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Netherlands, Rotterdam
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Harbour International uses the International Primary Curriculum (IPC) together with elements of the British curriculum to ensure a high standard of education. The IPC develops pupils' knowledge, skills and understanding across subjects, with personal development and international understanding at its heart. Maths is taught with Maths No Problem, a programme based on the Singapore approach that emphasises conceptual understanding. English reading and language literacy are taught with English as an Additional Language (EAL) support for non-English-speaking pupils, and two pilots are being run this year: Talk for Writing for groups 2–8 and Sounds Write for groups 1–3.
Music lessons are offered by a music specialist with instruments including violin, piano, recorder, guitar and drums. Art classes are available as part of co-curricular activities.
Students are immersed in Dutch culture, customs, celebrations and traditions. The school community is transient, with most families staying about three years. English as an Additional Language (EAL) support helps non-English-speaking pupils access the curriculum.
After-school co-curricular activities include art classes, coding club, basketball club, Jumping Koalas club, mindfulness and chess. The school offers instrumental music lessons and activities for parents, such as Pilates and English lessons. The Parents' Support Group (PSG) helps fundraise and organise events, and the school library welcomes volunteers.
The Parents' Support Group raises funds for the school and coordinates volunteering opportunities, including library activities. The PSG document Living in Rotterdam provides guidance for newcomers and practical information for families.
Leadership is provided through a distributive leadership model. The school provides relevant professional development for all staff, linked to the School Improvement Plan, and emphasises collaboration across staff and stakeholders.
Pastoral care is prioritised; Eleanor is the designated pastoral leader and a social worker is available for consultation. There is an Anti-Bullying coordinator, and attendance support is provided. Physical Education occurs twice weekly for groups 2–8, with group 0–1 having PE once weekly; group 4 participates in weekly swimming. Mindfulness and other wellbeing-focused activities are part of the programme.
Harbour International Primary School sits in the heart of Rotterdam, offering an English-taught IPC-based program for ages 4 to 11. The curriculum blends the International Primary Curriculum with elements of the British curriculum, and literacy and numeracy are taught alongside IPC subjects, with English as an Additional Language (EAL) support for pupils who need it. The school serves a diverse community representing 69 nationalities, with around 280 pupils and small class sizes averaging 18. Dutch culture is woven into learning through All about the Netherlands activities, and the school is nut-free with snacks and lunches eaten in classrooms. The library is run by parent volunteers; there is a dedicated technology program and specialist music provision. A qualified gym teacher delivers PE to all pupils; younger children have PE on site, while older pupils walk to a local gym and Group 4–8 swim weekly. Co-curricular activities include coding, art, basketball, mindfulness, chess and music lessons; the Parents' Support Group coordinates volunteering and fundraising.
