What is the International Baccalaureate Primary Years Program?

The first International Baccalaureate program was a high school program that began in Geneva Switzerland with the intent to teach international-mindedness and peace-making skills.  The program expanded to include a middle school program (Middle Years Program) and an elementary program (Primary Years Program).  There are now almost 5,000 IB schools across six of the seven continents.  The Primary Years Program was started with the aim of preparing students to become active participants in their lifelong journey of learning.  

The IB Primary Years Program (PYP) for students ages 3-12, focuses on the development of the whole child as an inquirer, both in the classroom and the world outside.  At HD Cooke, we use the PYP to provide a framework of academic challenge that encourages students to embrace and understand the connections between traditional subjects and the real world, and become critical and reflective thinkers. Using DCPS standards as a guide for what to teach, the PYP defines HOW we teach.  

The curriculum framework is guided by six transdisciplinary themes of global significance, which are explored using knowledge and skills from academic subject areas with a powerful emphasis on inquiry-based learning.  Teaching and learning takes place in a collaborative, exciting environment, one that values creativity, enthusiasm, commitment, and a principled perspective on the world.