Podar International Pre-Primary Programme
Play. Explore. Discover. Learn.
At Podar International School IB Santacruz, the Pre-Primary Programme (Junior KG and Senior KG) offers a world-class foundation for young learners. Our programme integrates the UK Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) and the IB Primary Years Programme, nurturing curiosity, creativity and confidence through play-based inquiry and meaningful exploration in a safe, supportive and stimulating environment.
We believe that young learners grow best in environments where they can wonder, create, express and discover, developing the foundations for a lifelong love of learning.
Learning Through Play
Play is the most powerful way young children explore and understand the world.
Through thoughtfully designed experiences, children engage in activities such as:
- building and block construction
- storytelling and puppet theatre
- drawing and coloring
- rhymes, music and dramatic play
- counting, patterning and mathematical exploration
Educators extend children’s play through conversation, questioning and exploration, helping them develop communication, creativity and problem-solving skills.
A Globally Benchmarked Approach
Our Pre-Primary programme integrates the best of internationally recognised practices, combining:
- the developmental framework of EYFS
- the inquiry-driven philosophy of the IB PYP
- play-based, child-centred learning
Children investigate ideas, collaborate with peers and experiment with materials, developing:
- curiosity and critical thinking
- creativity and imagination
- independence and confidence
- communication and collaboration
Learning Spaces
Our Pre-Primary features thoughtfully designed environments that encourage exploration, creativity and movement.
Adventure Climb
Our climbing wall and play gym encourage children to explore movement, challenge themselves and develop strength and agility in a safe and engaging setting.
The Builder's Wall
An interactive LEGO construction wall where children design, build and collaborate, nurturing creativity and early engineering thinking
Storytelling
A magical space where stories come alive through puppet theatre, dramatic play and storytelling experiences.
Calm & Curiosity Corner
A quiet exploration space where children can reflect, observe, read and explore ideas, nurturing mindfulness and curiosity.
LU Interactive Playground
A dynamic indoor play environment where children develop coordination, balance and physical confidence through active play.
Exploration Learning Studios
Dedicated learning zones for block construction, dramatic role play, sensory exploration and creative arts — where children experiment, collaborate and create freely.
The Podar Pre-Primary Experience
Learning at Podar is filled with joyful experiences that help children build confidence and discover their unique voice.
Wednesday Wonder Stage
Every Wednesday, children are invited to step onto the Wonder Stage and share something they love — a rhyme, a song, a story, a dance or a fun discovery. This joyful open-mic experience nurtures confidence, communication skills and self-expression, celebrating every child's voice.
Fantastic Fridays
Fridays bring excitement through our much-loved Fantastic Fridays, where children participate in themed discovery experiences that combine dress-up, play, creativity and exploration. These experiences transform learning into memorable adventures that spark curiosity and imagination.
A Day at Podar Pre-Primary
Each day offers a thoughtfully designed balance of exploration, play and guided learning.
Children engage in:
- circle time and community building
- phonics and language development
- numeracy through play
- exploration in learning centres
- creative arts and music
- outdoor movement and play
- storytelling and reflection circles
This balanced rhythm ensures that children experience both structured learning and joyful discovery throughout the day.
Growing Curious and Confident Learners
At Podar International School IB Santacruz, our youngest learners grow as:
- curious inquirers
- confident communicators
- creative thinkers
- caring friends
Our Pre-Primary Campus provides a safe, supportive and stimulating environment where children develop the skills, attitudes and confidence needed for their future learning journey.
