The top international schools in Gurgaon get frequent admission inquiries fromparents who want to optimise their children’s early school learning with theglobally renowned primary year programme (PYP).
Offered bythe International Baccalaureate (IB) Board, the PYP is for children in the agegroup of 3 to 10 years and aims for the 360° development of a learner withfocus on academic, social, physical and emotional growth.
Even if achild has already started education in another primary school of Gurugram, they can be admitted to an IB institution offering the PYP by asimple interaction – the child can move to an IB school and get thebenefits of world-class education.
The top IB schools in Gurgaon also open their doors to students with special needs.As per the IB Board’s policies, these schools also offer English LanguageSupport (ELS) to students who are non native English speaker.
Aninteresting aspect of the primary year programme is its six transdisciplinarythemes – the students actively participate in the activities related to thesesubjects. The knowledge and experience they gain from such tasks helps thembecome better learners with deep understanding of relevant concepts.
The themesare:
1. Who We Are
This unitentails an inquiry into self and enables children to be more aware of theirvalues and beliefs. While focusing on the idea of ‘Who we are’, the teachers ofIB primary schools in Gurgaon organise activities that developintellectual, physical, emotional and spiritual health of students. They alsoget to learn about human relationships across communities and cultures. Underthis theme, the children get to know their rights, responsibilities and dutiesas humans.
2. Where We Are in Place and Time
In exploringtheir orientation in place and time, the students delve into histories ofcivilizations. They learn deeply about the discoveries made by humans in differentages and the migrations of communities across the world. This transdisciplinarytheme also involves the connections between individuals and societies byviewing them from local and international standpoints.
3. How We Express Ourselves
When the PYPstudents have class for ‘how we express ourselves’, they inquire into themethods that allow them to identify and express new information. The content ofthis unit helps students to know how they can convey personal feelings,convictions and values through language and creative arts. By participating inthe activities planned under the theme, the primary school students can improvetheir aesthetic sense and creativity.
4. How the World Works
It is atheme wherein students learn about the planet they live on and its ecosystems.There are projects to help them understand the interactions betweenbiodiversity and the environments in which humans, animals and plants thrive.The unit also helps learners become better aware of natural occurrences as alsotrends introduced by humans with their knowledge of science and technology.
5. How We Organise Ourselves
Under thetransdisciplinary theme emphasising on self-organisation, PYP students get toknow how communities are interconnected with the economic and social systemsdeveloped by humans. They learn about structures and functioning of businesses,government agencies and non-governmental organisations. The unit familiarisesthem with decision-making skills and how such decisions affect life. Teachersmay assign projects related to cleanliness, recycling, tree plantation andother activities that promote environmental protection.
6. Sharing the Planet
The sixthtransdisciplinary theme is about analysing the rights and responsibilities ofhumans. It makes children realise that we share this planet with other humansas also animals, birds and plants. The unit teaches them to use naturalresources in sustainable ways and create an environment where everyone canthrive without mutual conflicts.
Conclusion
You mighthave heard about the IB Diploma Programme and its benefits for thestudents of Grade 11 and 12 in international schools. However, the academicprogrammes preceding this curriculum in IB schools are no less valuable. Theymake students life-long learners and mould them as global citizens. So if youwant your children to make the most of IB education, it is advisable to seekadmission at the earliest stage of their school life.
Author bio - The Gurgaon based campus of Amity Global School enrolledits first batch of students in 2008 and has been helping young scholars imbibethe virtues of education year after year. A tailored approach to academics,sports and extra-curricular activities is the hallmark of the institution.
