The International Baccalaureate Primary Years Programme (PYP) offers an innovative and holistic approach to learning that nurtures curiosity, critical thinking, and a love for exploration. At ISL, the PYP framework supports children aged 3 to 12 as they develop the knowledge, skills, and dispositions to become confident, caring, and internationally minded individuals. One of the cornerstones of the programme is its unique use of transdisciplinary Units of Inquiry. In this article, we explore how these units work, how they are created, and why they matter.
Each year, students engage with a set of six transdisciplinary themes that provide a broad and meaningful context for learning. These themes guide the development of the Units of Inquiry and help learners make connections across subjects:
These themes are designed to reflect global challenges and opportunities, encouraging students to explore ideas that have relevance both locally and globally.
Behind every Unit of Inquiry is thoughtful and collaborative planning. Our teaching teams work together to identify a central idea that is conceptually rich and worth exploring. They build in lines of inquiry and key questions to guide students as they investigate and construct their own understanding. Throughout the process, teachers integrate multiple subject areas such as literacy, mathematics, science, art, and languages, allowing students to see learning as connected and meaningful.
Our Units of Inquiry run throughout the whole of Primary, starting with our youngest learners. In the early years, the Primary Years Programme (PYP) focuses on fostering the development of the whole child by promoting inquiry-based learning, personal growth, and academic skills. The PYP in early years emphasises a holistic approach to learning that encourages exploration, creativity, and critical thinking.
The IB Primary Years Programme (PYP) places a strong emphasis on student well-being, recognising it as essential for learning and personal growth. Through its holistic approach, the PYP nurtures social, emotional, and physical development alongside academic learning. It encourages students to build positive relationships, develop resilience, and take responsible action within their communities. By promoting agency, balance, and a supportive environment, the PYP helps students flourish as confident, caring, and capable individuals.
Language learning is central to the IB Primary Years Programme (PYP), woven through every aspect of the framework. The PYP views language as essential for communication, expression, and understanding the world, encouraging students to develop skills in their home language, the language of instruction, and French. Through rich, authentic learning experiences across all subjects, students build literacy, critical thinking, and intercultural understanding. By valuing and celebrating linguistic diversity, the PYP helps students become confident communicators and global citizens.
Inquiry is at the heart of the PYP. Rather than passively receiving information, students are encouraged to ask questions, investigate, and reflect. This approach builds independence and resilience, as students become co-constructors of knowledge. Inquiry-based learning fosters curiosity and cultivates essential skills such as research, collaboration, and communication.
Assessment in the IB Primary Years Programme is ongoing and purposeful. Teachers gather evidence of student understanding through observations, conversations, and student work. This allows for timely feedback and support, ensuring that each child progresses in a meaningful way. Summative assessments at the end of each unit help consolidate learning and celebrate student growth.
The beauty of the PYP lies in its ability to bring subjects together. A Unit of Inquiry might begin with a question about environmental sustainability and lead students to explore scientific processes, write persuasive texts, and use data in mathematics. This integration supports deep learning and enables children to apply their knowledge in real-world contexts.
At ISL, our students recently explored the theme "How We Organise Ourselves" through a unit on entrepreneurship. They designed their own businesses, created products, and sold them at a school market. Another memorable example comes from a "Sharing the Planet" unit, where students investigated local biodiversity and created awareness campaigns to protect endangered species in our region. These projects embody the spirit of the PYP—student-centred, relevant, and impactful.
Parents appreciate the way the IB Primary Years Programme curriculum nurtures their children’s creativity and confidence. Teachers value the flexibility and depth of the programme, while students describe their learning as fun, challenging, and meaningful. Many families have shared how their children have become more inquisitive and thoughtful, often applying classroom learning to life beyond school.
Some families new to the IB Primary Years Programme review process ask how it compares with other systems. The PYP is often seen as more balanced and holistic than traditional models, with strong academic rigour complemented by an emphasis on well-being and personal development. While inquiry-based learning can require more time and careful planning, its benefits—particularly in developing lifelong learners—are clear.
Alumni and current students frequently reflect on how well the PYP prepared them for the next stages of their education. The skills developed through inquiry, such as independent thinking, collaboration, and adaptability, serve them well throughout the IB Middle Years Programme and beyond.
The IB Primary Years Programme Units of Inquiry empower young learners to think critically, act responsibly, and approach learning with curiosity and joy. At ISL, we are proud to see our students grow through this dynamic and forward-thinking curriculum. Through authentic inquiry, integrated learning, and a strong focus on well-being, our students develop the skills and mindsets they need to thrive in an ever-changing world. The PYP does more than support academic success—it nurtures compassionate, confident individuals who are ready to make a positive difference in their communities and beyond.
If you would like to learn more about the PYP at ISL or visit our Primary School, please contact our Admissions Team. We would be delighted to welcome you.