PYP Curriculum
In the PYP, a balance is sought between acquisition of essential knowledge and skills, development of conceptual understanding, demonstration of positive attitudes, and taking responsible action.
Essential elements of the written curriculum
KNOWLEDGE
Significant, relevant content that we wish the students to explore and know about, taking into consideration their prior experience and understanding
CONCEPTS
A set of eight key concepts is of major importance in the design and implementation of the curriculum.
- Form-What is it like?
- Function-How does it work?
- Causation-Why is it like it is?
- Change-How is it changing?
- Connection-how is it connected to other things?
- Perspective-What are the points of view?
- Responsibility-What is our responsibility?
- Reflection-how do we know?
SKILLS
Within their learning throughout the program, students acquire and apply a set of transdisciplinary skills, or approaches to learning, including:
- Social skills
- Communication skills
- Thinking skills
- Research skills
- Self-management skills
ATTITUDES
In PYP schools, students should demonstrate:
- Commitment
- Confidence
- Cooperation
- Creativity
- Curiosity
- Empathy
- Enthusiasm
- Independence
- Integrity
- Respect
- Tolerance
- Action
These are interwoven into the 10 PYP Learner Profile Characteristics that every PYP Learner should demonstrate.
Learning to be:
- Reflective
- Principled
- Balanced
- Inquirers
- Caring
- Risk Takers
- Communicators
- Thinkers
- Knowledgeable
- Open-Minded
ACTION
In PYP schools, students demonstrate deeper learning through the action cycle of “Choose, Act, Reflect.” The goal is for them to use their knowledge to improve their community. Students come to understand that action can be big or small and can be done by kids, just like them!
