The IB Primary Years Programme
Taihu International School became an IB World School, authorized to offer the PYP in June 2009.
The Primary Years Programme (PYP) is designed for students between the ages of 3 and 12 years and may be taught in any language. At Taihu International School the language of instruction is English. The curriculum focuses on the development of the whole child, in the classroom but also in the world outside, through other environments where children learn. It offers a framework that meets children’s several needs: academic, social, physical, emotional and cultural. The programme combines the best research and practice from a range of national systems with a wealth of knowledge from international schools.
The Programme of Inquiry
The PYP is committed to structured inquiry. This forms the basis of the schools Programme of Inquiry, the framework for the PYP within our school. Students explore subject disciplines through transdisciplinary themes that are designed to challenge them.
The transdisciplinary themes are:
· 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
The programme of inquiry strives for a balance within the curriculum ensuring that five essential elements of learning are addressed
The understanding of concepts
The acquisition of essential knowledge
The acquisition of skills
The development of attitudes
The opportunity for positive action
Units of inquiry
Within the programme each year group investigates 4 – 6 units of inquiry in a year, depending on the age of the children. These units are transdisciplinary and engage the children in their own learning. The units range from Choices in Nutrition to Families and Friends, and may contain a variety of subject disciplines.
Programme of Inquiry 2009-10 in English
Programme of Inquiry 2009-10 in Korean
Programme of Inquiry 2009-2010 in German
The IB Learner Profile
The learner profile is central to the whole philosophy of the PYP. Students should be:
- Inquirers
- Risk-takers
- Thinkers
- Communicators
- Balanced
- Principled
- Reflective
- Caring
- Open-minded
- Knowledgeable
IB LEARNER PROFILE BOOKLET
Our Subject Aims
Language
To develop students’ ability to express themselves fluently, confidently and accurately in oral, written and visual communication systems. Students also experience Chinese as part of the language programme.
Language
Mathematics
To develop students who are fluent in the language of mathematics and can apply their knowledge in real world situations.
Math
Science
To develop scientific concepts and knowledge through hypothesizing, making accurate observation and thinking critically about findings. To explore the behaviours of, and the interrelationships among, the natural, physical and material worlds.
Science
Social Studies
To develop students understanding of the world around them, historical and geographical influences and the role of individuals in developing communities. To encourage curiosity and develop an understanding of a rapidly changing world.
Social Studies
Personal and Social Education
PSE is concerned with the ongoing development and growth of the individual in respect to feelings, beliefs and behaviours, and how they interrelate. It also considers the interaction of the individual within the family, school, community, society and the world at large.
PSE
Physical Education
To develop an understanding of the role of physical activity in a healthy lifestyle in order to make informed choices, and the cultural significance of physical activities for communities and individuals.
PE
Arts
They are viewed as a form of expression that is inherent in all cultures. They are a powerful means to assist in the development of the whole child, and are important for interpreting and understanding the world. Arts in the PYP promote imagination, communication, creativity, social development and original thinking.
Drama
Visual Arts
Music
