A day at OIA
Familiar routines, with room to explore
Every school day has its own rhythm. Students learn, collaborate, spend time outdoors, eat together and take part in activities that support their academic, social and personal development.
In Primary, children move through a familiar daily routine that combines inquiry-based classroom learning with outdoor play, specialist lessons, sport and other learning experiences. As they grow, they are encouraged to take increasing responsibility for themselves, their belongings and their learning.
In Secondary, the school day becomes more varied and independent. Students move between subject lessons, work with different teachers and learn to manage their time, materials and responsibilities with support from their mentor and teachers.
Across both phases, routines are there to create the conditions in which students can feel secure, participate fully and focus on learning.
Beyond the classroom
Learning happens in many places
Some of the most memorable learning happens beyond a desk. Throughout the year, students take part in educational visits, workshops, sport, cultural activities and projects that connect learning with the wider world.
In Primary, experiences may include museum visits, theatre, nature, sporting events, cultural workshops and school trips. In Secondary, fieldwork, cultural activities, educational visits and Service as Action help students apply subject learning in authentic contexts and engage with the community around them.
Students also have opportunities to make their learning visible. Learning Celebrations and the PYP Exhibition in Primary, and presentations, projects, exhibitions and Service as Action in Secondary, invite students to share ideas, reflect on progress and celebrate what they have achieved.
A community to belong to
Many languages, cultures and perspectives, one community
OIA brings together students, families and staff from different countries, cultures and language backgrounds. We see that diversity as a strength. It creates opportunities to listen to different perspectives, share traditions and experiences, and learn from one another.
Students have a voice in school life through our Student Councils, where they can share ideas and contribute to the development of their school community. Families are part of that community too. Parents and family members can volunteer at activities and trips, share their language, culture or professional experience, support school events or help welcome families who are new to OIA.
For families arriving in a new country or community, those connections can make a real difference. Our aim is for students and families to feel known, welcomed and part of OIA from the beginning.
After the school day
For Primary families who need care beyond school hours, bilingual after-school care is available through UniKidz, located within the OIA Primary building. Children can relax, play, be active and explore their interests in an English- and Dutch-speaking environment that complements the multilingual character of OIA.
