Primary Campus

Early Learning Centre (ELC) and Preparatory Classes

At the ELC, toddlers and preschoolers learn through play using the globally recognized IEA Early Years curriculum, with highly trained teachers and a low student-to-teacher ratio (one teacher, three assistants per class). Learning extends beyond the classroom to include music, library, and sports.

The Preparatory class builds the foundation for formal education, utilizing the IEA curriculum which incorporates internationally recognized best practices. Each Prep class has a dedicated teacher supported by two assistants, ensuring a strong start to structured learning.

Prep students engage in a comprehensive curriculum including:

• Literacy: Phonemic awareness, phonics, interactive/shared reading, and writing.

• Mathematics: Number knowledge, measurement, and geometry.

• Integrated Subjects (Inquiry-Based): Science, society & environment, arts, health & personal development.

• Physical Education: Focuses on fine motor skills, simple games, and beginner swimming with water safety.

Specialist teachers provide enriching Music and ICT lessons, bringing extensive experience to connect students with a changing world. We are committed to providing a memorable and impactful learning journey that values each child's academic and personal development.

Our Middle Primary program, encompassing Grades 1 to 4, utilizes a multi-age classroom setting (Grades 1-2 and 3-4). Dedicated and experienced IEA teachers lead each class, supported by a classroom assistant who aids with learning and supervision.

We employ the IEA curriculum, which incorporates globally recognized and effective international teaching methods. This crucial transitional stage prepares students for Upper Primary, and our teachers are equipped with the skills and knowledge to foster both academic and personal growth.

The curriculum for Middle Primary includes:

• Literacy: Phonemic awareness, phonics & word study, interactive and shared reading, and writing.

• Mathematics: Number knowledge, measurement, and geometry.

• Inquiry-Based Learning: Integrated or standalone subjects like science, society & environment, arts, and health & personal development.

• Physical Education: Focuses on developing skills for common games and mastering fine motor skills.

• Swimming: Students continue to refine strokes and water survival skills.

Specialist teachers provide enriching Music and ICT lessons, leveraging their extensive experience to connect students with the evolving world. We are committed to providing a memorable and impactful learning experience that values your child's holistic development.

Our Upper Primary program, covering Grades 5-8, features multi-age classes (5-6 and 7-8), each led by dedicated and experienced IEA teachers supported by a classroom assistant. This crucial stage prepares students for secondary education, with teachers equipped to foster both academic and personal growth.

The IEA curriculum, incorporating globally recognized best practices, forms the core of our teaching and learning.

In Upper Primary, the curriculum includes:

• Literacy: Word study, interactive and shared reading, and writing.

• Mathematics: Number knowledge, measurement, and geometry.

• Integrated Subjects:

  • Grades 5 & 6 utilize an Inquiry-Based approach for integrated or standalone units in science, society & environment, arts, and health & personal development.

  • Grades 7 & 8 study Science, Society & Environment, Arts, and Health and Personal Development as distinct subjects.

• Physical Education: Focuses on demonstrating fine motor skills and understanding game rules.

• Swimming: Students master swimming and water safety skills.

Specialist teachers provide enriching Music and ICT lessons, leveraging their extensive experience to connect students with the evolving world.

As a registered Cambridge Centre, Lae International School offers the Cambridge Lower Secondary and the Papua New Guinea Certificate of Basic Education (PNG COBE) programs. All Year 8 students undertake the PNG COBE in English, Mathematics, and Combined Science, alongside the Cambridge Secondary 1 program and the IEA curriculum. The Cambridge qualification is available to interested fee-paying parents, providing valuable feedback on student strengths through Cambridge Checkpoint tests in English, Mathematics, and Science.