Primary Years Programme

The PYP is a designed framework for students age 3-12, the IB Primary Years Programme (PYP) provides the knowledge, concepts, skills personal attributes and the capacity to take action, all of which younger students need to equip them for successful lives, both now and in the future.

Learning through inquiry, a child’s investigations across and beyond subject areas will strengthen knowledge and understanding as they explore global, topical and relevant ‘big picture’ questions, or interdisciplinary themes.

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Student-centered learning

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The PYP provides an ideal foundation for children 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 six interdisciplinary themes, each selected for their relevance to the real world. Young learners explore the commonalities of human experience by investigating these themes through a program of inquiry.

1. Who we are
   An inquiry into identity as individuals and as part of a collective through: physical, emotional, social and spiritual health and well-being; relationships and belonging; learning and growing.
   

2. Where are we in place and time
   An inquiry into histories and orientation in place, space and time through: periods, events and artifacts; communities, heritage, culture and environment; natural and human drivers of movement, adaptation and transformation.
   

3. How we express ourselves
   An inquiry into the diversity of voice, perspectives, and expression through: inspiration, imagination, creativity; personal, social, and cultural notes and practices of communication; intentions, perceptions, interpretations, and responses.
   

4. ​How the world works
   An inquiry into the understandings of the world and phenomena through: patterns, cycles, systems; diverse practices, methods, and tools; discovery, design, innovation, possibilities, and impacts.
   

5. ​How we organize ourselves
   An inquiry into systems, structures, and networks through: interactions with and between social and ecological systems; approaches to livelihoods and trade practice - intended and unintended consequences; representation, collaboration, and decision-making.
   

6. ​Sharing the planet
   An inquiry into the interdependence of human and natural worlds through: rights, responsibilities, and dignity of all; pathways to just, peaceful, and reimagined futures; nature, complexity, coexistence, and wisdom.

For more information please visit: https://ibo.org/programmes/primary-years-programme/