IB Primary Years Programme

The International Baccalaureate (IB) Primary Years Programme (PYP) offers a unique learning experience for children between the ages of 3 and 12. Organized around five essential elements - knowledge, concepts, skills, attitudes and action – the PYP gives students the opportunity to explore big ideas in the world around them, and make a difference in their community and beyond.

The PYP is organised around six themes that transcend all subject areas:

Who we are: An inquiry into the nature of the self; beliefs and values; personal, 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: An inquiry into orientation in place and time; personal histories; homes and journeys; the discoveries, explorations and migrations of humankind; the relationships between and the interconnectedness of individuals and civilizations, from local and global perspectives.

How we express ourselves: An 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: An 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: An 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: An inquiry into rights and responsibilities in the struggle to share finite resources with other people and with other living things; communities and the relationships within and between them; access to equal opportunities; peace and conflict resolution

The transdisciplinary themes allow for in-depth inquiry and the development of knowledge, the understanding of big ideas, skills and attitudes. The units of inquiry provide opportunities for students to learn in relevant and engaging ways. Great importance is placed on exploring local, national and global issues, whilst constantly returning to the individual student and considering which issues have relevance for them.

The PYP is a concept-driven, inquiry-led curriculum, which encourages learning for understanding. At ISL Qatar, students learn within and across traditional subjects and where possible, have autonomy over their own learning, developing a range of skills, attitudes and dispositions that enable them to apply knowledge and skills in unfamiliar situations and take action as a result of their learning.

Students at ISL Qatar learn in more than one language and develop knowledge and understanding of international perspectives. Connections with student’s own culture and the culture of others is an important feature of the PYP. Global awareness and the passion to make a difference in the world around them is a fundamental element of the programme. The Learner Profile is central to students developing characteristics of people who can, and will, make this world a better place for all.

Assessment is integral to all teaching and learning. Students have the opportunity to show learning in a variety of ways and apply their knowledge in real-life situations. Evidence is gathered daily and informs the next steps for learning for each child. Reporting is based on student progress gathered from a wide variety of internal assessments. Parents are welcome and invited to meet with teachers during the year to discuss their child’s progress and are invited in regularly to celebrations of learning, student-led assemblies and conferences. Reporting to parents takes place three times a year in face-to-face meetings and twice a year in the form of written reports. ISL Qatar has an open-door policy where an appointment can be made at any time with the class teacher to discuss any issues with regards to children.

Additional Files
IB Rules for PYP