Learning beyond the classroom

Experiences that make learning real

Educational visits and activities are an important part of learning at OIA. They allow students to explore ideas in authentic settings, make connections with their curriculum and experience the wider community.

In Primary, students may take part in visits to museums, theatres, nature locations, sporting events and cultural activities. Workshops and visiting specialists can also bring new experiences directly into school. As students grow older, longer trips and experiences can support independence, collaboration and a stronger sense of community.

In Secondary, educational visits, workshops, fieldwork and cultural activities support subject learning, interdisciplinary projects and Service as Action. Students are encouraged to use what they learn in meaningful contexts and to recognise how their choices and actions can contribute to the world around them.

Sport and culture

Exploring interests, movement and creativity

Sport, movement and cultural experiences form an important part of a balanced school experience. OIA works with local organisations to broaden the opportunities available to students.

At OIA Primary, Team Sportservice Haarlemmermeer supports active lunchtime opportunities and helps connect the school with local sport and movement initiatives. Students can take part in activities that encourage movement, teamwork and healthy habits.

We also connect learning with cultural opportunities in Haarlemmermeer. Through local partners and cultural organisations, students can experience theatre, music, dance, visual arts, media, reading and other creative forms of expression.

Sharing and celebrating learning

Making progress visible

Students learn deeply when they have opportunities to reflect on their work, explain their thinking and share what they have discovered with others.

In Primary, Learning Celebrations invite families into the learning process. Students share selected work, activities or presentations and reflect on their progress. In the final year of the PYP, the PYP Exhibition brings together inquiry, action and reflection as students investigate an issue or opportunity of personal and global relevance.

In Secondary, presentations, exhibitions of learning, interdisciplinary projects and Service as Action activities give students opportunities to communicate their ideas, celebrate progress and engage with an audience beyond the classroom.

Student voice

Students helping shape their school

We want students to experience that their ideas matter. The Student Councils in Primary and Secondary provide a structured way for students to share ideas, raise topics that are important to them and contribute to school development.

Representatives listen to their peers and meet with staff to discuss feedback, initiatives and possible improvements. Through this, students practise communication, responsibility, participation and active citizenship while helping to make OIA a positive and inclusive place to learn.

An international and multilingual community

Many languages, one community

Our students and families bring many languages, cultures and traditions to OIA. We see multilingualism and cultural diversity as resources that enrich learning and strengthen our community.

Throughout the year, students, families and staff have opportunities to share and celebrate the languages and cultures represented at school. This may happen through intercultural events, language activities, parent reading moments, classroom contributions and other community celebrations.

Home languages are welcomed as part of students’ identity and learning. By creating space for different perspectives and experiences, we help students develop confidence in who they are while becoming curious about the people and world around them.

Families as part of OIA

A strong school community grows through participation

Parents and family members are important partners in school life. Families can contribute in many ways: helping during activities or school trips, supporting reading or library activities, assisting with Primary swimming, sharing cultural traditions or professional expertise, or contributing to community events.

We know that international families may arrive at different points in the school year and that joining a new school can also mean finding your way in a new country, neighbourhood or language environment. A welcoming community can make that transition easier.

Class Parents

In Primary, Class Parents help the class teacher with practical, non-educational matters, such as coordinating volunteers for activities, trips or events. They can also help create an informal parent network and make new families feel welcome.

Questions about learning, individual students, school policy or concerns should always be discussed directly with the class teacher or school leadership rather than through Class Parents.

Welcome Team

Our Welcome Team helps new families make connections within the OIA community. Where possible, families may be connected with current parents through a shared language, neighbourhood, previous country or another useful connection.

At the beginning of the school year, we share opportunities for parents to volunteer or contribute to community activities. Families who join later in the year are equally welcome to get involved.

Participation Council

Having a voice in school development

Like other schools in the Netherlands, OIA has formal participation structures through which parents, staff and, in Secondary, students can contribute to discussions about school policy and development.

The Participation Council is consulted on matters such as educational direction, safety and wellbeing, the School Guide and the holiday schedule. Depending on the subject, the council has the right to receive information, provide advice or give formal consent.

The council represents the wider school community rather than individual cases. Families who are interested in school development are encouraged to follow its work and consider participating when vacancies arise.

Policies

Community & Activities