The Primary Years Programme at Somerset College

The International Baccalaureate Primary Years Programme (PYP) is an international transdisciplinary programme designed to foster the development of the whole child, not just in the classroom but also through other means of learning.

The PYP combines the best research and practice from a range of national systems with a wealth of knowledge and experience from international schools. PYP is relevant and engaging, offering a comprehensive, inquiry-based approach to teaching and learning.

All subjects are taught with “Units of Inquiry”, but may in addition be given time as distinct subjects.

The PYP focuses on the heart as well as the mind and addresses social, physical, emotional and cultural need as well as academic ones.

What does Somerset hope to achieve through the PYP?
Through the PYP Somerset College aims to foster the following attributes and dispositions in our pupils:

Pupils should be:

Inquirers
Communicators
Knowledgeable
Caring
Well-Balanced
Thinkers
Risk-Takers
Principled
Open-Minded
Reflective

The PYP offers a comprehensive approach to teaching and learning. It provides a complete model, which incorporates guidelines on what pupils should learn, as well as guidelines on teaching methodologies and assessment strategies.

How will my child be learning?
At the heart of the PYP is a commitment to structured inquiry as a vehicle for learning.

Six organizing themes, (Language, Personal, Social and Physical Education, Science and Technology, Arts, Mathematics, and Social Studies), help teachers and children explore knowledge in the broadest sense of the word.

Teachers and pupils use key questions that are concept based to structure the units if inquiry,

Pupils acquire and apply transdisciplinary skills while developing an understanding of these important concepts.

The development of explicit attitudes and the expectation of socially responsible behaviour are also essential elements of the programme.