IMG 3105copy

Learning at OIA

A shared approach to learning from Early Years through Secondary

This page introduces the educational approach that shapes learning across OIA and connects our international school community in Hoofddorp, the Netherlands. Rooted in our Guiding Values and supported by the IB framework, our approach helps students grow as curious, confident and internationally minded learners.

Our Primary and Secondary pages show how this approach takes shape at each stage of the learning journey.

Learning in Primary Learning in Secondary

Learner Profile and Approaches to Learning

Growing as learners and people across OIA

Across OIA, the IB learner profile and Approaches to Learning help students grow not only academically, but also as thoughtful, reflective and internationally minded people.

The learner profile describes the kind of people we hope students become throughout their learning journey: inquirers, thinkers, communicators, principled, caring and reflective learners who are able to contribute positively to the world around them.

Alongside this, Approaches to Learning (ATL) help students gradually develop the skills they need to learn independently and effectively. These include communication, collaboration, research, self-management and critical thinking skills, which are developed continuously from Primary into Secondary.

At OIA, these qualities and skills are not taught separately from learning, but through everyday classroom experiences, relationships, inquiry and reflection across the school community.

optimist keuze hires 16

Why the IB fits OIA

Developing towards an IB continuum

At Optimist International Academy, we are developing our learning programmes in line with internationally recognised best practice in inquiry-based and concept-driven education within an international school context. The IB is a natural fit for our school because it reflects and strengthens the kind of learning we believe in: thoughtful, challenging and internationally minded.

It supports students in developing a strong sense of self, while also learning to listen to others, value different perspectives and contribute meaningfully to their community.

OIA Primary is a Candidate School for the IB Primary Years Programme (PYP), and OIA Secondary is a Candidate School for the IB Middle Years Programme (MYP), with future development towards the Diploma Programme envisaged.

Only schools authorised by the International Baccalaureate Organization can offer IB programmes. Candidate status does not guarantee that authorisation will be granted.

Want to learn more about IB education?
Learn more about the International Baccalaureate and its programmes on the official IB website.

 

IMG 3074copy 1

Next steps

Explore how this approach takes shape in practice:

Learning in Primary
Learning in Secondary
Admissions