Elements of the Primary Years Programme
As a Primary Years Programme school, we believe that fostering agency is at the center of our work with students and each other. This means providing voice and choice, resulting in ownership of our learning and experiences.
These are the key components to the International Baccalaureate PYP curriculum:
Knowledge, Key Concepts, Skills ,and Action
Knowledge
There are six transdisciplinary themes students will investigate throughout the school year. These themes are globally significant and cover concepts that are interconnected, can be addressed in all disciplines (subjects), and can be applied to real life.
- 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
Key Concepts
There are seven key concepts that drive instructions through inquiry, questions, and investigation.
- Form - What is it like?
- 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 is the point of view?
- Responsibility - What is our responsibility?
Skills
Approaches to Teaching and Learning Skills (ATLs) students develop as they involve themselves in the learning environment:
- Thinking Skills
- Research Skills
- Self-management Skills
- Communication Skills
- Social Skills
Action
Students are encouraged to make informed choices and to take action that will help their peers, school staff, and the wider community. These are student initiated responses to what they are understanding and learning about themselves and the world in which they live.