Kindergarten (IEYC)

International Early Years Curriculum (IEYC)

The International Early Years Curriculum (IEYC) is designed for children aged 2 to 5+ years and provides a strong, nurturing foundation for lifelong learning. At Brookes Moscow, the IEYC supports young children’s natural curiosity through purposeful play, exploration, and carefully structured learning experiences.

Research-informed and child-centred, the IEYC recognises the importance of early childhood development and places relationships, environment, and individual growth at the heart of learning.

What is the IEYC?

A Holistic Approach to Early Learning

The IEYC is a holistic curriculum that supports children’s personal, social, emotional, physical, and cognitive development. Learning is organised through engaging, play-based units that allow children to explore ideas, ask questions, and make meaningful connections.

Four guiding principles underpin the IEYC:

— Learning is interconnected

— The child is central to the learning process

— Positive relationships are essential

— A supportive environment enables growth

Together, these principles create a safe and stimulating foundation for young learners.

IEYC Learning Strands

Independence & Interdependence

Developing personal, social, and emotional skills that help children understand themselves, build relationships, and grow in confidence.

Communicating

Supporting language development, early literacy, listening, speaking, mark-making, and creative expression.

Enquiring

Encouraging curiosity, exploration, and early mathematical and scientific thinking through hands-on investigation and play.

Healthy Living & Physical Wellbeing

Promoting physical development, healthy choices, and fine and gross motor skills.

Living in a Global Community

Introducing children to their immediate community and the wider world, fostering early international-mindedness.

The IEYC Learning Process

Learning in the IEYC follows a simple but powerful cycle that keeps the child at the centre:

Capture
Teachers observe children’s interests, starting points, and questions.

Reflect
These observations inform playful, meaningful activities within engaging thematic units.

Improve
Ongoing assessment supports next steps in learning, ensuring each child’s development is nurtured and extended.

This cycle allows learning to remain responsive, personalised, and purposeful.

Why the IEYC at Brookes Moscow?

The IEYC provides an ideal foundation for our international educational journey.

A Seamless Start
The IEYC prepares children naturally for the thematic and inquiry-based learning of the IPC in Primary.

Child-Centred & Playful
Wellbeing, agency, and exploration sit at the heart of early learning.

Globally Minded from the Start
Children develop early awareness of different cultures and perspectives.

Aligned with Our Holistic Mission
The curriculum nurtures confident, curious, and well-rounded learners.

Example IEYC Unit: Healthy Habits

In the Healthy Habits unit, children explore what helps their bodies feel strong and energised through hands-on, imaginative activities. They take on roles as chefs in a role-play kitchen, scientists sorting foods, and athletes developing movement skills through games.

The unit supports independence, communication, physical wellbeing, and emotional awareness, while encouraging children to care for themselves and others. Learning culminates in a celebratory Wellness Fair, where children proudly share their work with the school community.