IB Primary Years
Kindergarten (full day) to grade 5
International Baccalaureate Primary Years Program (Authorized School)
The IB Primary Years Program has been designed to meet the needs of early learners. It is highly engaging and interesting. Stratford Hall teachers are trained extensively in delivering the IB PYP.
Students study through six big ideas:
- Who we are
- How the world works
- Where we are in place and time
- How we express ourselves
- How we organize ourselves
- Sharing the planet
Each of these ideas is crafted by the teacher into a Unit of Inquiry, which typically takes 6 weeks to accomplish. The Unit of Inquiry is multidisciplinary: most contain elements typically found in English, social studies, science and math. The structure of the Unit of Inquiry promotes in-depth study. It also encourages students to connect their academic learning to the world around them.
At Stratford Hall, ministry requirements in English, social studies and science are all accomplished within the Units of Inquiry. Mathematics is taught separately, but where possible the concepts are integrated into the current Unit of Inquiry.
A second language is compulsory in the Primary Years Program. Stratford Hall has chosen Spanish. A specialist teaches this class several times a week. Wherever possible, Spanish content is linked to the current Unit of Inquiry. By the end of grade 5, students are able to communicate in Spanish, both through writing and speaking.
Stratford Hall presents a balance between academic and experiential subjects. In the PYP, the experiential subjects are physical education, music and outdoor education (grade 4 and 5). These are all taught by specialist teachers. Beginning in grade 4, students also attend an overnight camp.
Key to the development of students is the IB Learner Profile. The dynamic of the school reflects the elements of the Profile, and it is the first item reported on the formal report cards.
At the end of the Primary Years Program, students must present an exhibition, which demonstrates their learning over the full program. The students choose a world issue, research it and present their findings to the broader community.
In the IB Primary Years Program the classroom is a dynamic place, where ideas are constantly shared and explored. The teacher’s role is to manage the learning and inspire the learners. The students develop their natural curiosity through formal inquiry, and become independent and responsible for their own learning. They are well-prepared for the IB Middle Years Program.
In the primary years, there are also many activities that take place outside of regular class time. A co-curricular program includes clubs, Mandarin instruction and a varied athletics program. We also offer afterschool care.
Beginning in November 2009, students in the PYP will be in an exciting new building that has been designed to promote the type of learning the IB requires.
