School Guide

International Baccalaureate Primary Years Programme (IB PYP)

Published by SchoolAdvisor | Aug 03, 2018

When you think of a prestigious education, the international baccalaureate (IB) may come to mind. The IB curriculum has been around for a long time, however not many would know that the IB programme is actually for kids as young as 3 years old. This programme is called the IB Primary Years Programme (PYP) and here are 4 things you need to know about it.

1. Curriculum framework designed for students aged 3 to 12

 

This programme was developed in 1997, rising from the ashes of the former International Schools Curriculum Project (ISCP). Their aim is to focus on the development of the whole child as an inquirer, both at school and beyond.

2. Built on 6 transdisciplinary themes

 

The curriculum framework of the PYP is planned around themes that are based on the real world. It is described as transdisciplinary because it focuses on issues that go across subject areas. The 6 themes of the PYP programme are Who we are, Where we are in place and time, How we express ourselves, How the world works, How we organise ourselves and Sharing the planet.

3. New Languages as a 2^nd Option for student

 

Students that are 7 years of age and above will have the opportunity to learn a foreign language in their PYP.  A new language can be implemented in subjects which are taught entirely in a foreign language or in two languages, however this solely depends on the school. Teaching a foreign language in a fun and enjoyable way is the teacher’s responsibility.

4. Bridging the path to the IB Middle Years Programme (MYP)

 

One of the most important things about the PYP programme is that it will imbue priceless skills and knowledge that will help them transition to their middle years programme, which is designed for 11 to 16-year olds. Independence, respect, international mindedness, initiative, and teamwork are all part of the skills that they learn. Exposure to transdisciplinary themes will help students tackle tougher complex subjects in the MYP.

Holistic education is how many would describe the IB PYP programme because students are given the quality of such education right from the get-go. It nurtures a wholesome education and that would pay off in the future.

Now that you know about the programme, here are a few schools in KL, Selangor, and Putrajaya that offers the IB PYP programme

Fairview International School (Wangsa Maju)

Fairview International School (Subang Jaya)

IGB International School