an ever-changing world.

International Primary Curriculum (IPC): A Meaningful, Thematic Approach

The Primary Years at SES follow the International Primary Curriculum (IPC), an internationally recognised, research-based curriculum that emphasises both academic and personal development through engaging, thematic units.

Each unit integrates subjects such as Science, History, Geography, Art, Design Technology, and International Studies, all taught through big ideas and essential questions that make learning deeply meaningful. For example:

• In “Brainwave”, students explore how they learn best and take responsibility for their own learning.
• In “People of the Past”, children compare civilisations and appreciate historical influences on our modern lives.
• In “Living Together”, they examine community, roles, and responsibilities, reinforcing SEL (social-emotional learning) and empathy

Students are encouraged to ask questions, investigate problems, collaborate on solutions, and reflect on their learning. This enquiry-based model fosters curiosity, critical thinking, and resilience—skills needed for the world of today and tomorrow.

A Day in the Life of a Primary Learner

The Primary classrooms at SES are active learning hubs filled with joy, challenge, and creativity. Learning is personalised to ensure that every child is appropriately supported and stretched, with small class sizes allowing for targeted instruction.

• Mathematics and Literacy are taught with a strong focus on conceptual understanding and language development.
• Daily reading time and library sessions foster a deep love for books and storytelling.
• Languages (Bahasa Indonesia, French, Mandarin) are offered to support multilingual development.
• PE, Music, and Art sessions help children express themselves physically and creatively.
• Students are also guided in emotional regulation, conflict resolution, and kindness as part of SES’s commitment to holistic education.

Beyond academics, SES develops habits of mind such as persistence, curiosity, and ethical thinking—aligned with the school’s core values of respect, integrity, responsibility, resilience, and compassion.

Community and Connection Through Events

The Primary Years are also filled with opportunities to connect learning with real-world experiences. The school calendar includes a vibrant mix of academic and creative events, such as:

• IPC Exit Points: Students present what they’ve learned at the end of each thematic unit through role-play, artwork, experiments, and multimedia displays.
• Cultural Days & International Week: Celebrating diversity, students dress in traditional attire, share food, perform dances, and explore the heritage of their classmates.
• Field Trips and Local Learning: Regular outings extend classroom learning into the wider community, whether exploring ecosystems, visiting museums, or engaging with local artisans.
• Assemblies and Showcases: Primary students take centre stage to sing, act, share poetry, or lead presentations — building confidence and public speaking skills.
• Student-led Conferences: Older primary students reflect on their progress and take ownership of their learning by guiding parents through their portfolios.

These experiences help children see learning as purposeful, connected, and joyful — reinforcing the belief that school is not just preparation for life, but life itself.

Enrol Today — Join a Learning Community That Inspires

Whether your child is just starting formal education or transferring from another curriculum, Surabaya European School’s Primary Years Programme offers a nurturing and academically rich environment that prepares children for success in secondary school and beyond.

We welcome prospective families to:

• Book a School Tour – see the IPC in action, meet our passionate teachers, and visit our bright, well-resourced classrooms.
• Attend a Parent Info Session – learn more about our curriculum, learner outcomes, and community culture.
• Join our Open House Events – experience our interactive lessons, sample student work, and engage in fun, hands-on activities.

Come discover why SES is the right place for your child to grow, thrive, and become a confident global learner.