PRESCHOOL TO GRADE 6

The PYP curriculum

The Primary Years Programme (PYP) is for scholars age 3 to 12, and covers Preschool to Grade 6. This inquiry-led program has been designed to enhance and develop the academic, social and emotional well-being of each child by teaching skills that encourage students to gain an understanding of the world and to function comfortably within it, to think for themselves and to ask questions. The PYP also encourages students to make connections between what they learn in the classroom and the world around them.

Instead of focusing on individual subjects, the PYP takes an integrated approach to education.

There are six subject areas (language, mathematics, science, social studies, arts and personal, social and physical education) that are explored throughout each year via six interdisciplinary themes. 

The themes extend into life beyond the classroom, so students learn to recognize the relevance of what they learn – and thus they begin to engage with process of their education. Understanding the relevance of what they are learning and implementing it into their young lives is an exceptionally valuable tool, and an integral part of each student’s development.

The Early Years in PYP

The PYP is designed to be responsive to young children's ways of knowing. The curriculum at YIS is thoughtfully tailored to provide 3- to 5-year-olds a stimulating, dynamic environment that promotes play, discovery and exploration, as well as supportive interactions with teachers and peers. 

Themes of the PYP

Throughout the Primary Years Programme there are six transdisciplinary themes. The themes, which integrate the subject areas (language, mathematics, science, social studies, arts and personal, social and physical education) along with local and global issues, are:

Who we are

Inquiry into the nature of the self; beliefs and values; person, physical, mental, social and spiritual health; human relationships including families, friends, communities, and cultures; rights and responsibilities; what it means to be human

Where we are in place and time

Inquiry into orientation in place and time; personal histories; homes and journeys; the discoveries, explorations and migrations of humankind; the relationship between and the interconnectedness of individuals and civilizations, from local and global perspectives

How we express ourselves

Inquiry into the ways in which we discover and express ideas, feelings, nature, culture, beliefs and values; the ways in which we reflect on, extend and enjoy our creativity; our appreciation of the aesthetic

How the world works

Inquiry into the natural world and its laws, the interaction between the natural world (physical and biological) and human societies; how humans use their understanding of scientific principles; the impact of scientific and technological advances on society and on the environment

How we organize ourselves

Inquiry into the interconnectedness of human-made systems and communities; the structure and function of organizations; societal decision making; economic activities and their impact on humankind and the environment

Sharing the planet

Inquiry into rights and responsibilities in the struggle to share finite resources with other people and living things; communities and the relationship within and between them; access to equal opportunities; peace and conflict resolution

Assessment

In the PYP learning is viewed as a continuous journey. Through assessment YIS teachers identify what students know, understand, can do and value at different stages in the learning process – and teachers use this data to plan the next stage of students’ learning.

We use a wide range of assessment strategies to collect information on each student’s: 

• Understanding of concepts

• Acquisition of knowledge

• Mastering of skills

• Development of positive attitudes 

• Ability to take responsible action