IB Primary Years Programme
Primary Years Programme is a curriculum framework designed for students aged 3 to 12. It prepares students for intellectual challenges of further education and their future careers, focussing on the development of the whole child as an inquirer, both in the classroom and the world outside.
PYP is based on the notion that students are agents of their own learning and partners in their learning process. The elements- knowledge, concepts, approaches to learning, and actions equip them to develop as true learners; to build their values to be positive contributors to their society and the world at large. The curriculum is transdisciplinary, meaning that it focuses on integrated concepts that go beyond subject boundaries.
The PYP aims to create a curriculum that is engaging, relevant, significant, and challenging for learners. PYP students are well prepared for the next stage of education, including participation in the Middle Years Programme (MYP).
IB Primary Years Programme Model
Knowledge
Concepts
Concepts are big ideas. The IBPYP identifies seven key concepts that drive learning experiences and help to frame the knowledge. These concepts develop and deepen students’ understanding and make the curriculum concept-driven.
Approaches to Learning
The approaches to learning are a set of skills rooted in the notion of metacognition or learning how to learn. These skill sets facilitate students of every age group to become inquirers, team players, and goal setters. These approaches support them to see their learning as an active and evolving process.
Action
Action is the epitome of the learner’s motivation to bring a positive difference in the community or further his/her learning. Action is responsive to experiences that are personally meaningful, authentic, reflective, and mindful.
It is a practical application of understanding, perspective, skills, and attitudes developed while constructing knowledge. Individual or collaborative actions can be in the form of participation, advocacy, social justice, entrepreneurship, and lifestyle choices.
Assessments
Assessment in PYP is ongoing with a purpose to inform teaching and learning. Assessments at different stages cater to different goals of the learning process. The learners are actively engaged in the assessment and use it as a reflection tool to analyse their progress and set future goals. The assessments help teachers adjust their teaching and make it more effective to support students’ learning.
The effective assessments of PYP share the characteristics of being authentic, clear, developmental, collaborative, interactive, and well-rounded.
Exhibition
PYP Exhibition is the culmination of the PYP journey that takes place in the final year. Through the exhibition, students showcase their understanding of an issue that has local significance and global implications.
Learners investigate a topic individually as well as with peers, under the guidance of the teacher and mentors. The exhibition is a true depiction of student agency as learners are actively involved in the process through planning, presenting, and assessing learning. This time is crucial as students take responsibility for their learning and take actions. The whole process of exhibition develops international-minded students who are eager to make a positive difference in their and other people’s lives.