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IB Transdisciplinary Themes

The International Baccalaureate® (IB) Primary Years Programme (PYP) is underpinned by six transdisciplinary themes around which learning is planned. These themes are:

These themes are selected for their relevance to the real world. They are described as transdisciplinary because they focus on issues that go across subject areas. The transdisciplinary themes help teachers to develop a Programme of Inquiry. Teachers work together to develop investigations into important ideas, which require a substantial and high level of involvement on the part of students.

The IB knows that young learners are intelligent, resourceful and creative individuals who grow, develop and learn at different rates. They explore their environment and learn about their world through play and relationships with peers, teachers, family and community members.

Early learning in the PYP is a holistic learning experience that integrates socio-emotional, physical and cognitive development. In the PYP classroom, it takes place in dynamic environments that promote play, discovery and exploration. Parents whose children have experienced the PYP in an early years setting like how the programme acknowledges that each child is unique.

From Making the PYP Happen, 2009.