International Baccalaureate Primary Years Programme (PYP)
Designed for students age 5-13, the IB Primary Years Programme (PYP) provides the knowledge, concepts, skills personal attributes and the capacity to take action, all of which students need to equip them for successful lives, both now and in the future. Learning through inquiry, a student’s investigations across and beyond subject areas strengthen knowledge and understanding as they explore global, topical and relevant ‘big picture’ questions, or transdisciplinary themes.
Student-centred learning
The PYP provides an ideal foundation for students to become successful, lifelong learners by developing their:
- social and emotional well-being
- independence, as they take responsibility for their own learning
- international mindedness
- understanding of the world and their ability to function effectively within it
- attitudes and dispositions for learning
- ability to take mindful, appropriate and sustainable student-initiated action
- language skills; all students study an additional language from at least 7 years of age.
Learning in the PYP is underpinned by the six transdisciplinary themes (listed below), each selected for their relevance to the real world. Students explore the commonalities of human experience by investigating these themes through a programme of inquiry.
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Who we are |
Inquiry into the nature of the self; beliefs and values; person, physical, mental, social and spiritual health; and human relationships. |
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Where we are in place and time |
Inquiry into our orientation in place and time; personal histories; the discoveries and explorations of humankind; and the interconnectedness of individuals and civilizations. |
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How we express ourselves |
Inquiry into the ways in which we discover and express ideas, feelings, nature, culture, beliefs and values. |
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How the world works |
Inquiry into the natural world and its laws, the interaction between the natural world and human societies; the impact of scientific and technological advances on society and on the environment. |
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How we organize ourselves |
Inquiry into the interconnectedness of human-made systems and communities; the structure and function of organizations; and their impact on humankind and the environment. |
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Sharing the planet |
Inquiry into rights and responsibilities in the struggle to share finite resources with other people and other living things; access to equal opportunities; and peace and conflict resolution. |
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The Learner Profile
The aim of all IB programmes is to develop internationally minded people who, recognizing their common humanity and shared guardianship of the planet, help to create a better and more peaceful world. IB learners strive to be:
Inquirers |
They develop their natural curiosity. They acquire the skills necessary to conduct inquiry and research and show independence in learning. They actively enjoy learning and this love of learning will be sustained throughout their lives. |
Knowledgeable |
They explore concepts, ideas and issues that have local and global significance. In so doing, they acquire in-depth knowledge and develop understanding across a broad and balanced range of disciplines. |
Thinkers |
They exercise initiative in applying thinking skills critically and creatively to recognize and approach complex problems, and make reasoned, ethical decisions. |
Communicators |
They understand and express ideas and information confidently and creatively in more than one language and in a variety of modes of communication. They work effectively and willingly in collaboration with others. |
Principled |
They act with integrity and honesty, with a strong sense of fairness, justice and respect for the dignity of the individual, groups and communities. They take responsibility for their own actions and the consequences that accompany them. |
Open-minded |
They understand and appreciate their own cultures and personal histories, and are open to the perspectives, values and traditions of other individuals and communities. They are accustomed to seeking and evaluating a range of points of view and are willing to grow from the experience. |
Caring |
They show empathy, compassion and respect towards the needs and feelings of others. They have a personal commitment to service, and act to make a positive difference to the lives of others and to the environment |
Risk-takers |
They approach unfamiliar situations and uncertainty with courage and forethought, and have the independence of spirit to explore new roles, ideas and strategies. They are brave and articulate in defending their beliefs. |
Balanced |
They understand the importance of intellectual, physical and emotional balance to achieve personal well-being for themselves and others. |
Reflective |
They give thoughtful consideration to their own learning and experience. They are able to assess and understand their strengths and limitations in order to support their learning and personal development |
The exhibition
The exhibition is an extended, in-depth project celebrating the culmination of a child’s learning experience in the PYP in Year 8 before they move on to the next stage in their education.
Students conduct an in-depth inquiry into real life issues or challenges, and present their research, investigation and resulting action to the whole school community. Recent research into the impact of the PYP exhibition found it to be a “valuable and pivotal experience in the life of the schools, families and students who were involved.”
Quality assurance
Implementation of the PYP is a transformative experience for students, schools and the wider learning community. Professional development for teachers, together with a rigorous process of authorization and regular evaluation, ensure that IB World Schools deliver the best possible education for PYP students.
