The International Baccalaureate Primary Years Programme (IB PYP) is a future-focused curriculum that promotes inquiry-based learning, nurturing children to take charge of their education. It is a curriculum framework based on the premise that students are agents of their own learning. It has a student-centered approach and encourages overall child development, igniting a lifelong love for learning and preparing children to tackle real-world problems.
Top reasons for choosing IB PYP
Parents choose the IB Primary Years Programme for numerous reasons. Here are some of its top benefits for children in primary school.
1. Discover Inquiry-Based Education
Inquiry-based learning teaches children to grasp concepts and their nuances. Instead of memorising facts, children learn how to ask questions, process the information and reflect on solutions. Teachers guide and facilitate learning rather than tell children what or how to think. This approach equips children to think outside the box and solve real-world problems.
2. Master Collaborative Learning
Through the IB PYP, children first learn to trust their abilities and mind. Then they participate in group and team activities with peers and teachers. The process lays the foundation for collaboration, communication and other essential interpersonal skills.
3. Foster Critical and Creative Thinking
Children in the IB PYP learn how to analyse information, look at challenges from various angles and solve problems. Developed during inquiry-based learning, these critical and creative thinking skills develop a child’s confidence. Children can also apply the same abilities to various academic subjects and extracurricular activities.
4. Cultivate Responsibility
The student-centred IB PYP equips children to become responsible and autonomous learners with a global mindset. Instead of receiving information like a sponge, children must work to learn. As a result, they discover how to take ownership of their learning and pride themselves on a job well done.
5. Hone Communication Skills
The IB PYP prompts children to express themselves in various ways using multiple languages. As they work independently and in groups, they develop verbal, written and listening skills. In addition, children practise communication as they process information, discuss findings and share conclusions.
6. Embrace an International Mindset
Open-mindedness, empathy and compassion are essential skills for thriving in the world and will remain so. Children naturally cultivate these and other skills as part of the IB PYP learner profile. While discovering concepts, children understand how to see issues from different perspectives, value a global mindset and care about issues and people.
Also read: Inquiry based learning – Long-term benefits for students
IB PYP at GIIS
If these benefits of the IB PYP sound intriguing, take a look at the IB Primary Years Programme at GIIS, Singapore.
21st-Century Skills
To succeed in higher education and the workplace, your child needs a well-rounded education, which is why we prioritise the 4 C’s—Critical Thinking, Collaboration, Communication and Creativity—of 21st-century education. Our classroom activities, workshops, exhibitions, service projects and other events support the development and growth of our students. As a result, your child gains skills that equip them for success at school and beyond.
Multicultural Impact
Our student body comprising students from over 40 nationalities creates a unique space that invites your child to embrace a global mindset. While learning, playing and discovering alongside children from different regions, cultures and nations, your child gains invaluable experience. As a result, your child is more empathetic and prepared to live and work in the global economy.
Nurturing Teachers
In addition to understanding the IB PYP framework and implementing it through the course of the PYP, our trained and qualified teachers know how to stimulate, appreciate and reward children. They are passionate about this educational approach and constantly learn new ideas and techniques they can use in the classroom. Your child receives constant support from facilitators who guide and nurture.
Empowering Facilities
Our facilities add depth and increase support as your child completes projects, explores concepts and engages in inquiry-based learning. Students have access to collaborative learning spaces, separate areas for music, dance and sports at both our Punggol and East coast campuses. In addition, our SMART campus has innovation rooms, skills-based studios and digital classrooms that motivate students to learn and explore new things each day.
The IB PYP includes a framework that supports your child’s educational journey. The learner and the learning community together create a nurturing educational environment that promotes a love of learning.
If you are keen to learn more about IB PYP at GIIS, please don’t hesitate to contact our admissions counsellors.
Odaia B Ranido
Ms. Ranido is the IB Early Years and PYP coordinator for GIIS Singapore. She has over 20 years of teaching experience in different international and bilingual schools in Southeast Asia. She spent the last 11 years leading the implementation of the IB Primary Years Programme (PYP) as a coordinator and teacher. She completed her Masters of Arts in Education from Sheffield Hallam University, UK in 2015. Ms. Ranido joined the Global Indian International School, EC Campus in July, 2019.
