IB PYP
McKinnon Primary is an IB World School
Students in the 21st century are faced with the challenge of learning about an interconnected world where knowledge is constantly developing. The International Baccalaureate® (IB) Primary Years Programme (PYP) prepares students to be active participants in a lifelong journey of learning.
The PYP provides a student-centred framework for learning focused on building student agency though developing knowledge, skills and attributes of a lifelong learner.
These framework elements include:
- Six ‘Transdisciplinary Themes’ through which we teach our curriculum. This is what we want our students to ‘know’.
- ‘Approaches to Learning’ skills. This is what we want our students to ‘do’.
- ‘The Learner Profile’ – attributes that help our students become internationally minded. What we want our students to ‘be’.
Please visit the ‘PYP Playlist’ which contains a wide range of resources to develop a deeper understanding of the PYP and its many elements.
The Learner Profile at McKinnon Primary School
One of the aims of McKinnon’s IB programme is to develop internationally minded people who recognise their common humanity and shared guardianship of the planet and help create a better and more peaceful world.
The attributes of the Learner Profile describe the qualities of an internationally minded person and are developed through and by every aspect of the Primary Years Programme.
Caring
They show empathy, compassion, and respect for the needs and feelings of others. They have a personal commitment to service and act to make a positive difference in the lives of others and to the environment.
Risk-takers
They approach unfamiliar situations and uncertainty with courage and forethought and have the independence of spirit to explore new roles, ideas and strategies. They are brave and articulate in defending their beliefs.
Inquirers
They develop their natural curiosity, acquire the skills necessary to conduct inquiry and research, and show independence in learning. They actively enjoy learning, and this love of learning will be sustained throughout their lives.
Knowledgeable
They explore concepts, ideas and issues that have local and global significance. They acquire in-depth knowledge and develop understanding across a broad and balanced range of disciplines.
Thinkers
They exercise initiative in applying critical and creative thinking skills to recognize and approach complex problems and make reasoned, ethical decisions.
Communicators
They understand and express ideas and information confidently and creatively in more than one language and in various modes of communication. They work effectively and willingly in collaboration with others.
Principled
They act with integrity and honesty, with a strong sense of fairness, justice, and respect for the dignity of individuals, groups, and communities. They take responsibility for their actions and the consequences that accompany them.
Open-minded
They understand and appreciate their own cultures and personal histories and are open to the perspectives, values, and traditions of other individuals and communities. They are accustomed to seeking and evaluating a range of points of view and are willing to grow from the experience.
Balanced
They understand the importance of intellectual, physical and emotional balance to achieve personal well-being for themselves and others.
Reflective
They thoughtfully consider their own learning and experience. They are able to assess and understand their strengths and limitations to support their learning and personal development.