IB-PYP at D-PREP

The IB Primary Years Programme at D-PREP International School.

What is the PYP?

The PYP is an internationally recognized, research-based curriculum framework designed for students from 3 to 12 years old.

The PYP promotes learning through inquiry; by developing and asking questions structured around key concepts, students research answers, pose and solve problems and engage in meaningful learning experiences that promote the acquisition of knowledge. The PYP also supports the development of a wide range of skills as an essential part of the curriculum, empowering students to be effective life-long learners and succeed in a challenging world. Positive attitudes towards learning, the environment, and the people around us are viewed as being essential to student success in an ever changing world. Taking action offers children the opportunity to apply their knowledge in the real world.

The central focus of all three IB programmes is the development of the individual learner.  As such, the IB Learner profile is of key importance. Children are consistently encouraged to reflect on their growth within the ten profile elements which support them to develop as internationally-minded and effective world citizens. 

inquirers, thinkers, communicators, risk-takers, knowledgeable, principled, balanced, open-minded, reflective, caring

The IB Learner Profile

  • Inquirers
    We nurture our curiosity, developing skills for inquiry and research. We know how to learn independently and with others. We learn with enthusiasm and sustain our love of learning throughout life.
  • Thinkers
    We use critical and creative thinking skills to analyse and take responsible action on complex problems. We exercise initiative in making reasoned, ethical decisions.
  • Communicators
    We express ourselves conidently and creatively in more than one language and in many ways. We collaborate effectively, listening carefully to the perspectives of other individuals and groups.
  • Risk-takers
    We approach uncertainty with forethought and determination; we work independently and cooperatively to explore new ideas and innovative strategies. We are resourceful and resilient in the face of challenges and change.
  • Knowledgeable
    We develop and use conceptual understanding, exploring knowledge across a range of disciplines. We engage with issues and ideas that have local and global significance.
  • Principled
    We act with integrity and honesty, with a strong sense of fairness and justice, and with respect for the dignity and rights of people everywhere. We take responsibility for our actions and their consequences.
  • Balanced
    We understand the importance of balancing different aspects of our lives—intellectual, physical, and emotional—to achieve well-being for ourselves and others. We recognize our interdependence with other people and with the world in which we live.
  • Open-minded
    We critically appreciate our own cultures and personal histories, as well as the values and traditions of others. We seek and evaluate a range of points of view, and we are willing to grow from the experience
  • Reflective
    We thoughtfully consider the world and our own ideas and experience. We work to understand our strengths and weaknesses in order to support our learning and personal development.
  • Caring
    We show empathy, compassion and respect. We have a commitment to service, and we act to make a positive difference in the lives of others and in the world around us.

A Transdisciplinary Programme

The PYP is a transdisciplinary programme and it is connected through core elements:

  • Subject Knowledge 
  • Key Concepts
  • Approaches to Learning 
  • Student Action

The PYP Key Concepts

The key concepts are central to the curriculum and are presented in the form of key questions. It is these questions that shape the unit of inquiry giving it direction and purpose. The concepts have been carefully developed to encourage students to develop further open ended questions and think more broadly and deeply as they develop their inquiries and understandings.

These concepts are:

  • Form – What is it?
  • 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?

Through exploring these concepts children are able to explore big ideas about the world, and develop their own questions in increasingly more cognitive ways

The IB Approaches to Learning (ATL)

The ATL connect the PYP vertically to the MYP. They also connect through all the subject disciplines, and are important in supporting children to transfer learning from one area to another.  The ATL are a set of 5 skills which are unpacked into more specific sub skills: 

Self Management Skills
Organization: Managing Self, Time Management, Goal Setting
States of mind: Mindfulness, Perseverance, Emotional Management, Self Motivation, Resilience

Social Skills 
Intrapersonal; Self Control, Emotional Intelligence
Interpersonal; Respecting Others, Supporting Others, Social Intelligence, Resolving Conflict

Thinking Skills 
Critical thinking: Analysis, Evaluation, Forming Decisions
Creative thinking: Generating novel ideas, Considering new perspectives
Transfer: Application, Application in Multiple Contexts
Reflection: Reflection, Metacognition

Research Skills 
Information Literacy: Formulating & Planning, Gathering & Recording, Synthesizing & Interpreting, Evaluating & Communicating
Media Literacy: Consuming & Processing, Considering online perspectives, Creating 
Ethical Use: Ethical Use Reliability of sources

Communication Skills
Exchanging Information; Listening, Interpreting, Speaking
Literacy: Reading, Writing, 
ICT: Media Representation, Informed Choices

PYP Action

Student action is a core component of the programme. Students apply their knowledge to the real world and further develop their sense of commitment, demonstrating they have the power to affect change. Student action can manifest itself in many ways; 

  • Participation
  • Advocacy
  • Social Entrepreneurship
  • Social Justice
  • Lifestyle Choices

Action can be individual, group, or class-oriented and can take the form of small acts or larger group initiated activities. Our program at D-PREP is designed to nurture students who are lifelong learners with the skills and attitudes to take self-directed action for themselves and others.  Our early learners are invited to make choices within our play-based environment, learning independence, confidence, responsibility, and much more. In the primary grades, we offer a range of student leadership opportunities.

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