EC PYP Curriculum Overview
The implementation of the International Baccalaureate Primary Years Programme at our Early Childhood Center enables our youngest students (3-6 years of age) to interact at a developmentally appropriate pace with a particular focus on their social and emotional development.
The learning takes place in a play-based Reggio-inspired environment where each child is encouraged to share knowledge and gain experience through an inquiry-driven curriculum.
Josie Fabiani
Early Childhood Principal
Carmela Scalia
PYP Coordinator
Nursery (3-4)
The Nursery class can be the child’s first impact with a learning environment so the school year is dedicated to ensuring that the children understand who they are within that space. Through units of inquiry such as ‘School’ and ‘Amazing Us’, they learn how to be a part of a larger community. Social interaction is the biggest learning experience they will have in their first year, creating relationships with teachers and staff and more fundamentally, their peers. They will begin to understand how to socialize in a group environment, how to share, take turns and negotiate whilst at play.
Kinder (4-5)
As the children move on to Kinder in their second year at the school, they start to recognize individual differences and accept that we each have a particular perspective. The children are encouraged to appreciate each other’s individuality through units of inquiry such as Friendships and Roles when they develop their growing ability to see the world from a different point of view.
Prep (5-6)
By the time the students reach our Prep class they have matured to the point of being able to see an even bigger picture and understand that their actions impact other people and the world. The unit on Choices reflects this as the Prep children start to understand that they can make valid contributions to the school community and become role models for the younger students.
Transdisciplinary Themes
How we express ourselves
Inquiry into the ways in which we discover and express ideas, feelings, nature, culture, beliefs and values; the ways in which we reflect on, extend and enjoy our creativity; our appreciation of the aesthetic.
How the World Works
Inquiry into the natural world and its laws, the interaction between the natural world (physical and biological) and human societies; how humans use their understanding of scientific principles; the impact of scientific and technological advances on society and on the environment.
Sharing the Planet
Inquiry into rights and responsibilities in the struggle to share finite resources with other people and other living things; communities and the relationship within and between them; access to equal opportunities; peace and conflict resolution.
Who we Are
Inquiry into the nature of the self; beliefs and values; person, physical,
mental, social and spiritual health; human relationships including
families, friends, communities and cultures; rights and responsibilities;
what it means to be human.
How We Organize Ourselves
Inquiry into the interconnectedness of human-made systems and
communities; the structure and function of organizations; societal
decision-making; economic activities and their impact on humankind
and the environment.
Where We Are In Place and Time
Inquiry into orientation in place and time; personal histories; homes and journeys; the discoveries, explorations and migrations of humankind; the relationship between and the interconnectedness of individuals and civilizations, from local and global perspectives.
Language Acquisition
Oral language acquisition is the first step to reading and writing, therefore conversations are a strong part of the early years’ language curriculum. As the students develop their fine motor skills and begin to write, they are encouraged to represent their thoughts in a visual way. This develops throughout the early years with stronger representations of letters and words as the students gain maturity. The importance of writing for purpose is always present in the teacher’s mind and students are encouraged to engage in meaningful writing opportunities as they explore their own thinking.
Mathematics
Children are constantly trying to make sense of the world that surrounds them, and this is also true of their ability to comprehend mathematical notations in the environment. In early childhood, we make strong mathematical connections to each unit of inquiry, therefore the student makes a tangible and purposeful link between mathematics and the real world. Through their natural curiosity and exploration of the environment, they learn to discover the fascinating world of maths.
