From the PYP Coordinator

In a previous post we looked at the Primary Years Programme having five essential elements.

The International Baccalaureate Primary Years Programme has five fundamental curriculum aspects to it. These are called the five essential elements. These are the essential building blocks of the programme.

Concepts is one of these essential elements.

One of the central beliefs of the PYP philosophy is that it isn’t a theme or topic based programme but it is a concept driven curriculum. This enables the children to engage with significant ideas through their classroom inquiries. This would not be possible if we were just doing a topic or a project on say “The Victorians” or “Plants”. We want the students to go further.

“A concept driven curriculum helps the learner to construct meaning through improved critical thinking and the transfer of knowledge.”

Making the PYP Happen:A curriculum framework for international primary education 2009

The concepts which were chosen for use in the PYP were selected as they were deemed of major importance for a transdisciplinary curriculum. They are as follows -

• Form
• Function
• Causation
• Change
• Connection
• Perspective
• Responsibility
• Reflection

You will see these posted in your child’s classroom as they are used in our units of inquiry.

Alex Inman

PYP Coordinator