1. Southlands Elementary School
Our Primary Years Program
February 2012
Updated October 2012

2. Generally Speaking about the IB Program…
language often includes statements like: internationally- minded people, recognizing common humanity, shared guardianship of the planet, creating a better and more peaceful world (p. 4 Making PYP Happen)
International mindedness emphasizes that students develop an understanding of their own cultural and national identity
Statements are often fostered by teaching students to ask challenging questions, to critically reflect, develop research skills, learn how to learn and participate in community services

3. IB Primary Years Programme is…
a transdisciplinary approach (integrating 3 or more subject areas) to learning vs. a traditional subject-isolated activity-based approach
learning that emphasizes natural curiosity and making connections between prior learning and new learning, across curricular areas, and into each students life
a curriculum based on six transdisciplinary themes.
using these themes of global significance and creating a transdisciplinary framework that allows students to "step up" beyond the confines of learning within subject areas.
They are:
Who we are
Where we are in place and time
How we express ourselves
How the world works
How we organize ourselves
Sharing the planet

4. And More about the Primary Years Programme…
IB Units of Inquiry are organized under one of these six PYP themes (posted in the main hallway)
Units last approximately 4-6 weeks, ending in a problem-based or issue based project where students present their learning in writing, orally or visually
Instructional focus is on concepts rather than themes e.g.: poverty, cultures, government, ecosystems.
It is expressed in terms of a Central idea (an enduring or lasting idea) e.g. ancient and modern systems of government
result from struggles for power.

5. And the Curriculum Connection…
is based on the British Columbia Ministry of Education’s Provincial Learning Outcomes
its delivery will follow the guiding principles of the IB Primary Years Programme

6. 5 Elements of the PYP Written Curriculum are…
Knowledge- significant, relevant content
Concepts- powerful ideas that have subject significance but also connect to other curricular areas
Skills- transdiciplinary capabilities students need to succeed in a changing, challenging world
Attitudes- dispositions that are expressions of fundamental values, beliefs, and feelings about learning, the environment and people
Action- demonstrations of deeper learning in responsible behaviour through responsible action (

7. Key Concepts or essential elements of the PYP Framework
IB units of inquiry are concept-based. These concepts shape the units and give it direction and purpose.
Form: What is it like?
Function: How does it work?
Causation: Why is it like it is?
Change: How is it changing?
Connection: How is it connected to other things?
Perspective: What are the points of view?
Responsibility: What is our responsibility?
Reflection: How do we know? (

8. Components of the Programme:
Explicit instruction relating to the IB Learner Profile is essential to the PYP definition of what it is to be internationally minded. Students work to develop these attributes.
The Learner Profile is…
Communicators
Inquirers
Thinkers
Risk-takers
Knowledgeable
Principled
Caring
Open-minded
Balanced
Reflective
(http”//
Each month at Southlands we focus on one of these components. (e.g. monthly assembly, daily messages, newsletters, classroom lessons, etc.)

9. Developing Attitudes…
Towards people, the environment, and learning are key to the PYP programme
Appreciation
Commitment
Confidence
Cooperation
Creativity
Curiosity
Empathy
Enthusiasm
Independence
Integrity
Respect
Tolerance (

10. The Components of PYP Explicit instruction Thinking skills
Social skills
Communication skills
Self-management skills
Research skills

11. Where are we now at Southlands?
Our Application B was submitted on December 2, 2011 by our IB coordinator, Joanna Wood
Yesterday, we were informed that our Application was successful, and we are planning our accreditation visit and next steps
These dates will be set in coordination
with the IB Office

12. Key Concepts of the PYP Framework Again…
IB units of inquiry are concept-based. These concepts shape the units and give it direction and purpose.
Form: What is it like?
Function: How does it work?
Causation: Why is it like it is?
Change: How is it changing?
Connection: How is it connected to other things?
Perspective: What are the points of view?
Responsibility: What is our responsibility?
Reflection: How do we know? (

13. THANK YOU for sharing this Southlands PYP learning opportunity!

14. Our Latest Update…
Our Authorization Visit took place last year in late May 2012
We received our follow-up letter from IB International in late August.
We have 5 matters to be addressed and are currently working towards completing them with our school staff.
We hope to be fully authorized early in the new year once IB International has reviewed our documentation.