quality and creativity

As an added guarantee of quality and creativity, Westhill elementary schools will begin the International Baccalaureate Primary Years Program (PYP) for all children ages 3 to 12 (Pre-Kinder to grade 5) in the 2011-2012 school year.

The Primary Years Program is an inquiry-based system of education that allows for maximum creativity in teaching and learning methodology for teachers and students alike. Focusing on the development of the whole child - intellectual, social, emotional, and character - the PYP is a giant step forward for Westhill as we continue to strive to fulfill our vision of becoming the best international school in the Americas!

THE PROGRAM OF EDUCATION

Westhill offers two programs for elementary students: the International and the U.S Programs.

International Program students spend half of their day in the American core subjects of language arts, mathematics, natural and physical sciences, history, geography, art, music, physical education and computer skills. Students develop near-native facility with English language skills as they read engaging stories in English and pursue skills development in listening, speaking, writing, spelling and grammar.

In both programs, math concepts include basic operations of numbers, problem solving, measurement, geometry, graphing, as well as probability and statistics. In order for students to develop a solid foundation in science concepts and skills, the Westhill curriculum consists of life science, physical science, earth science, and anatomy. History and geography are also an important part of a child's education and social studies themes include personal, social, and civic responsibilities; economic systems; history of the United States; world history; international political systems,; world geography; and factors affecting human behavior (sociology).

International Program

In the International Program, the second half of the day is spent studying the Spanish curriculum provided by the Secretaría de Educación Publica (SEP). The subjects offered in the S.E.P. Program are mathematics, science, history, geography, civic education, and of course, Spanish literature.

US Program

Westhill also offers a U.S. Program for children interested in instruction only in English and this program is designed for non-Spanish speaking families as well as short-term residents of Mexico. All of the English subjects taught in the International Program are also part of the U.S. Program.

CHARACTER EDUCATION

With the advent of the International Baccalaureate Primary Years Program,
character education becomes an integral part of the academic program.

Teachers will work and plan collaboratively so that there is a consistent and comprehensive emphasis on personal, social, and civic values throughout the instructional period. The values of respect and responsibility are the two general areas of focus for this dimension of the program, but many other aspects of character development are emphasized in all subject areas and all grade levels. At Westhill, our goal is to educate the whole child and the qualities of a child's character are as important as his/her intellectual progress.