How We Build Confidence in the Primary Years

Confidence is a cornerstone of learning in the primary years. At ICS, we believe that when children feel confident, they are more willing to take risks, share their ideas and become active participants in their learning. This belief sits at the heart of the IB Learner Profile, which encourages students to be communicators, risk-takers and reflective learners.

In a bilingual environment, confidence takes on an even greater importance. Learning and expressing ideas in two languages helps children develop resilience, adaptability and a strong sense of self. At ICS, students are supported to grow their confidence in both English and French, understanding that making mistakes is a natural and valuable part of the learning process.

A wonderful example of this can be seen in PY2 (CP or Grade 1), where students are taking the next step beyond the traditional show and tell of the Early Years and moving into more structured presentations. As part of their PYP learning, they have worked on two meaningful projects. The first invited them to present a festival that they celebrate or that inspires them from around the world, encouraging cultural awareness and personal connection. The second focused on literature: students presented their favourite book, explained the genre and the author, and used descriptive adjectives to bring the story and its characters to life.

These experiences are about much more than speaking in front of an audience. They help children organise their thoughts, express themselves clearly and build confidence at their own pace. This is what makes the ICS difference. Rather than sitting in silence copying answers or learning by heart, our students are encouraged to think, speak, question and share. Through authentic experiences like these, they develop the confidence they need not only for school, but for life.