The program of inquiry is the school’s framework for the PYP. It is based on six organizing themes that provide the structure for the exploration of knowledge. Students explore subject disciplines through these questions and are challenged to engage in important ideas.
The PYP framework consists of six transdisciplinary themes, each of which are addressed at each grade level once a year.
1. 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.
2. 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.
3. 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
4. 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.
5. 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.
6. 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 Primary Years Programme (PYP) written curriculum incorporates five essential elements of learning: understanding of concepts, the acquisition of essential knowledge and skills, the development of positive attitudes and the opportunity for positive actions. The IB identifies a body of knowledge for all students in six subject areas: language, social studies, mathematics, arts, science and technology, and personal, social and physical education, all meet the IB PYP strands and American standards of learning.