Primary School
PYP (Ages 3-11)
The IB PYP
The Primary Years Programme (PYP) is aimed at students aged 3 to 11, Children’s House 1 through Grade 5, fostering their growth as caring and engaged lifelong learners. It provides an inquiry-driven, transdisciplinary curriculum that develops conceptual understanding. Informed by the latest educational research, the PYP has become a global leader in future-oriented education, responding to the challenges and opportunities of an evolving world.
The PYP Curriculum Framework
The learner
The PYP framework begins with the understanding that students are active, reflective participants in their own learning. They possess a natural ability to inquire, question, wonder, and synthesize about themselves, others, and the world around them.
Learning and Teaching
A focus on collaborative inquiry and integrative learning celebrates students' curiosity, agency, and engagement. Approaches to learning (ATL) and teaching (ATT) are crucial in exploring the six transdisciplinary themes, fostering an understanding of shared human experiences on local, national, and global levels.
The Learning Community
The PYP learning community brings teaching and learning practices to life, providing students with authentic, meaningful, relevant, engaging, and challenging educational experience.
Agency
Students are empowered with voice, choice, and ownership over their learning. With a strong sense of self-confidence, they bring agency into the broader school environment.
Authenticity in Learning Action
Action, rooted in authenticity, allows students to apply their learning in real-world contexts. Empowered by agency, students initiate individual and collective actions that are genuine, purposeful, and reflective of their personal growth. These actions connect learning to meaningful outcomes, supported by the collaborative efforts of the entire school community, fostering a deeper understanding and impact.
PYP Programme Guide
PYP Exhibition
The PYP Exhibition celebrates students’ learning as they reach the culmination of the Primary Years Programme in Grade 5 where students celebrate the skills acquired throughout their primary years. During the exhibition, students showcase their learning journey and demonstrate their agency by leading collaborative inquiries that address both local and global issues, revealing their ability to take meaningful action. This event marks a significant milestone in the PYP and is shared with the entire school community.
.jpg)
-
1. What is the PYP and how does it benefit my child?The PYP is an internationally recognized, inquiry-based curriculum for students aged 3 to 11. It focuses on the development of the whole child, encouraging them to think critically, ask questions, and make connections across subjects, which prepares them for a rapidly changing world.
-
2. How does the PYP differ from traditional education?Unlike traditional education, which often focuses on memorization and subject-specific learning, the PYP takes a transdisciplinary approach. This means learning is organized around broad themes that cut across subject areas, allowing students to explore real-world issues and develop skills like critical thinking and problem-solving.
-
3. What will my child learn in the PYP?Your child will learn through six transdisciplinary themes that focus on broad areas of knowledge and inquiry. They will develop not only academic skills in subjects like math, language, science, and social studies, but also social-emotional and critical thinking skills through concepts, action, and inquiry-based learning.
-
4. How are students assessed in the PYP?Students in the PYP are assessed using both formative (ongoing) and summative (final) assessments. These assessments evaluate understanding, skills, and progress in a variety of ways, including projects, presentations, reflections, and teacher feedback, rather than relying solely on traditional tests and grades.
-
What kind of assessment test will the student take?All students take assessments as part of the admissions process. These assessments primarily concern language phase levels and mathematical understandings. In addition, there are interviews, observations of students performing tasks, and more. It is important that we understand all enrolling students so we can ensure that our programme will meet their needs. As a whole, the School believes that assessment is critical for measuring student progress. Teachers use assessments to help plan their lessons to make them as meaningful as possible for all students. Assessments are criterion referenced and students do not receive grades that compare them to each other. We differentiate instruction based on assessment data which works to help the success of all students.
-
6. How does the PYP foster my child’s personal growth and character development?The PYP emphasizes the development of the whole child, not just academic achievement. Through the IB Learner Profile, students are encouraged to embody attributes such as being caring, open-minded, principled, and reflective. These attributes help develop socially and emotionally balanced individuals with a strong sense of responsibility.
-
7. Will my child still learn basic academic skills like reading, writing, and math in the PYP?Yes, students will still learn essential academic skills in the PYP, but these skills are integrated into broader themes and real-world contexts. The PYP focuses on developing strong literacy and numeracy skills alongside critical thinking and collaboration, making learning more engaging and meaningful.
-
8. How does the PYP promote international-mindedness?The PYP encourages students to explore different perspectives and cultures through its curriculum and the IB Learner Profile. Students learn to appreciate diversity, understand global issues, and develop empathy for people from different backgrounds, preparing them to be global citizens.
-
9. How can I support my child’s learning in the PYP?You can support your child by engaging in discussions about what they’re learning, encouraging curiosity, and fostering an environment where inquiry and exploration are valued at home. Attend school events, like the PYP Exhibition, and maintain open communication with teachers to stay involved in your child’s educational journey.
-
10. Is the PYP recognized by schools and universities worldwide?Yes, the PYP is part of the International Baccalaureate (IB) continuum, which is recognized worldwide for its high standards in education. It is a well-respected program that prepares students for success in future IB programs, such as the Middle Years Programme (MYP) and Diploma Programme (DP), which are highly regarded by universities globally.
-
11. How does the PYP prepare my child for the future?The PYP equips students with the skills necessary for lifelong learning, such as critical thinking, communication, and collaboration. It prepares them to be adaptable and open-minded, capable of understanding and addressing global challenges, and ready for future academic endeavors, including the IB Middle Years and Diploma Programmes.
-
12. Will the PYP curriculum align with local standards and requirements?Yes, while the PYP is an international curriculum, it can be aligned with national or local standards. Schools offering the PYP often integrate their local educational requirements into the broader PYP framework to ensure students meet all necessary academic standards.