Early years
The bilingual Early Years Department at the International School Villa Amalienhof Berlin consists of Nursery, for 2-4 year olds (Nursery for 2-3 year olds and Intermediate for 3-4 year olds) and Reception, for 4-5 ½ year olds. Lessons are taught in English and German. Our secure and protected grounds are the ideal place for children to discover the world around them. Our campus and modern facilities provide an ideal learning environment for your child. In Early Years our teaching method and the activities we offer are based on the Early Learning Goals (Stepping Stones).
In the Nursery class children begin to learn to read and write and are encouraged to develop their fine motor skills, creativity and mathematical understanding in a playful manner. Focal point throughout is the child’s well-being. We aim to help each child to be self-confident and well balanced. Children learn to take turns, to share and to help each other and to follow rules and behave in an acceptable manner.
The Reception Class Develops Learning Ability and Social Competence
In the Reception Class children are encouraged to obtain the abilities they need to learn: to observe, listen, remember, imitate, to handle things with care and to work quietly and concerntrated. Additionally, the child learns to interact with children and adults who are not part of their family circle.
Come and visit our campus and meet our families and our staff. You are welcome to arrange trial days.
| 08:30 | Arrival |
| 08:35 | Registration |
| 08:40 – 09:00 | Class time |
| 09:00 – 09:45 | Period 1 |
| 09:45 – 10:30 | Break |
| 10:30 – 11:00 | Period 2 |
| 11:00 – 11:30 | Period 3 |
| 11:30 – 12:30 | Lunch |
| 12:30 – 13:30 | Period 4 |
| 13:30 – 14:15 | Period 5 |
| 14:15 – 15:00 | Period 6 |
| 15:00 – 15:45 | Period 7 / Break |
| 15:45 – 16:00 | Break / Registration |
| 16:00 – 16:30 | Supervised activites |
| 16:30 | End of School |
Pick-up times are flexible for Kindergarten children.
| 08:30 | Arrival |
| 08:35 | Registration |
| 08:40 – 09:00 | Class time |
| 09:00 – 09:45 | Period 1 |
| 09:45 – 10:30 | Period 2 |
| 10:30 – 11:00 | Break |
| 11:00 – 11:45 | Period 3 |
| 11:45 – 12:30 | Period 4 |
| 12:30 – 13:30 | Lunch |
| 13:30 – 14:15 | Period 5 |
| 14:15 – 15:00 | Afternoon programme /Period 6 |
| 15:00 – 15:45 | Afternoon programme / Period 7 |
| 15:45 – 16:00 | Break / Regitration |
| 16:00 – 16:30 | Supervised activities |
| 16:30 | End of School |
The Early Learning Goals (Stepping Stones) documents are a basis for our foundation stage curriculum. The curriculum is divided into six areas:
- Communication, Language and Literacy
- Mathematical Development
- Creative Development
- Personal, Social and Emotional Development
- Physical Development
- Knowledge and Understanding of the World
- A pair of indoor shoes – we recommend black plimsoles
- A change of school uniform – accidents do happen and it is much more pleasant to change into your own clothes
- Sports kit – including black shorts / jogging trousers, white t-shirt, sweatshirt and sports shoes
- In winter your child also needs a warm coat, snow trousers, scarf, hat and gloves as weather permitting, we play outside
- In summer, a sun hat and a named bottle of spray suntan lotion
- Toothbrush and toothpaste, named and replaced each term
- Snack and drink daily, (Please send a healthy snack, we promote healthy eating within school – no fizzy drinks or chocolate / sweets)

