Primary Years Programme

The Transformative nature of the PYP lies in its commitment to student learning in a transdisciplinary context, embedded in the curriculum framework and connected across key elements of the programme. It is a fundamental PYP belief that for early and primary years learners, continuous integration and connection of prior and new knowledge and experiences is the most meaningful way to broaden their understandings about the world. When a curriculum approach goes across, between and beyond subjects, and emphasises participatory and integrated learning, it honours the learner’s curiosity, questions and voice, for whom the curriculum is intended (Beane, 1995). Transdisciplinary learning in the PYP refers to learning that is not confined within the boundaries of traditional subjects but is supported and enriched by them.

Each school develops its own Programme of Inquiry which provides a framework for primary teaching.

The PYP Programme of Inquiry is a matrix made up of six Transdisciplinary Themes (Who we are; Where we are in time and place; How we express ourselves; How the world works; How we organize ourselves; and Sharing the Planet).  Each Transdisciplinary Theme is accompanied by an extended description that explains what students will be inquiring into.


Download our Programme of Inquiry for 2023 along with overviews of the key units that students will investigate throughout the year.

Our Programme of Inquiry for 2023

Overview for Years 1 and 2 2023
Overview for Years 3 and 4 2023
Overview for Year 5 2023
Overview for Year 6 2023
Overview of PE Term 1 2023
Overview of The Arts Term 1 2023
Overview of Performing Arts Term 1 2023
Overview of Te Reo Maori and Tikanga Term 1 2023



Source: Learning and Teaching, International Baccalaureate, 2018
Image Source: www.magicstorybooks.com