Early Years
The Early Years: Shaping Confident Learners Early
Our IB Early Years at MLSI is designed to nurture global citizens from the very beginning. Catering to the children of age group of 3 to 6, it is a transdisciplinary, inquiry-based curriculum that ensures students are not just learning what to think, but how to think, act, and lead in an ever-changing world.
The Early Years journey is a seamless progression of discovery leading to PYP—where EY 1 fosters the initial spark of inquiry-based learning, EY 2 encourages collaboration on big ideas and concept-driven learning, and EY 3 focuses on strengthening foundational ATL skills, enabling students to take ownership of their learning for the transition to the primary years.
Bringing the IB PYP to Life Through Inquiry
Rooted in the IB Primary Years Programme, MLSI is an inquiry-based learning school where inquiry is a natural way of thinking and learning, supported by a thoughtfully designed ecosystem of purposeful play, agency, and real-world exploration.
EY Core Philosophy
Rooted in the IB framework, the programme nurtures internationally minded students by developing conceptual understanding, the IB Learner Profile attributes, Approaches to Learning (ATL) skills, and meaningful action. Our youngest learners build essential communication, thinking, research, social, and self-management skills to become compassionate, responsible global citizens.
Purposeful Play and Inquiry
Purposeful play and inquiry-based learning encourage children to explore ideas, investigate questions, solve problems independently, and develop creativity, confidence, and collaboration skills.
Agency and Visible Thinking
We encourage students to exercise their voice and choice in their projects while learning to reflect on their own thought processes. Together, these practices build metacognition, and critical thinking skills that define a true IB learner.
Learning Environments and Real-World Exploration
Our thoughtfully designed, premium learning spaces, sensory experiences, specialist studios, and real-world explorations spark imagination, and encourage students to build, test, and explore their ideas.
Expertise is woven into our daily rhythm as students move beyond the homeroom to collaborate with specialist educators in purpose-built environments—enriching our transdisciplinary curriculum through Arts, Movement and Wellness, the Explorer’s Hub, the ECA Framework, and the Village Philosophy.
Nurturing Young Minds Through Developmental Pillars
Aligned with the PYP, the Early Years experience is built upon three interconnected pillars. Students develop 21st-century skills such as problem-solving and self-expression, creating a strong foundation for lifelong learning and overall development.
The Early Learner
- Capable, curious, and full of potential
- Learns through play and inquiry
- Builds confidence, identity, and self-expression
Early Learning and Teaching
- Purposeful play and inquiry-led learning
- Engaging environments that spark creativity
- Develops communication and critical thinking
The Early Learning Community
- Strong partnership between children, educators, and families
- Inclusive ecosystem that fosters belonging
- Nurtures compassionate, globally minded citizens
Curious to know more? Explore the EY curriculum framework in detail.
Discover an Early Years parent’s perspective on how MLSI nurtures confident, curious, and independent learners—ready to transition seamlessly into the Primary Years Programme.
FAQs
The IB Early Years Programme (IB EYP) is an inquiry-based learning approach for young children that lays the foundation for the IB Primary Years Programme (PYP). Through play-based, child-centred experiences, the programme nurtures curiosity, creativity, communication, and social-emotional development. At MLSI, the Early Years Programme helps children build the confidence and skills they need for lifelong learning.
We offer a structured schedule that respects the developmental needs of each age group within our IB Early Years Programme (EYP):
Playgroup to EY 2: 8.10 AM to 12.45 PM
EY 3 (The Transition Year):
- Mon and Wed: 8.10 AM to 4 PM (Includes compulsory extracurricular programmes)
- Tue and Thu: 8.10 AM to 3 PM
- Fri: 8.10 AM to 2.15 PM
From EY 3, ECAs are an integral part of the week within our Early Years Programme.
- Termly Choice: Two days a week, students can choose from a variety of school-led activities. These choices can be refreshed in Term 1 and Term 2 to encourage broad exploration.
- Specialised Options: On the other two days, we offer optional paid ECAs where parents can opt for more specialised external coaching or niche activities right on campus.
We prioritise transparent, real-time communication through our My School One App.
- Daily Updates: Teachers post daily summaries of what was taught in class so you can engage with your child about their day.
- Visual Journey: We upload weekly photos to the app, giving you a window into your child's explorations and milestones.
- Direct Sync: The app also manages all official emails and notices, ensuring you never miss an important update.
At MLSI, excellence is non-negotiable. All our educators are IB-trained professionals who understand the nuances of the IB Early Years Programme and the IB Primary Years Programme (PYP). Furthermore, our staff undergoes regular Professional Development (PD) and pedagogical audits to stay at the forefront of global early childhood research.
No. At MLSI, mealtime is a key part of our Learning for Life curriculum. Breakfast and lunch are provided at school. This helps children develop the skill of independence, from learning to use cutlery to understanding nutrition and trying diverse foods alongside their peers.
The day is a rhythmic blend of community and discovery within our IB Early Years curriculum:
- Morning Circle Time: Setting the day's intention and building social bonds.
- Play and Exploration: The core of our morning, where children develop social-emotional grit through guided play.
- Specialist Classes: Throughout the week, children transition to dedicated studios for Pottery, Music, Dance, PE, and Art.
We take a holistic approach to wellness. In addition to our classroom teachers, we have an in-house Special Educator and School Counsellor. We also conduct specialised wellbeing classes to help children navigate their emotions, build empathy, and develop resilience.
We believe in a strong home-school partnership. We hold four official Parent-Teacher Meetings (PTMs) per year and unique Student-Led Conferences. Beyond these, we maintain an open-door philosophy with multiple informal interactions throughout the term.
Yes. For the convenience of our families, safe and supervised transport is available starting right from Playgroup. Each bus is staffed to ensure your child's commute is safe, social, and comfortable.