In our Reception class, we guide children from the age of five as they take their first steps from playful learning into school life. Our teachers support each child with warmth, patience and experience. As part of the Primary School, Reception gently prepares children for the next stage of learning. They discover reading, writing and numbers in a creative and joyful environment where curiosity and imagination can grow.
We treat every child as a precious and unique individual with special talents. We aim to identify these talents at an early age so that we can support their development effectively.
For this reason, we offer the reception class to children who are five years of age in the last year of kindergarten before starting school. The Reception class is part of the Primary School. The play-based learning activities effectively prepares children for their transition to G1 Primary school. Play is not static. Children play to practice skills, try out possibilities, revise hypotheses and discover new challenges, leading to deeper learning.
Our Reception Class is aligned with the International Baccalaureate (IB) Primary Years Program (PYP) and the Hessen Education Plan (BEP) and combines the joy of playful exploration with the structure of guided learning to provide a holistic and engaging learning experience for each child.
In Reception class, we accompany each child’s social and emotional growth in a caring and supportive environment. Through play and guided learning, children build the confidence and skills they need for school while developing empathy, cooperation and respect for others. By balancing structured, play-based learning with plenty of room for curiosity and discovery, we help every child feel secure, valued and allow a smooth transition to PYP 1.
From the very beginning, we immerse your child in a multilingual world through the daily use of both German and English. In our Reception class, language learning happens naturally through play, stories and interactive activities that spark curiosity and confidence. This early exposure not only builds strong communication skills, but also supports cognitive and social development. Over time, children grow into self-assured, open-minded learners who feel at home in an international environment.
Our state recognition allows you to pay school fees based on your income. In order to enable all children to attend our Primary School including Reception class, the school fees are based on the total amount of your income as a family. The individual contribution is calculated when the school contract is concluded.
Today, she loves the project work at the PYP and talks about her research questions at home. The bilingual approach is a great benefit for us, as is the dedicated team. We particularly appreciate the family atmosphere, the individual support and the creative learning environment. Our daughter feels seen and that makes the difference for us compared to other schools."
Anna
Mother of
Greta (5 years)
Purposeful play is widely recognized as the best method of learning in early education. It allows our children to experience and explore the world around them while promoting social responsibility and cultural awareness.
Together with other children and our educational professionals, your child will develop in an age-appropriate way through co-construction in these areas:
- Language and communication
- Literacy (written culture) and media
- Body, movement and health, but also rest and relaxation
- social and cultural environment
- aesthetic education "free design" and music
- scientific education and basic mathematical experience
In Reception, we follow the guidelines of the Primary Years Programme (PYP), designed by the International Baccalaureate Organization (IBO). It is an interdisciplinary, international programme that addresses social, emotional and cultural needs in addition to academic knowledge. We support your child in learning important skills and values through art, music and movement.
In addition to the IB programme, we follow the Hessen Education Plan (BEP) to learn basic skills and support your child's identity development.
We focus on purposeful play as a learning method for playful discovery of the world and social awareness.
In Reception class, your child experience a learning environment in which German and English are used as a matter of course. The immersion method allows them to learn both languages playfully and without pressure, which not only promotes their linguistic development, but also opens up new, global perspectives and gives them a deep understanding of other cultures.
The children associate language with familiar people and learn German and English at the same time, just as they acquire their mother tongue through continuous contact in daily interaction. Early contact with two languages contributes to a sound understanding. The children not only learn vocabulary and grammar, but also the subtle cultural nuances that make up each language.
We create a trusting, safe and inspiring environment where children are constantly encouraged to make decisions, take risks and reflect on their observations.
Through student led play and focused learning, all children have the time and space to develop into curious and creative thinkers, unique individuals. This also means that we take into account the learning needs and abilities of each individual student in order to plan accordingly. In close partnership with you parents, we support your child in their individual development.
The Reception class, also known as the entry level, is a transitional year between Kindergarten and Year 1 (G1 PYP). It prepares children for school life through playful, language-based, and social learning experiences. Curiosity, independence, and a love of learning are at the heart of this stage.
Children aged five to six can join the Reception class. They benefit from age-appropriate learning experiences that help them develop essential skills and confidence, ensuring a smooth transition into the Primary Years Programme (PYP).
Reception focuses more on preparing children for school. Alongside play-based learning, children develop early skills in language, numeracy, social interaction, and independence. Teaching is bilingual (German and English) and follows both the Hessen Education and Curriculum Framework and the International Baccalaureate (IB) Primary Years Programme.
At Strothoff International School, Reception combines the best of German educational standards with an international perspective. Children learn English naturally, explore cultural diversity, and build key learning skills – an ideal foundation for future bilingual education.
The Reception class at Strothoff International School blends German educational principles with an international outlook. Children are introduced to English early on, experience diverse cultures, and develop curiosity and confidence – providing the perfect start to their bilingual school journey.
Children who attend the Reception class are already familiar with the school environment, teachers, and the bilingual classroom routine. This familiarity helps them begin Year 1 with confidence, independence, and a strong sense of belonging – ready to participate actively in learning from day one.
