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Newton Free School

Early Years Programme (Preschool)

The IB Primary Years Programme (PYP) acknowledges the unique needs of Early Learners, aged 3 to 6 years. It is a distinguishing feature of the programme which recognizes that learners in this age range require approaches to learning and teaching that honour their developmental stage, and the importance of play as the vehicle for inquiry. Early learning in the PYP is a holistic learning experience that integrates socio-emotional, physical and cognitive development. In the PYP classroom, it takes place in dynamic environments that promote play, discovery and exploration.

Through their experiences and social interactions, children inquire, question, wonder and theorize about themselves, others and the world around them.

Experiences during the early years (3–6-year-olds) lay the foundation for positive social and cognitive learning in future years. For this reason, it is paramount that the Primary Years Programme (PYP) community values early learning as a crucial stage of development in its own right.

The IB learner profile in the PYP

The IB Learner Profile represents a broad range of human dispositions, capacities and traits that encompass intellectual, personal, emotional and social growth. All members of the learning community from the youngest learners to school leaders to parents, educators and beyond, have a responsibility to be guided by and demonstrate a commitment to the development of the IB learner profile attributes.

The learner profile requires IB learners to strive to become inquirers, knowledgeable, thinkers, communicators, principled, open-minded, caring, risk-takers, balanced and reflective.

To learn more about the IB Learner Profile, please visit the following link

Transdisciplinary Themes

A transdisciplinary approach reflects the way early learners learn—through questions and curiosity that go across and beyond subjects. Six transdisciplinary themes reflect local and global contexts that frame inquiries in a meaningful and engaging way.

Early years learners explore a minimum of four of the six themes:

1. Who we are

2. Where we are in place and time

3. How we express ourselves

4. How the world works

5. How we organize ourselves

6. Sharing the planet

10 Reasons

Why the IB Primary Years Programme (PYP) is ideal for students to become active, lifelong learners

1. It encourages students to inquire: The PYP fosters natural curiosity and learning in creative, supportive and collaborative environments.

2. Understanding a complex and interdependent world: PYP students create meaning for themselves and build understanding through exploring real-world issues.

3. PYP students are confident communicators: PYP students learn to communicate in a variety of ways and in more than one language.

4. Learning how to learn: PYP students work collaboratively with teachers and other students to plan, present and assess their own learning.

5. It encourages international-mindedness: Collaboration and understanding of their own and other cultures are an important focus of the PYP — students learn how to be respectful and open-minded.

6. Seeing things from different perspectives: PYP students use critical and creative thinking to develop knowledge, understanding and skills within and across subject areas.

7. Students take action: PYP students believe they are able to grow and succeed. They make appropriate choices and take responsibility for their actions.

8. Thinking about issues: Creative learning gives students the agility and imagination to respond to new and unexpected challenges and opportunities in an increasingly globalized and uncertain world.

9. It involves the whole school learning community: Together we celebrate our common humanity and the belief that education can help to build a better and more peaceful world.

10. Caring and responsible citizens: Students can express ideas and opinions, and they can propose solutions that make a difference in their lives and the lives of others.

*Based on IB research