Welcome
Bula & welcome to the Primary Years Programme (PYP). Set sail on your International Baccalaureate (IB) journey with the globally recognised and respected PYP. From Year 1 (seven years of age) to Year 5 (eleven years of age), we pilot out students to become caring individuals actively engaged in their learning.
What is the Primary Years Programme (PYP)?
The PYP is built around six transdisciplinary themes that help students make connections to the real world in and outside of the classroom. The PYP emphasises inquiry-based learning, encouraging students to ask questions, explore areas of interest, and develop critical and creative thinking skills. The PYP also incorporates key concepts which act as buoys encouraging students to explore and discover through play and to reflect on their learning experiences.
Through our emphasis on the IB learner profile, we cultivate attributes such as open-mindedness, empathy, and principled behaviour, preparing our students to become globally-minded citizens.
By fostering international mindedness, we encourage a deep appreciation for diverse perspectives, cultures, and languages, empowering our students to thrive in an interconnected world.
Transdisciplinary Learning
The six transdisciplinary themes embody universal human experiences, transcending cultural and geographic differences. They tackle global issues like environmental sustainability, development, conflicts, peace, human rights, and governance, fostering interdisciplinary exploration. Integrated throughout the curriculum, these themes promote a comprehensive understanding of diverse perspectives and encourage collaborative learning towards common goals.
PYP Key Concepts
Concepts are used to link subjects, provoke thinking and develop new knowledge. These key concepts help shape each unit of inquiry giving it purpose. There are seven key concepts which are very broad that are explored in depth by related concepts.
- Form – What is it?
- Function – How does it work?
- Causation – Why is it like it is?
- Change – How is it changing?
- Connection – How is it connected to other things?
- Perspective – What are the points of view?
- Responsibility – What is our responsibility?
IB Approaches to Learning
In order for students to make connections and conduct purposeful inquiry the IB PYP incorporates Approaches to Learning (ATL) skills through all teaching and learning experiences. These include:
Critical-thinking skills: analysing and evaluating issues and ideas
Creative-thinking skills: generating novel ideas and considering new perspectives
Transfer skills: using skills and knowledge in multiple contexts
Reflection/metacognitive skills: (re)considering the process of learning
Information-literacy skills: formulating and planning, data gathering and recording, synthesising and interpreting, evaluating and communicating
Media-literacy skills: interacting with media to use and create ideas and information
Ethical use of media/information: understanding and applying social and ethical technology
Exchanging-information skills: listening, interpreting, speaking
Literacy skills: reading, writing and using language to gather and communicate information
ICT skills: using technology to gather, investigate and communicate information
Intrapersonal: Self control, Emotional Intelligence
Interpersonal: Respecting others, Supporting others, Social Intelligence, Resolving conflict
Organisation skills: managing time and tasks effectively
States of mind: mindfulness, perseverance, emotional management, self-motivation, resilience
Action in the PYP
Action supports agency, which is an opportunity for students to have choice, voice, and take ownership of their learning. Action can be individual or collective, stemming from their inquiry, giving students an opportunity to work towards a shared purpose. This allows students to take responsibility and develop an understanding of international mindedness.
Exhibition
All IB programmes feature a culminating or consolidating learning experience in their final year. In the PYP, this is referred to as the Exhibition. During this voyage of inquiry, students showcase their understanding of a chosen topic or problem they’ve delved into. They work both independently and collaboratively with peers, guided by a mentor. Through this process, students illustrate their capability to take charge of their learning and to initiate action as they plan, present, and evaluate their learning. The exhibition serves as a strong testament to student empowerment and the supportive community that has fostered their growth throughout their time in the PYP. The entire learning community participates in the exhibition, endorsing and celebrating the development of globally aware students who actively contribute to their own lives and the lives of others.
We look forward to supporting you on your learning journey with us and to celebrating your successes.