Academics At DIS

To provide a safe, secure and conductive environment in which each child enjoys learning

The curriculum at DIS emphasises the acquisition of knowledge, understanding, critical thinking, and problem-solving abilities for all students attending the school. We believe that every learner is unique and special and that they all have the ability to learn. We believe it is our responsibility as educators to nurture and develop every learner to prepare them for life. DIS curriculum promotes a strong foundation in the academic disciplines, a broad exposure to liberal arts and several opportunities to pursue individual interests.

The curriculum is based on the Multiple Intelligence Theory. Multiple Intelligence approach develops each student’s strength and creates a deep level of understanding that allows children to use what they have learnt in new and different situations. A typical day at DIS is a mix of academic and non-academic classes, sports, music, dance, art, hobbies, library or Computer.

Pre – Primary Curriculum

Don't tell me the sky is the limit when there are footprints on the moon." This is what our tiny tots are ingrained with from the time they step into the portals of DIS Pre-Primary section

The Early Years (EY) programme at Delhi International School comprises of:

Reception(Nursery)
Transition(PPI)
Foundation(PPII)

We at DIS Pre-School follow a blend of the Play way, Montessori Method, Waldorf, and The Reggio Emilia Approach. It is based on self-directed activity, hands-on learning, and collaborative play. The classroom environment with the teacher as facilitator offers age-related activities to guide learning. Our curriculum includes cognitive, fine and gross motor skills developing activities. We use a variety of play-based and structured activities striking a fine balance between both teacher-led and student-initiated play.

In the DIS frame work of curriculum, there are three main and four specialized areas of learning.

In the main area of learning we have:

1. Communication And Language Development

  • Listening and attention.
  • Understanding.
  • Speaking are taken care.

2. Physical Development

  • Moving and handling.
  • Health and self-care.

3. Personal, Social, Emotional Development

  • Making relationships.
  • Self-confidence and self-awareness.
  • Managing feelings and behaviors.


In the more specialized areas of learning we have:

1. Literacy

  • Reading.
  • Writing.

Language developing stories, rhymes, phonics are some of the highly effective methods of teaching that are used at DIS.

2. Mathematics

  • Numbers.
  • Shape, space and measures.

Pre-mathematics (logical reasoning, matching; object, size and colour recognition.) also forms an important part of our curriculum.

3. Understanding the World

  • People and communities.
  • The world.
  • Technology.

We emphasize a lot on General Knowledge for the child's social and environmental development.

4. Expressive Arts and Design

  • Exploring and using media and materials.
  • Being imaginative.

Our curriculum focuses on making the child a globally competent 'Human Being' by bringing out the best in him through coordinated dance, music and art & craft.

Pre-School Environment

The environment in DIS is extremely child-friendly and the infrastructure has been developed keeping in mind the needs and comfort of a toddler. Fully equipped classrooms with child sized furniture, indoor and outdoor play area and toys have all been developed in such a way so as to bring about the child's cognitive and physical development in the most comfortable manner. A specially designed Pre-school library is our strength.

Pre-School Daily Routine

Our main objective is to make sure that the child has had a productive day in school. We plan our daily routine in such a manner which helps us achieve this objective. The day starts with the Morning Prayer at the Assembly followed by child development activities ranging from knowledge enhancing worksheets to dancing, singing, drawing and painting. Songs and rhymes according to the monthly curriculum are also intricately woven into our daily planner. Encouraging children to eat healthy food in the company of their friends also forms a part of their day. The day ends with thanking God once again.

The progress of each student is monitored through observations, work samples, photographs, e-portfolios and meetings with parents. We want the students in the early years to be confident, successful and have a sense of self and develop their independence. We recognize that each child is special and unique with their own individual needs, abilities, and talents. This caring holistic environment is where the staff foster a warm nurturing learning atmosphere in partnership with parents. In doing so, we highlight and celebrate each child's abilities, talent and success.

Under the respectful supervision of our teachers, your child will be taught the simple, yet important aspects of life. That includes thinking, creativity, making meaningful choices, taking responsibility, interacting and working effectively with others and along with this, they acquire the capability to give wings to imagination, to think in the abstract, acquire language skills, build social skills, solve problems, understand someone else’s perspective, learn essential life skills from adults, discover leadership skills, safely explore the world beyond and acquire confidence and a sense of self.

The greatest development is achieved during the first years of life, and therefore it is then that the greatest care should be taken.
- Maria Montessori