Core Academics at Our British School in Casablanca
Language Arts, Mathematics, Science & Units of Inquiry — built on the IB PYP and British curriculum to give every child the academic confidence to succeed globally.
- British School Overseas Accredited
- IB PYP World School
- Small Class Sizes
- Since 2011
At the International School of Morocco, core academics form the foundation of everything our pupils achieve. Our programme in Language Arts, Mathematics, Science, and Units of Inquiry is built on the International Baccalaureate Primary Years Programme (IB PYP) and aligned with rigorous British School Overseas standards giving children in Casablanca the academic confidence and critical thinking skills to succeed both locally and internationally.
As one of the leading IB schools in Morocco, ISM combines structured skill-building with an inquiry-based learning approach. Rather than learning facts in isolation, our pupils explore meaningful questions that connect Language Arts, Mathematics, and Science across real-world themes. This is what makes core academics at our British school in Casablanca different — we teach children not just what to know, but how to think.
With small class sizes and experienced international educators, every pupil receives the personalised attention they need to build strong foundations in literacy, numeracy, and scientific understanding.
What We Offer in Core Academics
Our ISM curriculum covers four integrated academic pillars, each designed to develop well-rounded, independent learners who are prepared for the next stages of their education at any international school worldwide.
Developing Confident Readers, Writers, and Communicators
Language Arts at ISM is about much more than reading and writing. As a central pillar of our core academics programme, it develops pupils as confident communicators who can express ideas clearly, listen actively, and engage critically with texts. As an English school in Casablanca, we provide support for both native English speakers and English language learners.
- Reading & Comprehension — Building fluency, vocabulary, and the ability to analyse texts from fiction to informational material.
- Writing — Developing skills across narrative, persuasive, informational, and creative writing with emphasis on structure, grammar, and voice.
- Speaking & Listening — Encouraging pupils to articulate ideas, present with confidence, and listen respectfully to diverse perspectives.
- Phonics & Spelling — Systematic phonics instruction in the early years, progressing to advanced spelling patterns as pupils develop.
English is our primary language of instruction, supported by dedicated language programmes that help every child build fluency and confidence.
Building Numeracy, Reasoning, and Problem-Solving Skills
Mathematics is a key component of core academics at our British international school in Casablanca. Our approach goes beyond memorising procedures — it develops mathematical reasoning, the ability to understand why a method works, not just how to apply it.
- Number & Operations — Understanding number systems, place value, and arithmetic with fluency and conceptual depth.
- Measurement & Geometry — Exploring shapes, spatial relationships, and units of measurement through hands-on activities.
- Patterns & Algebra — Recognising patterns, understanding number relationships, and building early algebraic thinking.
- Data Handling — Collecting, organising, and interpreting data through graphs, charts, and statistical methods.
- Problem-Solving — Applying strategies to solve multi-step problems and making connections between mathematical concepts.
Our Mathematics programme follows British curriculum progression standards, preparing pupils for seamless transitions to secondary-level mathematics at international schools worldwide.
Nurturing Curiosity Through Scientific Inquiry
Science at ISM is driven by curiosity and forms one of the most hands-on areas of our core academics offering. Within our inquiry-based curriculum, science is not a subject pupils simply study — it is something they do.
- Living Things — Exploring plants, animals, ecosystems, habitats, life cycles, and biodiversity.
- Materials & Matter — Investigating properties of materials, states of matter, and how substances change.
- Forces & Energy — Understanding movement, magnetism, light, sound, and simple electrical circuits.
- Earth & Space — Learning about our planet, weather patterns, the water cycle, and the solar system.
- Scientific Investigation — Developing skills in observation, prediction, fair testing, and communicating findings.
As one of the best schools in Morocco for primary science education, ISM ensures pupils develop the scientific literacy that the IB PYP and British School Overseas standards require.
Connecting Knowledge Across Subjects
The Units of Inquiry are at the heart of the IB PYP programme and represent what makes core academics at our international school distinctive. These transdisciplinary units connect Language Arts, Mathematics, Science, and the arts into meaningful, real-world investigations.
What Makes Core Academics Different at ISM
What sets core academics apart at the International School of Morocco is our commitment to connecting rigorous academic standards with child-centred, inquiry-driven teaching.
Pupils ask questions, investigate, and construct their own understanding through guided inquiry, aligned with IB PYP and British School Overseas standards.
With personalised attention from our experienced teachers, every child is known, supported, and challenged at the right level.
ISM holds both IB World School status and British School Overseas accreditation ensuring our core academics meet internationally recognised benchmarks.
Core academics are complemented by arts and creativity, physical education, and language programmes nurturing the whole child.
Our British curriculum combined with IB PYP prepares pupils for smooth transitions to secondary international schools in Morocco or worldwide.
Frequently Asked Questions About Core Academics
what subjects are included in ISM's core academics programme ?
Core academics at ISM cover Language Arts, Mathematics, Science, and Units of Inquiry. These subjects are taught through the IB PYP framework and aligned with British School Overseas standards. The Units of Inquiry connect all core academics through transdisciplinary themes, making learning integrated and meaningful.
How does ISM's core academics programme build literacy and numeracy ?
As a British school in Casablanca, ISM follows structured progression in reading, writing, and mathematics aligned with UK benchmarks. Our small class sizes allow teachers to provide targeted, personalised support within core academics, ensuring every pupil develops strong literacy and numeracy foundations from the earliest years.
What role do units of inquiry play in core academics
Units of Inquiry are the centrepiece of the IB PYP programme and the thread connecting all core academics at ISM. They bring Language Arts, Mathematics, Science, and Social Studies together through six transdisciplinary themes — developing research skills, critical thinking, and the ability to make connections across disciplines.