Sunnybrook School

The SBS curriculum includes the IB Primary Years Programme (PYP) alongside Singapore mathematics, a comprehensive language program, daily French, arts & music, and Physical Education. The program uses an inquiry-based approach with the learner at the center, encouraging students to construct meaning by exploring concepts and collaborating with peers. It emphasizes social-emotional well-being as part of the learning and supports a one-to-one iPad program with a digital citizenship curriculum developed with Common Sense and Project Zero from the Harvard Graduate School of Education. Enrichment beyond the classroom includes class visitors, author visits, and field trips to deepen understanding.

Arts & Music are integrated across the IB programme. Visual arts, music, drama and dance are taught as ways of knowing within the Program of Inquiry. Each year includes an arts unit under the theme How We Express Ourselves, and the school holds an annual Art Show in the Arts Studio. The Musical is staged annually and involves students from Grade 1 to 6, with opportunities in drama, public speaking, and choral performance through the SBS Choir and Sunnybrook Singers.

French begins in daily classes starting in JK, with language learning positioned as foundation for multilingualism and global citizenship. The French program uses varied teaching methods, including drama, stories, and music, and connects with the Program of Inquiry to enrich learning. The IB values multilingualism as part of global citizenship, and language learning is a required element of the PYP.

Sunnybrook offers a variety of clubs at lunch and after school. Meaningful learning extends beyond the classroom with enrichment such as class visitors, author visits, and field trips. Students also participate in performing arts through drama and the annual musical, and in public speaking opportunities; there are choir groups that develop performance skills.

Sunnybrook takes an active role in the local community and beyond, with events such as Orange Shirt Day and the Terry Fox run. Students are encouraged to take initiative to propose actions to support the community and world, with staff support but student-led organization. Students share their cultural celebrations in assemblies and classes, and IB alignment gives them opportunities to be active and contributing members of society locally and globally.

Leadership opportunities are rich and varied for older students; younger students benefit from mentoring by older peers. Students can assume leadership roles in Eco Club, at the annual musical, leading assemblies, giving tours, on sports teams, or in the learning studio. In Grade 6, students serve as House Heads, ambassadors for the school, guide tours for new families, help with events, and participate in the Grade 6 Graduation.

Mindfulness and mental health are embedded in daily life at SBS. Staff have undergone mindfulness and mental health professional development, and practices include mindfulness sessions, mental health breaks, one-on-one teacher–student meetings, and community sharing circles as part of the curriculum. The program emphasizes balancing intellectual, physical, and emotional well-being for students.