This framework, which has been running for 27 years and is offered by more than 2,275 schools globally, offers a child-centred approach, where children learn through inquiry and develop the ability to reflect on their own learning.
In this free webinar, we spoke with primary schools successfully implementing the PYP, exploring how the programme works, its impact on learning and teaching, and the overall strategies that have made it a success.
The webinar, which was delivered on March 6 with IB, is ideal for any primary school interested in finding out more about how the PYP can transform pupil learning and empower teaching staff.
- What is the IB and what is its Primary Years Programme?
- What does learning look like under the PYP framework?
- Why might primary schools or multi-academy trusts consider adopting the PYP & why have our case study primary schools chosen the PYP?
- What does the PYP’s broad, balanced, conceptual and connected curriculum look like in practice?
- What is the PYP learner profile and how does it support teaching and learning?
- How can mainstream primary schools implement the PYP successfully? What are the key considerations?
- How can the National Curriculum be delivered via the PYP?
- How can the PYP support pupils with SEND?
- What are the “lessons learned” from two mainstream primary schools delivering the PYP?
This webinar was hosted by Pete Henshaw, the editor of Headteacher Update. The panel included:
Alison Carl: Alison is the Lower School Principal and PYP Coordinator at ACS Egham, an IB school just outside of London. ACS Egham runs all four IB programmes and is excited to celebrate its 30th year of operation this year. Alison has worked with the PYP since 2007 as a home-room teacher and since 2020 as a PYP Coordinator in international schools. She has presented at the IB conference on living the learner profile and enjoys working across all sections of schools to align the IB programmes. Alison completed her IB Educator Network Programme Leader qualification for the PYP in 2022.
Sarah Reardon: Sarah is a curriculum adviser at the Leigh Academies Trust – a multi‐academy trust comprising 31 schools across Kent, Medway and South East London. Sarah has extensive experience in early childhood education, including as an EYFS lead. In her current role, she is dedicated to advancing excellence in early years education and early reading by supporting the development of the whole child. Sarah also plays a pivotal role in developing the PYP across the primary academies and has completed the IB Educator Network training. Leigh Academies Trust fully embeds the national curriculum within its teaching, delivering it through the PYP. Within the trust, 29 mainstream academies have been authorised as IB World Schools, making it the largest IB community in Europe. Its specialist provisions also employ the PYP to support diverse learner needs.
Ingrid McCormack: Ingrid has worked in schools in the UK, Africa and the Middle East. She has been a classroom educator, early years lead, primary principal, pedagogical coach, and coach to neurodivergent individuals – roles which have all sparked continued passion for inquiry-based, conceptually led learning and teaching. Ingrid now works as a consultant and an IB Educator Network member across a variety of roles. She has served on a number of committees to advocate the child being at the heart of planning, learning and teaching.