Primary Years Programme (PYP)

Logo for the iB Primary Years Programme, with a blue circle featuring a white lowercase 'i' and a blue lowercase 'b', alongside text in white on a yellow background that reads 'Primary Years Programme'.

Rather than focusing on memorizing information, the PYP inspires students to ask questions, investigate ideas, and connect their learning across subjects. Through inquiry and exploration, students develop a deeper understanding of concepts and their relevance in the world.

A woman with glasses and a beige blazer smiling while helping a young girl in a blue polo shirt with homework at a school setting.

“We chose Richland Academy for its warm, personalized environment. Caring teachers nurture confidence, while a strong balance of academics, arts, and social development helps our daughters thrive and feel excited about learning every day.”

WINNIE MIAO

A young girl sitting at a table drawing with colored markers on paper, surrounded by craft supplies including scissors and colored paper. Other children are visible in the background working on similar projects.

TRANSDISCIPLINARY LEARNING

Learning is intentionally connected across language, mathematics, science, social studies, the arts, and physical education. 

By exploring topics from multiple perspectives, students build stronger conceptual understanding and recognize how learning is relevant beyond the classroom.

The PYP is organized around six transdisciplinary themes that explore ideas and issues of global significance.

A woman and a young boy playing a board game involving colorful blocks indoors with a sunny window in the background.

SIX TRANSDISCIPLINARY THEMES

  • Who we are
    An inquiry into identity as individuals and as part of a collective.

  • How we express ourselves
    An inquiry into the diversity of voice, 
perspectives, and expression

  • Where we are in place and time
    An inquiry into histories and orientation in place, space and time.

  • How the world works
    An inquiry into understandings of
the world and phenomena.

  • How we organize ourselves
    An inquiry into systems, structures and networks.

  • Sharing the planet
    An inquiry into the interdependence of human and natural worlds.

A teacher instructing children in a classroom on a craft project involving yarn. The teacher is leaning over, assisting the children who are focused on their work at a table. The children are wearing casual clothes, and the classroom is well-lit with windows.

TRANSDISCIPLINARY LEARNING IN PRACTICE

Under the central idea, “Patterns and cycles help us understand the world around us,” 

Our Grade 2 students explored:

  • Patterns in math, 

  • Rhythm in music and dance, 

  • Poetic structure in language, 

  • Nature-inspired designs in visual art, 

  • Seasonal and life cycles in science, 

And community traditions in social studies. 

By the end, students saw that patterns aren’t just a math concept — they’re a lens for understanding the whole world.

Real life doesn’t come organized into subjects, neither does learning.

Empowering students to be
deeper thinkers, confident, and ready
for an ever-changing world.

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Empowering students to be deeper thinkers, confident, and ready for an ever-changing world.