International Baccalaureate Primary Years Program (IB PYP)
Morse Elementary is a Candidate School* for the Primary Years Programme (PYP). This school is pursuing authorization as an IB World School. These are schools that share a common philosophy - a commitment to high-quality, challenging, international education that Morse Elementary believes is important for our students. *Only schools authorized by the IB Organization can offer any of its four academic programmes: the Primary Years Programme (PYP), the Middle Years Programme (MYP), the Diploma Programme, or the Career-related Programme (CP). Candidate status gives no guarantee that authorization will be granted. For further information about the IB and its programmes, visit www.ibo.org.
IB PYP is not a curriculum but is an approach to teaching and learning that emphasizes inquiry-based learning, collaboration, international-mindedness and student voice and choice. IB PYP strives to help students develop the knowledge, understandings, skills and attitudes needed to be lifelong learners who know that they can make a positive difference in the world.
There are no tests to gain admission and no IQ or other requirements to participate in the programme. The IB PYP is accessible to all Morse Elementary students.
To learn more about the IB PYP programme, click the links below.
- IB PYP Curriculum Overview (information below)
- IB Website: Primary Years Programme (PYP)
- Primary Years Programme (PYP) Presentation
IB PYP Curriculum Overview
The International Baccalaureate (IB) Primary Years Program (PYP) provides a framework for learning that empowers students to take ownership of their education, develop a deeper understanding of the world around them, and embrace a strong set of values. To support this mission, the PYP emphasizes the following core components:
Learner Profile: What do we want students to embody?
The IB Learner Profile includes 10 attributes that define what it means to be an internationally-minded individual. These qualities are nurtured throughout the PYP years:
- Inquirer
- Knowledgeable
- Thinker
- Communicator
- Principled
- Open-minded
- Caring
- Risk-taker (Courageous)
- Balanced
- Reflective
Transdisciplinary Themes: What do we want students to know?
The six transdisciplinary themes span all grade levels and guide students in exploring both local and global issues. These themes go beyond individual subjects, encouraging meaningful connections across disciplines:
- 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
Each grade level focuses on a unique unit of inquiry under each theme. By the end of sixth grade, students will have engaged with all six themes in depth.
Specified Concepts: What do we want students to understand?
The seven specified concepts guide students in their exploration of the transdisciplinary themes. These broad, transferable ideas help students gain a deeper understanding across all subject areas:
- Form – What is it?
- Function – How does it work?
- Causation – Why is it the way it is?
- Change – How is it evolving?
- Connection – How is it related to other things?
- Perspective – What are the different points of view?
- Responsibility – What is our obligation?
Approaches to Learning (ATL): What do we want students to be able to do?
The five ATL skill categories are integrated into all units of inquiry. Students develop and apply these essential skills throughout the year and across their elementary school journey:
- Communication skills
- Thinking skills
- Social skills
- Research skills
- Self-management skills
To learn more about the IB Primary Years Programme, visit www.ibo.org or contact Janelle Bedard, IB PYP Coordinator/Instructional Coach, at [email protected].