IB Primary Years Programme (PYP)


Helen C. Peirce School of International Studies is now a Candidate* School for the Primary Years Programme.

*Helen C. Peirce School of International Studies is a candidate school* for the Primary Years Programme. This school is pursuing authorization as an IB World School. These are schools that share a common philosophy—a commitment to high quality, challenging, international education that Peirce Elementary School believes is important for our students.

*Only schools authorized by the IB Organization can offer any of its four academic programmes: the Primary Years Programme (PYP), the Middle Years Programme (MYP), the Diploma Programme or the Career-related Programme (CP). Candidate status gives no guarantee that authorization will be granted.

What is the Primary Years Programme?
The IB Primary Years Programme (PYP) is a curriculum framework designed for students aged 3 to 12. It focuses on the development of the whole child as an inquirer, both in the classroom and in the world outside. It is defined by six transdisciplinary themes of global significance, explored using knowledge and skills derived from six subject areas, with a powerful emphasis on inquiry-based learning. The PYP is flexible enough to accommodate the demands of most national or local curriculums and provides the best preparation for students to engage in the IB Middle Years Programme.

PYP at Peirce 
An aim of the PYP is to create a transdisciplinary curriculum that is engaging, relevant, challenging, and significant for learners in the 3-12 age range. The IB Primary Years Programme: 
  • Addresses students’ academic, social and emotional well-being. 
  • Encourages students to develop independence and to take responsibility for their own learning.
  • Supports students’ efforts to gain understanding of the world and to function comfortably within it.
  • Helps students establish personal values as a foundation upon which international-mindedness will develop and flourish.


IB Resources

Website: International Baccalaureate Organization
Video: IB Overview
Video: What is an IB education? - Need link
​Video: IB Primary Years Programme 
​Video: The IB Learner Profile

IB @ Peirce


IB Communicator Newsletter - Need most recent
Video: 1st Grade Learns About St. Lucia Day in Sweden - Need video
​Photo Album???