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Japan, Nagoya
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The Primary School uses the Primary Years Programme (PYP) and an inquiry-based approach to learning. The curriculum emphasizes student agency, with voice, choice, and ownership in learning. The school offers field trips and excursions and overnight external learning experiences to deepen inquiry, with external specialists such as museums providing authentic learning moments. For example, the school conducted a 2-night-3-day hiking camp in Gujo City to develop independent learning.
Arts are integrated into Sunnyside's curriculum through activities in art, drama, and music to foster creativity. The Kindergarten section specifically highlights ‘Be creative through art activities' and notes that art, drama, and music are essential for developing creativity. Annual events include music performances, such as a Christmas concert in December, demonstrating ongoing arts engagement. The arts program spans both Kindergarten and Primary and is visible in regular performances and artistic activities.
International-mindedness shapes Sunnyside's approach to culture and language. The Primary Education section emphasizes learning Japanese language and traditional culture and includes daily-life elements of ‘Japaneseness' to nurture identity. The curriculum supports global citizenship and cross-cultural communication within its inquiry-based framework. These cultural and language initiatives are embedded in daily school life and events.
A Primary School Student Council provides a formal channel for student voice and leadership. Sunnyside emphasises social and collaboration skills as part of its Approaches to Learning (ATL) framework. Mindfulness and well-being practices, including a school therapy dog named Milo, support social interactions and emotional health. Partnerships with families are encouraged through tools like Class Dojo to maintain home–school connection in daily life.
Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) awareness is embedded in the curriculum to promote social responsibility and a global outlook. The school emphasizes international-mindedness and learning about cultural and societal issues as part of daily life. These elements foster a sense of community responsibility beyond the classroom and guide students to think about their role in the wider world.
Leadership opportunities exist through the Primary School Student Council, enabling students to participate in school decision-making. The school's Student Agency framework develops key professional skills, including thinking, communication, research, and collaboration (ATL). Ongoing emphasis on ownership of learning supports students' development as capable, independent leaders.
Well-being is a formal focus at Sunnyside, emphasizing emotional stability and a balanced approach to learning. The program includes mindfulness practices and a school therapy dog (Milo) to support students' emotional health. Students are encouraged to be active and healthy, with guidance to engage in outdoor play and maintain a balanced diet. Annual events feature sports activities, such as Sports Day, and other outdoor and cultural activities that promote physical health and wellbeing.
Sunnyside International School is located in Gifu City, about a 20-minute train ride from Nagoya, in an area known for the Nagara River and surrounding mountains. The school’s programmes span early childcare (from 6 months) through elementary Grade 6, with kindergarten and a primary department. Sunnyside became Japan’s first PYP authorized “Article one” school in 2016, and its primary programme is underpinned by the IB Primary Years Programme (PYP). The school’s language policy places Japanese as the first language of schooling while increasing English use step-by-step, supported by English specialist teachers. A distinctive feature highlighted on the site is its collaboration with educator James Nottingham’s “Challenging Learning,” including use of the “Learning Pit” model to help students understand what learning feels like.
