A teacher is explaining a topic, speaking with focus and using gestures to emphasize key points
A teacher is explaining a topic, speaking with focus and using gestures to emphasize key points
A teacher is explaining a topic, speaking with focus and using gestures to emphasize key points

Academics & Curriculum at HEWS

At Horizon Experiential World School, academics begin with Finnish pedagogy and curriculum: a research-based approach that helps children learn with confidence, understand concepts deeply, and grow without unnecessary pressure. In the early and primary years, children are encouraged to become curious, independent, expressive, emotionally secure, and ready for lifelong learning. Developed in collaboration with Finland International Education (FINE), Helsinki, the HEWS model brings Finnish education expertise, curriculum content, and teacher training into the school experience.

As students move into higher grades, the Finnish foundation grows toward a planned IB pathway, supported by inquiry-led learning, STEAM, wellbeing, co-scholastic experiences, and real-world application.

Why Parents Choose HEWS

Grade Levels and Curriculum Overview

FINE Expertise Behind the HEWS Model

Finland International Education (FINE) was founded in Helsinki in 2019 by pedagogical and multidisciplinary experts. FINE is also listed as a member of Education Finland, the national education export programme operated by the Finnish National Agency for Education.

For HEWS, this collaboration supports:

  • Classroom depth: Finnish curriculum and education principles translated into daily teaching, routines, activities, and assessment

  • Teacher development: Training and guidance to support classroom implementation

  • Contextual adaptation: Finnish practices adapted responsibly for HEWS students

Children are sitting on the grass, reading a book together

FINE Expertise Behind the HEWS Model

Finland International Education (FINE) was founded in Helsinki in 2019 by pedagogical and multidisciplinary experts. FINE is also listed as a member of Education Finland, the national education export programme operated by the Finnish National Agency for Education.

For HEWS, this collaboration supports:

  • Classroom depth: Finnish curriculum and education principles translated into daily teaching, routines, activities, and assessment

  • Teacher development: Training and guidance to support classroom implementation

  • Contextual adaptation: Finnish practices adapted responsibly for HEWS students

Children are sitting on the grass, reading a book together

FINE Expertise Behind the HEWS Model

Finland International Education (FINE) was founded in Helsinki in 2019 by pedagogical and multidisciplinary experts. FINE is also listed as a member of Education Finland, the national education export programme operated by the Finnish National Agency for Education.

For HEWS, this collaboration supports:

  • Classroom depth: Finnish curriculum and education principles translated into daily teaching, routines, activities, and assessment

  • Teacher development: Training and guidance to support classroom implementation

  • Contextual adaptation: Finnish practices adapted responsibly for HEWS students

Children are sitting on the grass, reading a book together

Beyond Academics: Student Life, Innovation and Wellbeing

At HEWS, learning beyond textbooks is built into the school day. Students grow through sport, music, visual arts, dance, drama, nature clubs, debate, public speaking, leadership opportunities, exhibitions, and community projects.

The campus supports this active way of learning. Flexible classrooms, libraries, art and music spaces, maker areas, nature spaces, calm corners, STEAM labs, and a landmark ship-themed playground give children room to explore, imagine, collaborate, lead, and grow through play.

Innovation is developed through purposeful STEAM experiences, not as a separate activity but as a way of thinking. Through coding, robotics, design thinking, maker-space work, digital media, and technology-enabled learning, students learn to ask better questions, test ideas, interpret data, prototype solutions, and approach challenges with creativity and discipline.

Wellbeing holds the learning experience together. Through social-emotional learning, mentorship circles, movement, outdoor time, positive discipline, and counselling support, students are supported to learn with confidence and less unnecessary pressure.

A student wearing a yellow t-shirt sits with a calm expression

Beyond Academics: Student Life, Innovation and Wellbeing

At HEWS, learning beyond textbooks is built into the school day. Students grow through sport, music, visual arts, dance, drama, nature clubs, debate, public speaking, leadership opportunities, exhibitions, and community projects.

The campus supports this active way of learning. Flexible classrooms, libraries, art and music spaces, maker areas, nature spaces, calm corners, STEAM labs, and a landmark ship-themed playground give children room to explore, imagine, collaborate, lead, and grow through play.

Innovation is developed through purposeful STEAM experiences, not as a separate activity but as a way of thinking. Through coding, robotics, design thinking, maker-space work, digital media, and technology-enabled learning, students learn to ask better questions, test ideas, interpret data, prototype solutions, and approach challenges with creativity and discipline.

Wellbeing holds the learning experience together. Through social-emotional learning, mentorship circles, movement, outdoor time, positive discipline, and counselling support, students are supported to learn with confidence and less unnecessary pressure.

A student wearing a yellow t-shirt sits with a calm expression

Beyond Academics: Student Life, Innovation and Wellbeing

HEWS is building a progressive academic pathway from kindergarten through the higher grades. For the academic year 2026–27, admissions are focused on KG and Primary, with middle and senior school pathways planned from 2027. The planned IB pathway builds naturally on the Finnish foundation by extending inquiry, reflection, conceptual understanding, communication, and global-mindedness into the higher years.

Together, these approaches create a school model that protects academic depth while reducing unnecessary pressure.

A student wearing a yellow t-shirt sits with a calm expression

Learning Pathways at HEWS

Learning Pathways at HEWS

HEWS is building a progressive academic pathway from kindergarten through the higher grades. For the academic year 2026–27, admissions are focused on KG and Primary, with middle and senior school pathways planned from 2027. The planned IB pathway builds naturally on the Finnish foundation by extending inquiry, reflection, conceptual understanding, communication, and global-mindedness into the higher years.

Together, these approaches create a school model that protects academic depth while reducing unnecessary pressure.

Kindergarten

Kindergarten

Nursery to PP2

Nursery to PP2

Finnish early learning: positive learning experiences through play, movement, exploration, and creative expression. The curriculum supports confidence-building, language development, social growth, and wellbeing

Finnish early learning: positive learning experiences through play, movement, exploration, and creative expression. The curriculum supports confidence-building, language development, social growth, and wellbeing

Primary School

Primary School

Grades 1–5

Grades 1–5

Finnish pedagogy with inquiry, multidisciplinary themes, conceptual understanding, creativity, communication, digital skills, outdoor learning, and growth-focused assessment.

innish pedagogy with inquiry, multidisciplinary themes, conceptual understanding, creativity, communication, digital skills, outdoor learning, and growth-focused assessment

Middle School

Middle School

Grades 6–8

Grades 6–8

Planned IB MYP with academic depth, interdisciplinary learning, STEAM, research, communication, collaboration, global contexts, and growing independence

Planned IB MYP with academic depth, interdisciplinary learning, STEAM, research, communication, collaboration, global contexts, and growing independence

High School

High School

Grades 9–12

Grades 9–12

Planned IB pathway with academic breadth and depth, independent research, reflection, service, career readiness, leadership, and future-focused skills

Planned IB pathway with academic breadth and depth, independent research, reflection, service, career readiness, leadership, and future-focused skills

Why Parents Choose HEWS

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes HEWS different for academics and curriculum?

What curriculum does HEWS follow?

Is HEWS only a Finnish curriculum school?

What is Finnish pedagogy at HEWS?

Who is Finland International Education (FINE)?

How do Finnish pedagogy and the IB pathway work together at HEWS?

What is phenomenon-based learning?

Does HEWS focus on academics as well as wellbeing?

How are students assessed at HEWS?

What is HEWS?

What curriculum does HEWS follow?

Does HEWS offer IB?

What makes HEWS different from traditional schools?

Is HEWS suitable for parents looking for holistic education?

Does HEWS offer admissions for KG and Primary?

Where is HEWS located?

Admissions Open for 2026–27: Kindergarten to Grade 5

Admissions Open for 2026–27: Kindergarten to Grade 5

Help Your Child Learn With Confidence, Curiosity, and Purpose

Help Your Child Learn With Confidence, Curiosity, and Purpose

Help Your Child Learn With Confidence, Curiosity, and Purpose

Help Your Child Learn With Confidence, Curiosity, and Purpose

Discover an academic pathway where Finnish pedagogy, strong foundations, experiential projects, wellbeing, and global learning help children grow with confidence and purpose.

Discover an academic pathway where Finnish pedagogy, strong foundations, experiential projects, wellbeing, and global learning help children grow with confidence and purpose.

The programme is limited to 50 founding families. Evaluations are based on the Expression of Interest you fill at the time of applying.