IB-Primary Years Programme - Curriculum Framework

Manchester International School offers the Primary Years Programme, a comprehensive curriculum framework for teaching and learning in the primary years (Grades KG – 5). The IB-PYP is a curriculum, a philosophy and a methodology for young learners(3 -11 years). In this programme, emphasis is placed on trans-disciplinary and inquiry-based learning. The six transdisciplinary themes and subject areas are Language, Social Studies, Mathematics, Arts, Science and Personal, Social and Physical Education. The curriculum and pedagogy of PYP focuses on international perspectives of learning and teaching, while insisting that students fully explore their home culture and language.

The core focus of Manchester is learning and teaching in a caring, safe and welcoming environment where students are challenged to strive for personal excellence. The school believes in encouraging children to enquire and to “step up” beyond the confines of learning within subject areas.

IBO Mission Statement

     The International Baccalaureate® aims to develop inquiring, knowledgeable and caring young people who help to create a better and more peaceful world through intercultural understanding and respect. 

     To this end the organization works with schools, governments and international organizations to develop challenging programmes of international education and rigorous assessment.

     These programmes encourage students across the world to become active, compassionate and lifelong learners who understand that other people, with their differences, can also be right. (www.ibo.org)

How is the Programme is taught?

     The most significant and distinctive feature of the IB Primary Years Programme is the six transdisciplinary themes. These themes are about issues that have meaning for, and are important to, all of us.The programme offers a balance between learning about or through the subject areas, and learning beyond them. The six themes of global significance create a transdisciplinary framework that allows students to “step up” beyond the confines of learning within subject areas.

• Who we are
• Where we are in place and time
• How we express ourselves
• How the world works
• How we organize ourselves
• Sharing the Planet

     The programme puts great emphasis on learning about these transdisciplinary themes. Every theme is addressed each year by all students. The themes provide the opportunity to incorporate local and global issues into the curriculum.

IB Subject Areas

     The programme can be illustrated by a circular model showing links between six transdisciplinary themes and subject areas like

• Language
• Social Studies
• Mathematics
• Arts
• Science
• Personal, Social and Physical Education     

For more details please visit:

https://www.ibo.org/programmes/primary-years-programme/