Junior School Through the IB Programme we prepare our Reception to Year 5 students to actively participate in lifelong learning.

The International Baccalaureate Primary Years Programme (PYP) develops the whole child as an inquirer, in the classroom and beyond. It enables students to explore their world through a series of guided inquiries that enrich the curriculum, providng them with increasing responsibility for their learning.

The PYP offers a high quality education that encourages international mindedness and a positive attitude to learning.

Educational experiences are planned with consideration of the needs, abilities and backgrounds of all students.

Our learning environments, both inside and out, are designed to stimulate and promote a love of learning, wellbeing, friendship, and community.

Learning Areas

The PYP framework incorporates a balance between five essential elements:

  1. Knowledge
  2. Concepts
  3. Skills
  4. Attitudes
  5. Action.

Subjects within this transdisciplinary program of inquiry are identified in terms of six themes following the IB Learner Profile

  1. Who we are.
  2. Where we are in place and tim
  3. How we express ourselves.
  4. How the world works.
  5. How we organise ourselves.
  6. Sharing the planet.

Transdisciplinary learning in the PYP conveys learning that has relevance between, across and beyond subjects and transcends borders connecting to what is real in the world.

The six subject areas identified within the PYP are:

  1. Language
  2. Social studies
  3. Mathematics
  4. Arts
  5. Science
  6. Personal, Social and Physical Education

The Early Learner 

The PYP acknowledges the unique needs of early learners, aged 3 to 6 years. It is a distinguishing feature of the program which recognises that learners in this age range require approaches to learning and to teaching that honor their developmental stage, and the importance of play as the vehicle for inquiry. Since experiences during the early years lay the foundation for all future learning, the PYP framework enables teachers to make choices for the best learning outcomes.

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.

PYP Exhibition 

Year 5 students, at the end of their PYP learning journey, participate in an exhibition, culminating with the search for a solution to a problem of global significance.

Teaching and Learning

Learning from Reception follows the Australian National Curriculum using the IB PYP framework.

This transdisciplinary approach develops the whole child. Informed by research about how children learn, how educators teach, and the principles and practice of effective assessment, the programme has a powerful emphasis on inquiry-based learning.

Investigation Time

Each morning as part of their inquiry learning, Reception students participate in Investigation Time.

Through purposeful learning that supports curriculum connections, students practice their social skills like turn taking, negotiating and teamwork in group work. This helps our youngest students to smoothly and successfully transition from home to school.

Play is important to healthy brain development. Play during Investigation Time enables children to use their creativity while developing their imagination, dexterity and physical, cognitive, and emotional strength.

It is through play that children engage, experience hands-on learning and interact in the world around them.

As children play, they develop new competencies, which increase their confidence and resilience to face future challenges.