Primary Years Programme


K-2 Presentation to PTA

The Primary Years Programme (PYP), for K-5, focuses on the development of the whole child, in the classroom but also in the world outside, through other environments where children learn. It is a unique international program that offers a framework that meets children’s needs: academic, social, physical, emotional and cultural.

Curriculum in the IB Primary Years Programme (PYP) is shared throughout the world.  It does not replace our State of Texas TEKS or Tyler Independent School District scope and sequence.  It provides students with an international perspective, which relates their lives in Tyler, Texas to the U.S. and a larger global community.

The programme is a comprehensive approach to teaching and learning with an international curriculum model that provides:
  •  
 guidelines for what students should learn
  •  
 a teaching methodology
  •  
 assessment strategies

PYP Student Profile

Students are:
  inquirers
 		 Their natural curiosity has been nurtured. They have acquired the skills necessary to conduct purposeful, constructive research. They actively enjoy learning and their love of learning will be sustained throughout their lives.

 
  thinkers They exercise initiative in applying thinking skills critically and creatively to make sound decisions and to solve complex problems. 

 
  communicators They receive and express ideas and information confidently in more than one language, including the language of mathematical symbols.

 
  risk takers They approach unfamiliar situations without anxiety and have the confidence and independence of spirit to explore new roles, ideas and strategies. They are courageous and articulate in defending those things in which they believe.

 
  knowledgeable They have spent time in school exploring themes which have global relevance and importance. In doing so, they have acquired a critical mass of significant knowledge.

 
  principled They have a sound grasp of the principles of moral reasoning. They have integrity, honesty and a sense of fairness and justice.

 
  caring They show sensitivity towards the needs and feelings of others. They have a sense of personal commitment to action and service.

 
  open-minded They respect the views, values and traditions of other individuals and cultures, and they are accustomed to seeking and considering a range of points of view.

 
  well-balanced They understand the importance of physical and mental balance and personal well-being.

 
  reflective They give thoughtful consideration to their own learning and analyse their personal strengths and weaknesses in a constructive manner.

Information taken from the IBO website.

Organizing Themes

The Primary Years Program (PYP) is designed around six organizing themes.
An inquiry into:

  • Who we are

    An exploration of the nature of the self; of our beliefs and values; of personal, physical, mental, social and spiritual health; of our families, friends, communities and cultures; of our rights and responsibilities; of what it means to be human.

     

  • Where we are in time and place

    An exploration of our orientation in place and time; of our personal histories; of history and geography from local and global perspectives; of our homes and journeys; of the discoveries, explorations and migrations of humankind; of the contributions of individuals and civilisations.
     

  • How we express ourselves
    An exploration of the ways in which we discover and express our nature, ideas, feelings, beliefs and values through language and the arts.

 

  • How the world works
    An exploration of the ways in which we discover and express our nature, ideas, feelings, beliefs and values through language and the arts.
     
  • How we organize ourselves
    An exploration of the physical and material world; of natural and human-made phenomena; of the world of science and technology.
     
  • How we share the planet
    An exploration of human systems and communities; of the world of work, its nature and its value; of employment and unemployment and their impact.
     

Key Concepts

There are eight fundamental concepts, which are expressed as key questions, which drive the inquiry process.  The concepts are broad and are intended to define clusters of ideas.  The heart of the curriculum are research units, called Units of Inquiry or Planners, which are designed by teachers and students. 

 

The key questions are:

  •   Form                     What is it like?

  • Function                How does it work?

  • Causation              Why is it like it is?

  • Change                  How is it changing?

  • Connection            How is it connected to other things?

  • Perspective           What are the points of view?

  • Responsibility       What is our responsibility?

  •  Reflection             How do we know?

PYP Attitudes

The IB PYP recognizes the importance of concepts, knowledge and skills but also believes these alone do not make an internationally educated person.  It is crucial that we also focus on the development of positive attitudes towards people, the environment, and learning.

 

Attitudes and Definitions:

 

Appreciation            Appreciating the wonder and beauty of the world and its people.

 

Commitment            Being committed to their learning, persevering, and showing self discipline and responsibility.

 

Confidence              Feeling confident in their ability as learners, having the courage to take risky, applying what they have learned and making appropriate decisions.

 

 Cooperation            Cooperating, collaborating, and leading or following as the situation demands.

 

Creativity                  Being creative and imaginative in their thinking and in their approach to problems and dilemmas.

 

Curiosity                   Being curious about the nature of learning and of the world, its people and cultures.

 

Empathy                   Imaginatively projecting themselves into another's situation, in order to understand his/her thoughts, reasoning and emotions.

 

Enthusiasm             Enjoying learning.

 

 

Independence         Thinking and acting independently, making their own judgments based on reasoned principles and being able to defend their judgments.

 

Integrity                     Having integrity and a firm sense of fairness and honesty.

 

 

Respect                    Respecting themselves, others, and the world around them.

 

Tolerance                 Feeling sensitivity towards differences and diversity in the world and being responsive to the needs of others.

Click below to learn more about the IBO program.

http://www.IBO.org

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