Curriculum

Primary Years Program at GGLPS

GGLPS teaches the Australian curriculum using the Primary Years Program (PYP) of the International Baccalaureate as a framework to impart this. There are many different aspects to the Teaching and Learning program of the school and these are some of the rich learning experiences in which the students are involved.

What are the Transdisciplinary Themes in the Primary Years Programme?

“The transdisciplinary themes mark the starting point of student inquirers. These themes engage the learning community in rich dialogues and ongoing collaboration to build an understanding of themselves, the wider community and the world.” (International Baccalaureate, 2018, p.12)

There are six transdisciplinary themes within the Primary Years Programme, undertaken by students from Years 1 to 6. Children in Foundation study four out of the six transdisciplinary themes throughout an academic year. While studying the transdisciplinary themes, each child uses their personal experience and prior knowledge to attain new knowledge and skills across a range of subject areas. The six transdisciplinary themes are described in detail below:

Who we are *

An inquiry into the nature of the self; beliefs and values; personal, physical, mental, social, and spiritual health; human relationships including families, friends, communities, and cultures; rights and responsibilities; what it means to be human.

Where we are in place and time *

An inquiry into orientation in place and time; personal histories; homes and journeys; the discoveries, explorations, and migrations of humankind; the relationships between, and the interconnectedness of, individuals and civilizations from local and global perspectives.

How we express ourselves *

An inquiry into the ways in which we discover and express ideas, feelings, nature, culture, beliefs, and values; the ways in which we reflect on, extend and enjoy our creativity; our appreciation of the aesthetic.

How the world works

An inquiry into the natural world and its laws; the interaction between the natural world (physical and biological) and human societies; how humans use their understanding of scientific principles; the impact of scientific and technological advances on society and on the environment.

How we organise ourselves

An inquiry into the interconnectedness of human-made systems and communities; the structure and function of organizations; societal decision making; economic activities and their impact on humankind and the environment.

Sharing the planet *

An inquiry into rights and responsibilities in the struggle to share finite resources with other people and with other living things; communities and the relationships within and between them; access to equal opportunities; peace and conflict resolution.

*The transdisciplinary themes studied by Foundation students.

For more information about the six transdisciplinary themes, please view pages 2-3 on the following website https://www.ibo.org/globalassets/publications/become-an-ib-school/ibpyp_en.pdf

Angelisa Marino