IB-PYP General Information

What is the International Baccalaureate Primary Years Programme?

It is a transdisciplinary programme of international education designed to foster the development of the whole child, whether he/she is gifted, average or with special needs.

The International Baccalaureate Primary Years Programme (IB - PYP) is designed for students aged 3 to 12. It focuses on the total growth of the developing child, touching hearts as well as minds and encompassing social, physical, emotional and cultural needs in addition to academic development.

What is the curriculum framework?

The curriculum framework can be illustrated by six transdisciplinary themes surrounding six subject areas:

  • language (English, French, possibly another language as well)
  • social studies
  • mathematics
  • arts
  • science and technology
  • personal, social and physical education.

What opportunities are the students given?

Five essential elements - concepts, knowledge, skills, attitudes and action - are incorporated into the curriculum framework, so that students are given the opportunity to:

  • gain knowledge that is relevant and of global significance
  • develop an understanding of concepts, which allows them to make connections throughout their learning
  • acquire transdisciplinary and disciplinary skills
  • develop attitudes that will lead to international-mindedness and
  • take action as a consequence of their learning.

How does the IB define "international education"?

The International Baccalaureate chooses to define "international education" according to the following criteria. Developing citizens of the world in relation to culture, language and learning to live together by:

  • Building and reinforcing students sense of identity and cultural awareness
  • Fostering students recognition and development of universal human values
  • Stimulating curiosity and inquiry in order to foster a spirit of discovery and enjoyment of learning
  • Equipping students with the skills to learn and acquire knowledge, individually or collaboratively, and to apply these skills and knowledge accordingly across a broad range of areas
  • Providing international content while responding to local requirements and interests
  • Encouraging diversity and flexibility in teaching methods which meet the needs of all students, whether they are gifted, average or with special needs
  • Providing appropriate forms of assessment and international benchmarking.

For more information, please visit the IB web site at http://www.ibo.org.

Carlyle IB Update 2009-2010

We keep moving forward, opening new doors and doing new things, because we're curious and curiosity keeps leading us down new paths.
- Walt Disney

Carlyle is busily underway on its IB journey. You will hear teachers and children using the term unit of inquiry to describe what they are doing in school. While working on units of inquiry students are asked to do a variety of tasks in their quest for understanding. Students will conduct research to answer questions and solve problems.

A small sampling of our units of inquiry are:
Safety, The Senses, Family, The 3 R's ( Reducing, Reusing and Recycling), Structure of Living things (Raptors), Human Migration, Natural Resources and Energy.

The IB attitudes and the IB Learner Profile are demonstrated daily throughout Carlyle. We see evidence of students understanding these terms and taking responsibility for actions and words daily.

The IB attitude that is being focused upon this month is Curiosity (Being curious about the nature of learning and of the world, its people and cultures).

The following books are some readings that support the development of the IB attitude of curiosity:

  • The Secret Garden by Frances Burnett
  • Going Home by Eve Bunting
  • Small Green Snake by Libba Gray
  • Grandpa's Face by Eloise Greenfield
  • Curious George by H.A. Rey

You may wonder how as a parent you can support the PYP and your child’s learning?

  • Know the unit theme and central idea into which your child is inquiring
  • Make discussion of ideas, opinions and events a regular feature at home
  • Discuss and encourage your child’s ideas arising from inquiry topics
  • Encourage your child to take ACTION. He/she can make a difference in the lives of others

I would like to take this opportunity to encourage you to continue supporting your children (our students) in our IB venture. Wishing you and your loved ones a healthy and happy holiday season.


Phyllis Esar
IB Coordinator

IB-PYP Program



You can learn more about the IP-PYP program from the International Baccalaureate Organization.

Latest for 2010

Read about Carlyle's IB developments for 2009-2010