The Ichthus Curriculum

Ichthus School provides a comprehensive and integrated curriculum specially designed to meet learning needs of students from Grades One through Ten.

The Ichthus curriculum uses a holistic approach to develop the whole child. Strong emphasis is given to the development of

• Howard Gardner's multiple intelligences
• Reflective and cooperative learning practices
• Interdisciplinary study incorporating themes from the Indonesian and global contexts
• Values and Lifeskills education based on the Christian faith

The Ichthus curriculum seeks to stimulate curiosity and cultivate a positive attitude towards learning among students.
The academic programme is enriched by field trips, out-of-class learning projects, and a variety of after school activities.

The Ichthus curriculum aims to encourage and celebrate every aspect of each student's creativity.
Artistic expression is harnessed through drama education and a range of exciting performing opportunities.

The Ichthus curriculum strives to nurture a sense of personal responsibility and self-directed learning. Homework is an essential part of developing sound work habits and responsibility in our students. Reflective learning, an integral part of the curriculum, helps students to cultivate critical thinking skills and see greater value in each learning experience.

The Ichthus curriculum is committed to support the infusion of a Biblical worldview, not only as a vehicle of its educational philosophy but as a unified set of principles that are directly or indirectly embedded in each academic subject.

 Key Learning Areas

Primary:

Language Arts, Mathematics, Science, Studies of Society and Environment, Bahasa Indonesia, Mandarin, French, PKN/Character Education, PLBJ Education, Religion and Chapel Time, Music, Art, Drama, Information Technology, Physical Education.

Secondary:

English, Mathematics, General Science, Combined Science, Studies of Society and Environment, Global Perspectives, Economics, Business Studies, Bahasa Indonesia, Mandarin, French, Lifeskills, PLBJ, Religion and Chapel Time, Music, Art, Drama, Information Technology, Physical Education.

 The Ichthus Assessment Policy

School-based Assessment

Students' progress, effort and achievement are monitored in both formal and informal settings using

• performance and behaviour checklists
• scores obtained in review tests and semestral examinations

These are used not only to inform parents, teachers and management, but also to promote and support students' learning.

External Benchmarking

International examinations from reputable institutions provide further academic validation progressively throughout the years of learning:

• International Schools Assessment (ISA) - Grade 3
• Cambridge International Primary Achievement Tests (CIPAT) - Grade 6
• Ujian Sekolah Berstandar Nasional (UASBN) - Grade 6
• Cambridge Checkpoint - Grade 8
• Ujian Akhir Nasional (UAN) - Grade 9
• Cambridge International General Certificate of Education (IGCSE) - Grade 10

 Special Features of The School

Extension Learning Centre

The extension room is designed to help each student choose materials suited to their dominant intelligence based on an understanding of the concept of multiple types of intelligences.

After School Activities

After School Activities will be scheduled on days and at times determined by the administration at the beginning of each term. A fee is charged to defray the costs of outside teaching staff and materials used in the various activities. Activities will vary from year to year and may even vary throughout the year. Some of our own teachers will be in charge of or assist in activities of their choice. Students need to choose carefully as it is hoped they will remain in one activity for one term.

Mandarin / Other Language

Sekolah Ichthus Jakarta (West) offers Mandarin as part of its eclectic curriculum. It may be part of the integrated curriculum or as an after school class. Mandarin teachers (local and expatriate) are fluent in the language and are supervised by a language coordinator. The curriculum developed by the coordinator uses materials from Singapore and China. Ichthus International School (South) has an option of Mandarin or French. These languages are part of Mandarin/ French as Foreign Languages.

Religion Classes

Religion classes for Christian students as well as Chapel time are part of our weekly schedule. Our students will read and study biblical passages and stories that will motivate their understanding and development as Christians. In using the term “Christian”, Ichthus understands the international meaning of the term, that is, a Christian is anyone who believes in and is a follower of Christ.

All students will receive classes in character building, which will impart good biblical values to them.

Library Media Centre

The library has a growing collection of resources including both secular and religious books, encyclopaedia, audio and videocassettes.

A range of reading materials to accommodate all reading abilities and interest areas in English, Mandarin and Indonesian is available.

Spiritual Retreats

“Wisdom in Him” is our motto at Sekolah Ichthus and is an integral part of the School’s philosophy. We feel that it is important for students to have spiritual input to enable them to experience Godly transformation in their lives. Students also need to develop reflection skills to know what is involved in learning to “Listen to God” and to be able to discern right from wrong in their daily lives.

Spiritual Retreats are an essential part of the Ichthus mandate to pastor students. They assist us to fulfil the school’s vision that “everyone who comes has a transformed life” On Spiritual retreats students are given opportunities to:

• 1. Grow In Wisdom

  God wants us to withdraw from the sounds of the city, as Jesus did, in order to meet Him, to know the mind of Christ and to be equipped for service. Jesus both taught and practiced the need to “get away.” On one occasion, when He was with His disciples He said, “Come with me by yourselves to a quiet place and get some rest. So they went away by themselves in a boat to a solitary place.” (Mark 6:31-32 NIV) This means locating a place that provides tranquillity so that the truth of God’s Word can be heard and heeded.

• 2. Recognize their “Calling”

  Retreats provide students with an opportunity to discover their gifts and their God-given calling in life. Not all of our students are Christians however therefore Spiritual Retreats also enable students from other faiths to be challenged to understand the Christian faith.

• 3. Experience Spiritual transformation

  God wants our students to live in the Spirit and to keep in step with the Spirit of God (Galatians 5:23-24). He wants them to continue to depend upon Him for instruction and grow up in faith, hope and love.

In summary Spiritual Retreats

• Provide students with an opportunity to know and grow in Jesus Christ.
• Use a Bible based program where the message of Christ is foremost in every activity.
• Utilize Indonesia’s natural surroundings to contribute to the body, soul and spirit growth of each student.
• Enable students through interdependent living, to socialize with other students and teachers.
• Facilitate a mountain top experience as they learn to reflect and listen to God speaking into their lives.

Excursions / Field Trips

Teachers will endeavour to ensure that every class will participate in at least one excursion per semester and will try to give early warning about these excursions. As the purpose of the school excursions is additionally to encourage independence and bonding among students and teachers in an outside environment, parents are not expected to accompany their students on trips, unless specifically invited as Parent Helpers.