Primary Years Programme

A stimulating and challenging learning environment

We offer the IB's Primary Years Programme at our Hampstead and Kensington campuses. At the heart of the Primary Years Programme are six transdisciplinary themes of global significance. These are explored using skills and knowledge acquired from six subject areas and a range of disciplines, as well as during town meetings, (assemblies), in the playground and from participating in extra-curricular activities. There is a strong emphasis on inquiry.

In their final year, all our Grade 5 Primary Years Programme students participate in the PYP Exhibition. Find out more:

Watch our video about the PYP at Southbank

The PYP Exhibition

THE 6 TRANSDISCIPLINARY THEMES

Combining a local and global outlook

These themes incorporate local and global issues into the curriculum, helping students to see their relevance in the world and how they connect to it. Each engaging and challenging theme is studied for approximately six weeks within each school year.

Who we are

Students explore the nature of the self; beliefs and values; person, physical, mental, social and spiritual health; human relationships including families, friends, communities, and cultures; rights and responsibilities; what it means to be human.

How we express ourselves

Students explore the ways in which we discover and express ideas, feelings, nature, culture, beliefs and values; the ways in which we reflect on, extend and enjoy our creativity; our appreciation of the aesthetic.

How we organise ourselves

Students explore the interconnectedness of human-made systems and communities; the structure and function of organisations; societal decision-making; economic activities and their impact on humankind and the environment.

Where we are in place and time

Students explore orientation in place and time; personal histories; homes and journeys; the discoveries, explorations and migrations of humankind; the relationship between and the interconnectedness of individuals and civilizations, from local and global perspectives.

How the world works

Students explore the natural world and its laws, the interaction between the natural world (physical and biological) and human societies; how humans use their understanding of scientific principles; the impact of scientific and technological advances on society and on the environment.

Sharing the planet

Students explore rights and responsibilities in the struggle to share finite resources with other people and other living things; communities and the relationship within and between them; access to equal opportunities; peace and conflict resolution.

THE 6 SUBJECT AREAS

A balanced curriculum

Our PYP Programme helps to develop skills in six key subject areas. Our students may study these subjects in separate classes or as part of their inquiries into the six themes of the Programme.

Language

Language is integrated into all areas of our PYP curriculum and arranged into three main communication strands: Oral Communication, Written Communication and Visual Communication

Mathematics

We teach Mathematics as a separate subject every day, with some aspects covered within the six units of inquiry. Our study of maths is split into four interrelated strands: Data handling, Measurement & Geometry, Number and Function, Problem solving, communication and reasoning.

Science

Science is the exploration of the natural, physical and material worlds. Students use inquiry to investigate and understand the world around them. They will experience what it is to think and act like a scientist.

Social Studies

In Social Studies, students think about human behaviour realistically, objectively and with sensitivity. They develop a deeper understanding of themselves and others, and their place in an increasingly global society. Social Studies also aims to promote a sense of responsibility towards caring for and protecting the environment.

Personal, Social Physical, Economic Education

PSPEE focuses on the development of knowledge, attitudes and skills in relation to personal, social, emotional and physical wellbeing. This is to help students make healthy relationships and lifestyle choices.

Arts

Through studying the Arts, students construct a sense of self by engaging in a creative cycle of experimentation, action and reflection. They also begin to think and articulate their thoughts in new ways and through a variety of media and technologies.

Learn more about the Primary Years Programme

Learn about the PYP Model

Read our Primary Years Programme Curriculum Guide

View the IB Learner Profile

Watch our video about the PYP at Southbank

EXTRA-CURRICULAR AND CLUBS

Expanding learning beyond the classroom

At our Kensington and Hampstead campuses, students can get involved in a wide selection of extra-curricular activities.

Full details of our PYP activities programme are provided at the beginning of each term.

Learn more about our extra-curricular activities

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