by on 14/02/2017 5510
If you are looking for international preschools to send your young children to, chances are you may come across the International Baccalaureate® Primary Years Program. For many parents, this program is usually one of their main reasons that they are opting for international school education – and it’s easy to see why. A highly sought after program, IB was created in Switzerland in 1968 for international schools. Renowned for delivering high standards of teaching, pedagogical leadership and student achievement, over 3,000 schools across more than 140 countries worldwide today offer IB.1
With a well-designed curriculum that emphasizes intellectual, personal, emotional and social skills, there are three levels to the program which cater to different age groups:
International schools may offer one, two or all three of the programs; however they must all qualify based on the criteria and benchmarks established by the International Baccalaureate foundation at all levels of the IB program.
The Primary Years Program
Following the establishment of the Diploma Programme (DP) in 1968 and the Middle Years Program (MYP) in 1994, the International Baccalaureate Organization introduced the Primary Years Program (PYP) in 1997.
Designed for students 3 to 12 years of age, PYP is a curriculum framework that prepares young students for the intellectual requirements their further education would demand as well as the challenges they may encounter in their future careers. According to the organization, as of May 2015, there are 1,266 schools offering PYP, in 106 different countries worldwide.
This includes Malaysia as well and like other international schools worldwide, Malaysian-based international schools with IB or PYP programs also strive to develop students’ academic, social and emotional wellbeing, with focus on international-mindedness qualities as well as strong personal values.
A Global Approach
Based on the core philosophy of IB which "aims to develop inquiring, knowledgeable and caring young people who help to create a better and more peaceful world through inter-cultural understanding and respect1," PYP is taught to young students with an emphasis on the comprehensive development of the whole child as an inquirer, both in the classroom and in the world outside.
Through well-designed classes and activities, PYP cultivates independent learning skills in students, encouraging every student to take responsibility for their learning even in their early years.
"Early learning in the PYP is a holistic learning experience that integrates socio-emotional, physical and cognitive development," IBO says. "In a PYP classroom, it takes place in dynamic environments that promote play, discovery and exploration."
Benefits of PYP
With a strong comprehensive education philosophy as its foundation, PYP offer many benefits that go beyond academic achievements. Let’s look at some of the central ones:
Integrated curriculum
Excellent academic performance
International-mindedness
Development of life skills
Thinking Skills | Research Skills | Communication Skills | Social Skills | Self-management Skills |
1. Acquisition of knowledge
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1. Formulating questions
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1. Listening
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1. Accepting responsibility
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1. Gross motor skills
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Reference: Adapted by Thomas Woods Utahloy International School Guangzhou, 2008 from a document created at Immanuel Primary School, Adelaide, Australia
Service-oriented education
- Service
→To self (at home and school)
→To fellow students (in classroom and playground)
→To school staff
→To the community
- Community Service
- Charity Work
- Environmental Causes
Foundation for world-recognised IB programs
References:
1 www.ibo.org
For a comprehensive list of primary schools, click here.