IB Primary Years Programme (PYP)

The International Baccalaureate (IB) Primary Year Programme (PYP) is a leading curriculum framework for international primary education. Designed for schools with students aged 3 to 12, the PYP focuses on the development of the whole child as an inquirer, both in the classroom and in the world outside.

With its rigorous, research and inquiry based curriculum, the PYP transforms schools' pedagogical practices, placing teachers, students and leaders in the core of the programme. As a result, students become active, caring, lifelong learners who demonstrate respect for themselves and others and have the capacity to participate in the world around them. PYP students are not only well prepared for the next stage of education, but also for participation in the IB Middle Years Programme (MYP) and subsequently the Diploma Programme (DP).

The PYP Curriculum Framework

These five essential elements that students need to lead successful lives underpin the PYP’s curriculum framework. Schools work with the five elements to construct a rigorous and challenging primary education curriculum that is engaging, relevant, and significant.

  • Knowledge
  • Concept
  • Skill
  • Attitude
  • Action

The PYP is offered by many types of schools around the world, including state schools, private schools and international schools. As a flexible curriculum framework, the PYP is able to accommodate the demands of most national or local curriculums. With local and global issues incorporated into the PYP curriculum, students are asked to look at six related themes and to consider the links between them. The themes include:

  • 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

Nurturing independent learning skills, and encouraging every student to take responsibility for their learning, the PYP develops students’ academic, social and emotional wellbeing, while simultaneously focusing on international-mindedness and the development of strong personal values.

Assessment in the PYP

Through assessment, the IB helps schools teaching the PYP to identify what students know, understand, can do and value at different stages in the teaching and learning process.

In the PYP, learning is viewed as a continuous journey, where teachers identify students’ needs and use assessment data to plan the next stage of their learning.

The purposes of assessment in the PYP are to:

  • Promote student learning
  • Provide information about student learning
  • Contribute to the successful implementation of the programme

Teachers use a wide range of assessment strategies to collect information on each of the elements represented in the written curriculum: the understanding of concepts, the acquisition of knowledge, the mastering of skills, the development of positive attitudes and the ability to take responsible action.

The PYP Exhibition

Encouraging in-depth, collaborative inquiry, students carry out an extended, in-depth, collaborative project known as the PYP Exhibition in their final year of the programme.

The PYP Exhibition involves students working collaboratively to conduct an in-depth inquiry into real life issues or problems. Students collectively synthesise all of the essential elements of the PYP in ways that can be shared with the whole school community.

This provides teachers with a powerful and authentic process for assessing student understanding. The exhibition also represents a unique and significant opportunity for students to showcase the attributes of the IB learner profile developed throughout their engagement with the programme.

The PYP Exhibition provides schools and students with a wonderful opportunity to celebrate the transition of learners to the next phase of their education.

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Student Support

Find out how M'KIS supports your child in more ways than one!

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IB Middle Years Programme

The MYP is uniquely designed to offer a well-rounded education and help students achieve success in school and in life.

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Explore Malaysia Trips

The Explore Malaysia Trips reflect our school’s commitment to a greater understanding and appreciation of our host country.

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