International Baccalaureatte

What is an IB PYP school?

What makes PYP schools unique is "how" students are taught, versus "what" students are taught. IB PYP schools strive to develop internationally-minded students who are able to understand themselves and others, fostering the attributes necessary to thrive within a global society. The PYP focuses on the development of the whole child as an engaged inquirer, demonstrating ownership for their learning both in and outside of the classroom. 

In the PYP classroom, learning is concept-based rather than topic-based, taking place through a Transdisciplinary lens. PYP Teachers also teach students multiple Approaches to Learning, so that students are equipped with the skills essential to becoming lifelong learners.

What is the IB Learner Profile and how does it foster International Mindedness? 

InternationalMindedness is not about learning other cultures and languages. Rather, it is a way of thinking that allows people to understand and work with each other in a more humane way, without prejudice. It fosters the growth of traits critical to working in local, national, and global communities. 

Students learn that we can work together to solve important issues, regardless of our cultural backgrounds and ways of life... while still honoring our shared humanity. 

The Learner Profile is a collection of key traits that support intellectual and personal growth. These traits support the growth of International-Mindedness and are actively cultivated throughout a student’s day and are reinforced at home.  

• Inquirers - We nurture our curiosity, developing skills for inquiry and research. We know how to learn independently and with others. We learn with enthusiasm and sustain our love of learning throughout life.
• Thinkers - We use critical and creative thinking skills to analyze and take responsible action on complex problems. We exercise initiative in making reasoned, ethical decisions. 
• Communicators - We express ourselves confidently and creatively in more than one language and in many ways. We collaborate effectively, listening carefully to the perspectives of other individuals and groups.
• Risk Takers - We approach uncertainty with forethought and determination; we work independently and cooperatively to explore new ideas and innovative strategies. We are resourceful and resilient in the face of challenges and change.
• Knowledgeable - We develop and use conceptual understanding, exploring knowledge across a range of disciplines. We engage with issues and ideas that have local and global significance. 
• Principled - We act with integrity and honesty, with a strong sense of fairness and justice, and with respect for the dignity and rights of people everywhere. We take responsibility for our actions and their consequences.
• Caring - We show empathy, compassion and respect. We have a commitment to service, and we act to make a positive dierence in the lives of others and in the world around us.
• Open-Minded - We critically appreciate our own cultures and personal histories, as well as the values and traditions of others. We seek and evaluate a range of points of view, and we are willing to grow from the experience
• Balanced - We understand the importance of balancing different aspects of our lives—intellectual, physical, and emotional—to achieve well-being for ourselves and others. We recognize our interdependence with other people and with the world in which we live.
• Reflective - We thoughtfully consider the world and our own ideas and experience. We work to understand our strengths and weaknesses in order to support our learning and personal development.