Lower School, K-5

Kindergarten
First Grade
Second Grade
Third Grade
Fourth Grade
Fifth Grade

International Baccalaureate Primary Years Program PYP

 

The Primary Years Program (PYP) of the International Baccalaureate Organization (IBO) is a designed transdisciplinary curriculum, which draws the individual disciplines together into a coherent whole, while preserving the essence of each subject. The Primary Years Program begins in PreK and continues through 5th grade. Implementation of the complete PYP is a process, which will most likely take a period of three years, including this school year.

 

The PYP program focuses on the development of the whole child, addressing social, physical, emotional and physical needs. At the same time, it gives children a strong foundation in all of the major areas of knowledge: mathematics, social studies, drama, language, music, visual arts, science, personal and social education, and physical education. It strives to help children develop an international perspective to become aware of and sensitive to the points of view of people in other parts of the world.

 

Students will develop a deep understanding of important concepts and conduct research into knowledge, which has local and global significance. Students will acquire and practice a range of essential skills while being encouraged to develop positive attitudes towards learning, the environment and other people. Students will have the opportunity for involvement in responsible action and social service.

PYP schools develop students who are: Inquirers, thinkers, communicators, risk-takers, knowledgeable, principled, caring, open-minded, well balanced and reflective. These are terms that are known as the Student Profile and you will see these terms posted in every PYP classroom as they are being implemented within the CDSA curriculum.

 

It is important in PYP schools that activities are designed, which promote positive attitudes. It is essential that these attitudes be addressed consciously, professionally, and explicitly within the written curriculum. The attitudes that PYP schools want students to develop are: appreciation, commitment, cooperation, creativity, curiosity, empathy, enthusiasm, independence, integrity, respect, and tolerance.