The IB Primary Years Programme (PYP)

The IB Primary Years Programme (PYP) for children aged 3–12 nurtures and develops young students as caring, active participants in a lifelong journey of learning. Through its inquiry-led, transdisciplinary framework, the PYP challenges students to think for themselves and take responsibility for their learning as they explore local and global issues and opportunities in real-life contexts.

Origin of the PYP

The International Baccalaureate® (IB) Primary Years Programme (PYP) was introduced in 1997. It followed the introduction of the Middle Years Programme (MYP) and the Diploma Programme (DP) – established respectively in 1994 and 1968.

As of March 2017, there were 1,472 schools offering the PYP in 109 countries. As of September 2019, 6,812 programmes were being offered worldwide across 5,175 IB schools. At Learning Alliance International, the PYP begins from Grade 1, for students aged 6 and above. It evolved from the former International Schools Curriculum Project (ISCP), whose goal was to create a consistent, international curriculum for students aged 3–12 to encourage global-minded learning continuity.

Transdisciplinary Themes

The PYP is structured around six transdisciplinary themes designed to help students explore knowledge across subjects and connect learning to the real world.

• 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 are relevant to real-world contexts and guide teachers in developing inquiry-based programmes that promote deep understanding and collaboration among learners.

Essential Elements in the PYP

The PYP is built on five essential elements that shape the curriculum:

• Knowledge: Both disciplinary and transdisciplinary learning through subjects such as language, maths, science, social studies, arts and PSPE.
• Concepts: Big ideas explored through structured inquiry for in-depth understanding beyond subject boundaries.
• Skills: Broad capabilities that students develop and apply throughout life.
• Attitudes: Values promoting international-mindedness, wellbeing, and empathy.
• Action: Learning that inspires thoughtful, responsible and meaningful action.

The PYP Exhibition: Encouraging Collaborative Inquiry

In the final year of the PYP, students engage in an in-depth collaborative project known as the PYP Exhibition. This project allows them to demonstrate their learning, apply inquiry skills, and share their work with the school community. It celebrates their journey through the PYP and prepares them for the next phase of education.

Benefits of PYP

Students learn to think critically, act responsibly, and collaborate globally through an inquiry-based approach. They develop personal values and empathy, empowering them to take positive action for change.

• Addresses academic, social, and emotional development holistically.
• Encourages independence and self-responsibility in learning.
• Builds understanding of the world and fosters international-mindedness.
• Promotes empathy, respect, and lifelong learning habits.

Source: IBO Website – Benefits of PYP