The IB continuum of international education for students aged 3 to 19 years old is unique because of its academic and personal rigour. We challenge students to excel in their studies and in their personal development. We aim to inspire a love of learning throughout life that is marked by enthusiasm and empathy. The IB aspires to help schools develop well-rounded students who respond to challenges with optimism and an open mind, are confident in their own identities, make ethical decisions, join with others in celebrating our common humanity and are prepared to apply what they learn in real-world, complex and unpredictable situations.
IB PYP
WHAT IS AN IB EDUCATION?
APPROACHES TO TEACHING AND LEARNING
IB programmes are taught by teachers who explicitly help students learn how to develop the attitudes and skills they need for both academic and personal success.
Approaches to teaching
There are six key pedagogical principles that underpin all IB programmes.
Teaching in IB programmes is:
- based on inquiry
- focused on conceptual understanding
- developed in local and global contexts
- focused on effective teamwork and collaboration
- differentiated to meet the needs of all learners
- informed by assessment (formative and summative).
Approaches to learning
This area develops essential skills that include skills of behaviour and emotional management, skills that allow the student to monitor their own effectiveness in their learning and skills that allow them to process information effectively (often called “study skills” in a school environment). Although these skills may be in use when developing a certain natural ability or talent, they are different from both ability and talent themselves because proficiency in any skill can be increased through the deliberate use of techniques and strategies, feedback and challenge. Skills are therefore highly teachable.
In the PYP, students develop a broad set of skills known as Approaches to Learning (ATL), which include thinking, communication, social, research, and self-management skills. These skills are not only essential for academic success but also for personal growth and
development. The PYP encourages students to take responsibility for their own learning and to develop the ability to reflect on their experiences.
WHAT IS THE IB PRIMARY YEARS PROGRAMME?
The IB PYP is designed for students aged 3 to 12. It focuses on the development of the whole child, both in the classroom and in the world outside. The programme emphasizes inquiry-based learning, where students explore six transdisciplinary themes of global significance. These themes guide the learning process, ensuring that students develop a deep understanding of important concepts that are relevant to their lives.
THE CURRICULUM
The IB Primary Years Programme (PYP) curriculum is designed to be both broad and balanced, encouraging students to explore concepts across various subject areas while making connections to the world around them. Unlike the IBDP, which has distinct subject groups, the PYP curriculum is structured around six transdisciplinary themes that integrate learning across multiple disciplines.
The six themes are:
- Who We Are
- Where We Are in Place and Time
- How We Express Ourselves
- How the World Works
- How We Organize Ourselves
- Sharing the Planet
These themes allow students to explore key concepts such as identity, creativity, globalization, and sustainability in a way that is relevant to their lives.
Subjects such as Language, Mathematics, Science, Social Studies, Arts, and Personal, Social, and Physical Education (PSPE) are taught through these themes. For example, while studying How the World Works, students might engage in scientific inquiries, mathematical problem-solving, and language development activities that are all connected to understanding the natural world.
The PYP emphasizes key concepts that transcend individual subjects. These include form, function, causation, change, connection, perspective, responsibility, and reflection. These concepts guide students in exploring significant ideas and making sense of their learning.
This curriculum is designed to be flexible, allowing teachers to adapt their teaching to the needs and interests of their students while maintaining the integrity of the IB philosophy. Inquiry-based learning is at the heart of the PYP, where students are encouraged to ask questions, investigate, and develop their own understanding of the world.
Assessment in the PYP is ongoing and integral to the learning process. It involves a range of strategies and tools that allow teachers to evaluate student progress in understanding the key concepts, skills, and knowledge. The focus is on formative assessment, which helps guide student learning and development, rather than summative assessment, which measures learning at the end of a unit.
This curriculum framework helps develop students who are inquisitive, knowledgeable, and caring, preparing them for the next stages of their education and life.
IB PYP Model
PRIMARY YEARS PROGRAMME SUBJECT GROUPS
In the IB Primary Years Programme (PYP), learning is organized into the following subject groups, each of which plays a vital role in the holistic development of students:
01
Language
Language learning in the PYP is focused on developing students’ abilities in both their mother tongue and additional languages. It emphasizes communication skills, including reading, writing, speaking, and listening. Language instruction is integrated across the curriculum, with students using language as a tool for inquiry and expression.
02
Mathematics
The mathematics curriculum in the PYP encourages students to develop a solid understanding of mathematical concepts and procedures. It emphasizes problem-solving, reasoning, and the
application of mathematics in real-world contexts. Students engage in hands-on activities and collaborative learning experiences that help them see the relevance of mathematics in their daily lives.
03
Science
Science in the PYP is inquiry-based, encouraging students to explore the natural world through observation, experimentation, and analysis. The science curriculum is closely connected to the transdisciplinary themes, allowing students to investigate scientific concepts in a way that is meaningful and relevant. Key areas of focus include biology, chemistry, physics, and environmental science.
04
Social Studies
Social studies in the PYP helps students understand human societies and their interactions with the environment. It covers topics such as history, geography, economics, and civics. Through inquiry-based learning, students explore cultural diversity, global issues, and the connections between past and present. This subject group fosters critical thinking and a deeper understanding of the world.
05
Arts
The arts curriculum in the PYP includes visual arts, music, drama, and dance. It provides students with opportunities to express themselves creatively and develop an appreciation for the arts. The arts are integrated into the transdisciplinary themes, allowing students to explore artistic concepts and techniques in a context that is connected to their overall learning. This subject group also promotes cultural awareness and self-expression.
06
Personal, Social, and Physical Education (PSPE)
PSPE in the PYP focuses on the physical, emotional, and social development of students. It includes physical education, health education, and personal and social development. PSPE helps students develop healthy lifestyles, positive relationships, and a sense of self-worth. The curriculum encourages students to take responsibility for their well-being and to engage in activities that promote physical fitness and emotional resilience.
PRIMARY YEARS PROGRAMME CORE
01
The Exhibition
The PYP culminates in a significant event known as the Exhibition. This is a collaborative project where students engage in a deep, sustained inquiry into a real-world issue that interests them. The Exhibition is a key opportunity for students to demonstrate the knowledge, skills, and attitudes they have developed throughout the programme. It involves independent research, problem-solving, and often, action that has a positive impact on the community.
The Exhibition is not just a demonstration of academic skills but also a reflection of the students’ ability to take responsibility for their learning, work collaboratively, and apply their understanding in meaningful ways. It often includes elements such as presentations, reports, and artistic expressions, allowing students to showcase their learning in various forms.
02
Inquiry-Based Learning
At the heart of the PYP is the inquiry-based approach to learning, where students are encouraged to ask questions, explore, and investigate topics of interest. This approach is embedded in every aspect of the PYP and drives the entire learning process.
Inquiry-based learning helps students develop critical thinking skills, creativity, and a deep understanding of the world around them.
03
Reflection
Reflection is a core component of the PYP, guiding students to think about their learning process, their strengths, and areas for growth. Students regularly reflect on their learning experiences, helping them to become more aware of their development as learners and individuals. This reflective practice is integral to the PYP and supports the development of lifelong learning habits.
04
Action
In the PYP, action is seen as an important outcome of inquiry. Students are encouraged to apply what they have learned to make a positive difference in their own lives and the lives of others. This might involve community service projects, environmental initiatives, or other forms of responsible action that reflect the values of the IB learner profile.
Inquiry-based learning helps students develop critical thinking skills, creativity, and a deep understanding of the world around them.
These core elements of the PYP work together to create a rich, student-centered learning environment that emphasizes not just academic achievement, but also personal growth, social responsibility, and global citizenship.