It was a great pleasure to see so many new and old faces in our initial learning session for the PYP (Primary Years Programme) recently. Below is an overview of the presentation from that evening providing you with some basic information about the IBO (International Baccalaureate Organisation) and the PYP which will be expanded and developed in future issues of Prep Talk.

The International Baccalaureate (IB) Primary Years Programme (PYP) for children aged 3 – 12 years nurtures and develops young students as caring, active participants in a lifelong journey of learning. Through its inquiry focus, the PYP challenges students to think for themselves, to take ownership and responsibility for their learning as they explore local and global issues and opportunities in real-life contexts.

Brief History

The IB PYP was introduced in 1997. It followed the introduction of the Middle Years Programme (MYP) and the Diploma Programme (DP) established respectively in 1994 and 1968. As of 1 November 2018, there are 1,652 schools offering the PYP, in 109 different countries worldwide. Newington College offers the PYP at the Lindfield campus and the DP at the Stanmore campus in Years 11 and 12 as an alternative to the Higher School Certificate (HSC).

The Learner Profile & IB Mission

At the centre of the framework is the Learner Profile. These are the ten attributes that are the focus of the PYP as a holistic programme that aims to develop inquiring, knowledgeable and caring young people who help to create a better and more peaceful world through intercultural understanding and respect.

The Curriculum

The PYP curriculum is adaptable to state standards, therefore, the curriculums of the NSW Education Standards Authority (NESA) are used as the basis for learning and teaching from Kindergarten to Year 6. The disciplines/subjects, e.g. English, Mathematics, Music etc, are incorporated into units of inquiry and students participate in mini-lessons for explicit learning in all disciplines/subjects.

The PYP is guided by six transdisciplinary themes, i.e. where many disciplines/subjects are covered to create a holistic approach, helping students to deepen their learning by developing their understandings of big ideas of significant global issues facing the world. This approach enables them to strengthen their knowledge and skills across and beyond subject areas. The entire school community, including parents, are viewed as partners in learning, and actively contribute to this holistic educational experience.

The PYP provides the knowledge, concepts, skills, personal attributes and the capacity to take action, all of which students need to equip them for successful lives, both now and in the future. Learning through inquiry, learning investigations across and beyond subject areas will strengthen their knowledge and understanding as they explore global, topical and relevant ‘big picture’ questions, or transdisciplinary themes.

Student-centred learning

The PYP provides a foundation for children to become successful, lifelong learners by developing their:

• social and emotional well-being;
• independence, as they take responsibility for their own learning;
• international mindedness;
• understanding of the world and their ability to function effectively within it;
• ability to take mindful, appropriate and sustainable student-initiated action, and
• language skills; all students study an additional language from at least 7 years of age.

By choosing to implement the PYP at Newington College Lindfield, we will work together to develop students’ academic, social and emotional wellbeing, focusing on international mindedness and strong personal values. We will nurture independent learning skills, encouraging every student to take responsibility for their learning.

Sue Gough – PYP Co-ordinator