This programme focusses on developing the whole child as an inquirer, in the classroom and the world outside. 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 and
5. action.

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

• who we are
• where we are in place and time
• how we express ourselves
• how the world works
• how we organise ourselves, and
• 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 programme 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 educators to make choices to best enable learners to flourish.

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 

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

Teaching and Learning

Our curriculum in Reception follows the Australian National Curriculum and the International Baccalaureate Primary Years Programme (PYP) framework.

The PYP is a curriculum framework designed for students aged 3 to 12. The PYP transdisciplinary framework focuses on the development of the whole child as an inquirer, both at school and beyond. Informed by research into how students learn, how educators teach, and the principles and practice of effective assessment, the programme places a powerful emphasis on inquiry-based learning.

The PYP develops students’ academic, social and emotional wellbeing, focusing on international-mindedness and strong personal values. The PYP nurtures independent learning skills, encouraging every student to take responsibility for their learning.

The programme incorporates local and global issues into the curriculum, asking students to look at six related, transdisciplinary themes and to consider the links between them. The themes include ‘who we are’, ‘where we are in place and time’ and ‘how the world works’.

Investigation Time

Each morning as part of their learning about the unit of inquiry, Reception students participate in Investigation Time. Through purposeful learning time that supports curriculum connections, students can practice their social skills such as turn taking, negotiating and team work in group work. This assists our youngest students to smoothly 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.