The International Baccalaureate's Primary Years Programme is designed to build upon the natural curiosity of the child.  Intended for children ages 4 through 11/12, students participate in four to six “Units of Inquiry” per year.  Learning through inquiry means that children are given the opportunity to ask questions, research answers and become involved in hands on activities that build knowledge gained in a relevant and engaging way.  Each Unit of Inquiry lasts for approximately six to eight weeks, which allows time for children to delve deeply into the topic.

To ensure that children acquire a broad base of knowledge, Units of Inquiry are developed under six “organising themes”:

·         Who We Are

·         Where We Are in Place and Time

·         How the World Works

·         How We Organise Ourselves

·         How We Express Ourselves

·         Sharing the Planet

The six subject areas of Language, Social Studies, Personal, Social and Physical Education, Mathematics, Science and Technology and the Arts are woven into the Units of Inquiry to provide a trans-disciplinary approach to learning.  Each Unit of Inquiry is international in perspective and of global significance.  Learning outcomes are set out in great detail in comprehensive Scope and Sequence documents provided to IB schools by the International Baccalaureate.  These documents indicate by age group, the skills and knowledge that should be acquired by PYP students.

A PYP school is infused with a sense of purpose and a spirit of inquiry.  PYP students endeavour to understand the world around them by asking questions, researching answers, finding solutions and making connections.  The international focus of the PYP helps children connect what they know in their own lives to what happens in the rest of the world.  Understanding and respect for other customs and cultures is a vital part of the Primary Years Programme. PYP students come to understand that they are a part of a much bigger global community, and as such, have responsibilities and obligations to their fellow humans.  In aid of this international understanding, PYP students also learn a second language.  At Greenfield Community School all students use English as the working language, learn Arabic (our host country’s language) and study French or German.  The ability to communicate effectively through a range of means is a vital component of the Primary Years Programme.

The Primary Years Programme develops the whole child valuing a healthy body as well as a healthy mind by encompassing social, physical, emotional, cultural and academic learning.  It is a programme aimed at creating internationally minded students who are prepared to take their place in the world no matter where life may lead them.