International Baccalaureate Primary Years Program (PYP)
By offering the Primary Years Program of the International Baccalaureate, Woodside Preschool continues the tradition of 300 schools across the globe that have applied the best educational practices for decades. Our experience with the program in grades K-5 at The Dwight School has demonstrated that children are human sponges that can assimilate knowledge at a rapid pace. We have also learned that repetition of fundamental skills combined with a focus on exploring the human and physical world is a necessary condition for maximum learning.
At the center of the PYP curriculum are five essential elements: knowledge, concepts, skills, attitudes, and action. The aim of the program is to help students acquire a holistic understanding of six main themes, shown on the outside of the program model, through the interrelatedness of these essential elements.
The PYP identifies a body of critical knowledge for students in all cultures in six subject areas:
- English Language & Social Studies
- Mathematics
- Science and Technology
- Arts
- Personal, Social and Physical Education
- Spanish
In the spirit of internationalism, students at Woodside Preschool are introduced to Spanish through language classes during and after school.
Six transdisciplinary themes
The essential elements at the center of the curriculum model are developed and applied in a context defined by the six transdisciplinary themes:
- Who we are
- Where we are in place and time
- How we express ourselves
- How the world works
- How we organize ourselves
- Sharing the planet
The Profile of a PYP Student
The PYP defines the characteristics of students who are aware of and sensitive to the experiences of others. These create a profile of the PYP student, which helps teachers and students to establish goals, plan units of inquiry, and assess performance.
Inquirers
Their natural curiosity has been nurtured. They have acquired the skills necessary to conduct purposeful, constructive research. They actively enjoy learning and their love of learning will be sustained throughout their lives.
Thinkers
They exercise initiative in applying thinking skills critically and creatively to make sound decisions and to solve complex problems.
Communicators
They receive and express ideas and information confidently in more than one language, including the language of mathematical symbols.
Risk takers
They approach unfamiliar situations without anxiety and have the confidence and independence of spirit to explore new roles, ideas and strategies. They are courageous and articulate in defending those things in which they believe.
Knowledgeable
They have spent time in school exploring themes which have global relevance and importance. In doing so, they have acquired a critical mass of significant knowledge.
Principled
They have a sound grasp of the principles of moral reasoning. They have integrity, honesty and a sense of fairness and justice.
Caring
They show sensitivity towards the needs and feelings of others. They have a sense of personal commitment to action and service.
Open-minded
They respect the views, values and traditions of other individuals and cultures, and they are accustomed to seeking and considering a range of points of view.
Well-balanced
They understand the importance of physical and mental balance and personal well-being.
Reflective
They give thoughtful consideration to their own learning and analyze their personal strengths and weaknesses in a constructive manner.
