Our Programs
The IB Programme Continuum

Primary Years Programme (PYP)

An Inquiry-Based Programme

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  • Driven by Curious Minds

    At Stratford Hall, we are authorized by the International Baccalaureate Organization (IB) to teach the Primary Years Programme (PYP). The PYP is a framework, designed by the IB, through which we deliver the British Columbia (BC) Ministry of Education’s Curriculum. It is inquiry-based, driven by the questions teachers and students generate. Our Kindergarten to Grade 5 students are encouraged to be active learners, to stretch their thinking by asking questions that deepen their understanding of a concept or skill, and to apply their learning to take action and make a difference in our local and global communities.

Amanda Lempriere, PYP Coordinator

Our ultimate goal is for students to take their learnings and make a difference in our world.

Contact Us

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  • Amanda Lempriere 

    Acting Junior School Principal, Primary Years Programme Coordinator

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  • The Principles 

    A unique feature of the PYP is the transdisciplinary nature of the programme. Wherever possible, knowledge and skills associated with social studies, science, literacy, numeracy, and fine arts are integrated into our Programme of Inquiry (POI). From Grade 1 to 5, students engage in six units of inquiry each year, and five units in Kindergarten. This provides the time to learn new concepts and engage in meaningful play. The POI is reviewed annually to ensure alignment with the BC Ministry of Education’s curricular expectations, along with consistency across, and within, the grades. Standalone instruction in specific literacy and numeracy skills also play a part in our balanced programming, ensuring students are set up for success by providing solid foundational skills.
  • The Program Components

    Our Language Acquisition program features French exclusively in the PYP from Kindergarten to Grade 4, along with physical education and music, are taught by specialists, and are a regular part of a student’s timetable throughout the week. In preparation for the Middle Years Programme (MYP), Grade 5 students are exposed to both French and Spanish. At the end of the year, the family decides which language the student will continue to learn in MYP. Outdoor Experiential Education (OEE) is part of the programming for Grade 4 and 5 as they engage in experiences that drive them to apply a variety of skills. They develop their character and build an appreciation for our natural world.

The Three Pillars

The strength of the PYP Programme comes from Three Pillars of the curriculum framework; the learner, learning and teaching, and the learning community:

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  • The Learner

    We foster a community of learners who have voice, choice and ownership over their learning. Through the development of the Learner Profile, students gain the knowledge, skills and conceptual understanding that lead them to become agents of change and take action locally and globally.
  • Learning and Teaching

    Students engage in meaningful inquiry that focuses on conceptual understandings and skill development. As a transdisciplinary programme, students transfer their knowledge and skills to various subjects and learning experiences. Collaboration amongst teachers allows for authentic connections to be made.
  • The Learning Community

    We learn as a community: each member has agency and contributes to the strength of the community. Our learning community is inclusive and values international-mindedness, leadership and collaboration, which is fostered by the learning environment.