International Baccalaureate - Primary Years Program

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The mission statement of the International Baccalaureate Organization--
"Through comprehensive and balanced curricula coupled with challenging assessments, the International Baccalaureate Organization aims to assist schools in their endeavors to develop the individual talents of young people and teach them to relate the experience of the classroom to the realities of the world outside. Beyond intellectual rigor and high academic standards, strong emphasis is placed on the ideals of international understanding and responsible citizenship, to the end that IB students may become critical and compassionate thinkers, lifelong learners and informed participants in local and world affairs, conscious of the shared humanity that binds all people together while respecting the variety of cultures and attitudes that makes for the richness of life." (Making the PYP Happen, IBO)

 

I feel very fortunate to teach the Primary Years Program (PYP) in my classroom. It is amazing! It is more than just a curriculum, it is an approach to teaching and learning and provides a framework for all we do in the classroom. I have taught through the IB PYP for ten years and have attended four intensive trainings on various aspects of the PYP. There are several components of the PYP that work together to give our students an outstanding learning experience.  A PYP school is infused with a sense of purpose and a spirit of inquiry. We are committed to thinking and learning together, developing the whole child and fostering international-mindedness. Students are encouraged to identify problems, seek solutions and take action in the pursuit of continuous improvement of their surroundings and our world. We learn through inquiry. This means questions are formulated to guide our knowledge in themes and concepts and we dig deeper together by collecting resources, sharing observations, furthering questions, collaborating in inquiry activities, making connections and constructing meaning. Another huge component to the PYP is the Learner Profile. The attributes of the profile express the values of the International Baccalaureate. We teach these ideals to our students in hopes to guide and motivate them to be active and mindful 21st century learners. Please view the Learner Profile here. 

 

We will guide our students through six units of inquiry this year. Please view our units on our Timeline here. ​ 

 

I will be going over the PYP during Open House. To learn more now about the International Baccalaureate and the Primary Years Program please visit the International Baccalaureate website or Spicewood's IB Page.