Learning at St Columba's
What It Means to Be a PYP School
Last Friday’s PYP Open Morning provided a valuable opportunity to share the thinking behind our programme and to make learning visible in our classrooms. For those who were unable to attend, I would like to take this opportunity to outline what it means for your child to learn within the International Baccalaureate Primary Years Programme (PYP).
The PYP provides a clear and rigorous framework for teaching and learning. It is underpinned by a shared language, inquiry, learner profile, transdisciplinary learning, agency, explicit teaching and the Programme of Inquiry. These are not educational buzzwords; they shape how we intentionally design learning, students develop deep conceptual understanding, strong skills and the confidence to apply their learning in meaningful ways.
A key feature of the PYP is the deliberate integration of explicit teaching and inquiry. Teachers clearly model essential knowledge and skills, then guide students to question, analyse, connect and apply their understanding. This intentional design builds strong academic foundations while fostering curiosity, critical thinking and independence.
Learning in a PYP school is also transdisciplinary. Rather than teaching subjects in isolation, our Programme of Inquiry connects areas of the Victorian Curriculum, making learning purposeful and relevant. Students see how Science, Civics and Citizenship, Religious Education and the Personal and Social Capabilities work together. Knowledge, skills and concepts are woven across learning experiences to deepen understanding and strengthen transfer.
At St Columba’s, the PYP gives practical expression to our Catholic identity. Our tradition and the PYP share a commitment to:
- Human dignity — every child is known, valued and empowered as a capable learner.
- The common good — students are formed to act with justice, compassion and responsibility.
- Whole-person formation — developing head, heart and spirit through knowledge, reflection and purposeful action.
Our goal is to develop knowledgeable, reflective and principled young people who apply their learning with integrity and contribute meaningfully to their communities.
In a PYP school, students collaborate on goals, reflect on their progress, and increasingly take ownership of their learning within clear, intentional structures. When children can articulate what they are learning, why it matters and how they can improve, we know they are developing the dispositions and capabilities that will serve them well beyond primary school.
As we look ahead, St Columba’s will undergo our PYP Evaluation in August. This is an important milestone in our ongoing commitment to excellence and growth. I am seeking parents who would like to join our PYP Evaluation team and contribute their perspective as part of this process. Your voice matters, and your insights strengthen our school community.
If you are interested in being involved, please reach out via email. I would greatly value your partnership as we continue to refine and strengthen our PYP journey.
nspence@scelwood.catholic.edu.au
Nicole Spence
PYP Coordinator
