Three Languages, Endless Possibilities – ITSW International Trilingual Primary School
ITSW — an international primary school in Warsaw where language becomes a tool for acquiring key academic skills.
In grades 1–3, a good command of language allows children access to the full curriculum. At ITSW, students learn in three languages, and classes are conducted in the target language—English and Spanish or French or Chinese, or Japanese—as well as in Polish, taught as a native and as a foreign language.
In grades 1–3, children develop basic academic skills through:
- language education,
- mathematics education,
- science studies
- social education,
- physical education,
- music and art education.
It is during these years that language becomes not just a subject but a tool for exploring the world and acquiring knowledge.
ITSW Primary School Curriculum (Grades 1–3)
Multilingual Educational Projects – a Foundation for Academic and Social Development
In grades 1–3 at ITSW, children develop social, academic, and emotional skills through multilingual projects that combine learning with exploration.
At our school, mathematics and science are taught bilingually (in English and Polish or English and French), while language, literature, and social and cultural education are taught trilingually, in combinations of English and Polish with Spanish or French or Chinese orJapanese.
Music, art, and physical education are taught in one language in a natural, engaging way that supports child development.
Thanks to our individualized approach, children reach new developmental milestones at their own pace, building self-confidence, a joy in learning, and a sense of achievement.
How Do Children Learn in Grades 1–3?
Thanks to the multilingual and multicultural ITSW program, children enter the world of primary school confidently, curiously, and joyfully, learning openness, perseverance, and respect for others.
Students in grades 1–3:
- improve their reading, writing, and math skills,
- discover their first books in three languages,
- learn about the fascinating world of nature through experiments and observations,
- learn to cooperate, communicate, and function in groups,
- acquire knowledge about the world through social and cultural education.
The ITSW early years program is coherent and spiral—developing from nursery to middle school. It combines play with learning, supports the development of competencies needed at subsequent stages of education, and builds a solid foundation for further trilingual education.
Education with Effects Visible Far Beyond the School Walls
At ITSW, we believe that education is more than just a curriculum. In our primary school (grades 1–3), children prepare for life in a global, multicultural world, learning to have a real impact on their surroundings.
Students participate in international projects, community outreach activities, and a variety of activities that transform school knowledge into practical experience, and give learning real meaning and the joy of exploring the world.
International Projects and Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
The ITSW curriculum is divided into trimester modules, each focusing on one of the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
Students participate in projects such as Inspired Citizens and the Guardian Project, through which they discover how they can positively impact the world.
Each first trimester of the school year also includes an educational trip in Poland, which combines class integration with practical application of knowledge acquired in the classroom. Children learn how their actions affect real-life situations beyond the school walls.
Extracurricular workshops and passion development in six languages
At ITSW, we care about children’s development beyond academics. We know that true education extends beyond the classroom, which is why we offer a comprehensive program of after-school workshops. Our workshops cover artistic, musical, linguistic, cultural, scientific, and social areas, allowing children to develop their passions and discover new interests.
The workshops are offered in six languages, enabling students to:
- broaden their interests,
- discover new areas of knowledge,
- develop language skills naturally,
- learn to transfer knowledge from school to everyday life.
Our workshops go far beyond the core curriculum, fostering curiosity, creativity, and a broad perspective of the world in children.
School Events, Culture and Community
At ITSW, we celebrate diversity and teach children that diversity is their true strength. Multiculturalism is the foundation of our school, and every student can be proud of it.
Every spring, we organize unique events that combine learning, art, and culture:
Xmas Show – a spectacular, full-stage artistic performance;
Language and Culture Festivals – unique presentations of cultures and languages,
numerous activities during which children develop self-confidence, stage skills, and collaboration.
These are moments when students can express themselves, celebrate their backgrounds, and build pride in diversity, while discovering the joy of creating and learning together.
Green Schools and Nature
An integral part of ITSW’s education is annual field trips.
Each year, we explore a new region of Poland, and students participate in a five-day program that develops independence, cooperation, and responsibility.
We ensure logistically and emotionally safe conditions, as well as eco-friendly travel—we travel by train wherever possible.
Language Exchanges and International Trips
As a trilingual and multicultural school, ITSW offers students:
- language exchanges with partner schools,
- holiday trips to language-specific countries, including annual trips to China and Spain.
These experiences deepen language and cultural knowledge and build global competencies for the future.
The Place of Languages in ITSW Primary School (grades 1–3)
In grades 1–3 of primary school, language is a tool for acquiring knowledge, not a separate subject. This means that a good command of the language enables students to fully benefit from the curriculum and actively participate in school life. Thanks to the OPOL (One Person – One Language) principle and daily language immersion, students—including those just joining our school—develop their skills naturally, just as children do in unilingual French, Spanish, British, or American schools.
At the same time, we recognize that not all children begin their education at ITSW from a young age, so our program is designed to support various levels of language proficiency.
Does My Child Need to Speak Three Languages to Get into ITSW?
We require a communicative knowledge of one of the languages of instruction (English, French, Spanish, Chinese, Japanese).
Children new to a trilingual environment can learn other languages through:
- natural immersion,
- ongoing contact with native-speaking teachers,
- language modeling during daily activities.
What If My Child is a Native Speaker of English, French, Spanish, Chinese or Japanese?
At ITSW, locuteurs natifs develop their native language while simultaneously learning two additional languages through immersion. This is incredibly valuable—both for them and for the entire class, which benefits from authentic language and culture modeling.
What If My Child Doesn’t Speak Polish or Another Language Taught at ITSW?
At ITSW, many students begin their studies without yet knowing Polish or the second language of instruction. That’s why we offer an intensive Language Support program that helps children quickly and safely transition into a trilingual environment.
How do we support children who don’t speak Polish and are starting language learning from scratch?
- Intensive Language Support classes (from grades 2-3),
- Rapid development of language skills,
- No academic backlogs—children attend classes in the language they already know,
- Ability to catch up in 1-2 years.
With bilingual and trilingual teaching, students acquire knowledge comfortably, and they naturally acquire new languages through immersion and the OPOL method.
What If My Child Didn’t Learn the Language in Preschool?
If children were not immersed in a foreign language before the age of 6 and had no intentional contact with it, they can still catch up in grades 2 and 3. However, it’s worth remembering that language immersion in primary years of school is a process that takes time, so systematic support and an appropriate educational environment are crucial.
What If My Child Hasn’t Started Learning the Language in Preschool?
In first grade, language is not a “subject to be learned,” but a tool for working in the classroom. Therefore, we accept children in first grade who have a conversational level of English, French, Spanish, Chinese, or Japanese. This allows them to participate freely in lessons while also benefiting from support from Language Support classes if needed.
We Don’t Assign Homework
We believe that true learning happens at school and through experience, and that after-school time should be devoted to play, discovering passions, and family life. Instead of traditional homework, our students learn through practical projects and activities at school that connect knowledge with everyday experience. They develop independence and curiosity about the world instead of reproducing ready-made solutions. They have time for extracurricular interests, creativity, and social relationships, which are crucial for comprehensive development. At ITSW, education is an adventure, not a chore at home – this is how we teach children to love learning and discover the world independently. We ask parents for cooperation, not just for completing assigned work.
News – What’s New in Grades 1-3?
Peek into the world of grades 1-3 – full of projects, shared experiences, and everyday discoveries. Here you’ll find the latest events and stories from our students, straight from the Lower Primary campus.
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What Do Parents Say About the ITSW Trilingual Primary School (Grades 1–3) in Warsaw?
Parents of students in Grades 1–3, from Warsaw and from international families, value the individual approach, safe school environment, and the daily development of three languages.
Trilingual education at ITSW provides children with strong foundations for further learning in Poland and abroad.
Have Questions? Contact Us!
Call, write, or visit us in person at our campus in Królowej Aldony st. in Saska Kępa. We’re here to help you choose the best educational path for your child.