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The PYP Programme in the ELC

 

The IB at NIS: The Primary Years Programme

The IB Primary Years Programme at NIS

 

Nagoya International Primary School is an IB PYP school. The IB Primary Years Programme (PYP) is a curriculum framework designed for students aged 3 to 12, and provides the curricular foundation for both the NIS ELC (Preschool and Kindergarten), and the Elementary School.

The inquiry-based nature of the PYP encourages students to take responsibility for their own learning. Students are taught to ask questions, make predictions and test their beliefs and assumptions. They seek out information and collaborate with others in interpreting their findings; they elaborate on ideas and delve deeper into problems, and in so doing, create and evaluate solutions.

Students in the PYP gain a unique understanding of their world by learning to take action in improving it. They consider their common humanity, recognize their shared guardianship of the planet, and strive to create a better and more peaceful existence for all.

The PYP provides NIS teachers with a framework through which they can offer a truly student-centered, inquiry-based curriculum. It provides guidelines not only on what students should learn, but also how they should learn. It also establishes a school culture that helps students learn how they should interact with their communities.

The PYP draws on research and best practices from a range of national educational systems and has been informed by a wealth of knowledge and experience from international schools. The result is a relevant, engaging and challenging framework for all students.

 

Transdisciplinary Themes: The Programme of Inquiry

Six transdisciplinary themes guide learning throughout the PYP years. These globally significant themes provide the opportunity to incorporate both local and global issues and enable students to "step out" beyond the confines of subject areas and instead see the world with a wider perspective. The themes encompass traditional subjects such as Science and Social studies which are embedded in “Units of Inquiry” (UOI). These Units of Inquiry focus on a series of connected learning experiences which enable students to explore a central idea relevant to a particular transdisciplinary theme. These inquiries are substantial, in-depth and usually last for several weeks - often taking learning in directions that are student-centered and student-led. In the ELC (Preschool and Kindergarten) children work through four Units of Inquiry each year.

 

The Preschool and Kindergarten Units of Inquiry are designed to be open and broad, which allows teachers to listen to children's interests and use these to influence the direction each unit takes. Preschool and Kindergarten share two of their four units – an intentional decision to promote collaboration between the different age groups.

are designed to be open and broad, which allows teachers to listen to children's interests and use these to influence the direction each unit takes. Preschool and Kindergarten share two of their four units; this is an intentional decision to promote collaboration between the different age groups.

 

ELC Inquiry Questions