International Baccalaureate (IB)
Academic Programme
PYP Candidate School - Gulberg Lahore
IB Programme
Our school is proud to be a Candidate School for the International Baccalaureate (IB) Primary Years Programme (PYP). The PYP is an internationally recognized framework designed for students aged 3–12 years, which nurtures curious, knowledgeable, and compassionate young learners who are prepared to contribute positively to the world.
What is the International Baccalaureate (IB)?
The International Baccalaureate is a globally respected educational foundation that develops programmes encouraging students to become inquiring, knowledgeable, and caring young people who help create a better and more peaceful world through intercultural understanding and respect.IB programmes are taught in over 150 countries and are known for their strong academic standards, international perspective, and emphasis on developing lifelong learners.
What is the Primary Years Programme?
The Primary Years Programme (PYP) provides a student-centered, inquiry-based approach to learning. Rather than focusing only on memorizing facts, students learn by asking questions, investigating ideas, making connections, and applying their understanding to real-world situations.
Through the PYP, children develop:
1. Curiosity and a love of learning
2. Critical and creative thinking skills
3. Independence and confidence
4. Communication and collaboration skills
5. A sense of responsibility and global citizenship
Learning in the PYP is concept-driven and inquiry-based, helping students understand not only what to learn, but also why it matters.
The IB Learner Profile
At the heart of the IB philosophy is the IB Learner Profile, a set of attributes that guide the development of internationally minded students.These attributes help students grow into responsible global citizens.
IB learners strive to be:
Inquirers
Inquirers
Knowledgeable
Knowledgeable
Thinkers
Thinkers
Communicators
This is the heading
Principled
Principled
Open-minded
Open-minded
Caring
Caring
Risk takers
Risk takers
Balanced
Balanced
Reflective
Reflective
Inquiry-Based Learning
In the PYP classroom, learning is driven by student inquiry. Teachers guide students to explore meaningful questions and real-world ideas, encouraging them to investigate, discuss, research, and reflect.
Students are encouraged to:
. Ask questions
. Explore ideas deeply
. Investigate real-world issues
. Collaborate with others
. Take ownership of their learning
This approach fosters deep understanding rather than surface memorization.
The PYP Curriculum Framework
The PYP curriculum is built around three interconnected elements:
Concepts
Students explore big ideas such as change, connection, perspective, and responsibility, helping them transfer understanding across subjects and real-life contexts.
Knowledge
Students develop knowledge through traditional subject areas including:
. Language
. Mathematics
. Science
. Social Studies
. Arts
. Personal, Social and Physical Education
These subjects are integrated through meaningful units of inquiry.
Skills
(Approaches to Learning)
Students develop essential lifelong learning skills including:
. Thinking skills – analysis, reasoning, creativity
. Research skills – gathering and evaluating information
. Communication skills – speaking, writing, presenting ideas
. Self-management skills – organization and responsibility
. Social skills – collaboration and empathy
The Programme of Inquiry
The PYP curriculum is organized through six transdisciplinary themes, which allow students to explore important global ideas that go beyond individual subjects.
These themes include:
. Who We Are
. Where We Are in Place and Time
. How We Express Ourselves
. How the World Works
. How We Organize Ourselves
. Sharing the Planet
Through these themes, students make connections between different disciplines and understand how learning applies to the real world.
Assessment in the PYP
Assessment in the PYP is designed to support learning rather than simply measure it. Teachers use a variety of assessment methods to understand students’ progress and guide future instruction.Assessment focuses on growth, understanding, and student voice.
These may include:
Student Agency and Action
A defining feature of the PYP is student agency—students are encouraged to take ownership of their learning and make meaningful choices.As students develop understanding, they are inspired to take action, which may include:
. Helping their community
. Protecting the environment
. Advocating for positive change
. Applying learning to real-life situations
This empowers students to see themselves as capable of making a difference in the world.
International-Mindedness
The PYP encourages students to develop international-mindedness, an understanding that people from different cultures and perspectives can learn from one another.Students learn to appreciate diversity, respect different viewpoints, and recognize their shared responsibility for the planet.
Partnership with Families
Families play an important role in the PYP community. We believe strong collaboration between school and home enriches student learning and supports the development of confident, caring, and responsible young learners.Parents are encouraged to engage with their child’s learning journey and participate in school life.
Our Commitment as an IB Candidate School
As a candidate school for the IB Primary Years Programme, we are committed to implementing the IB philosophy and meeting the rigorous standards required for authorization.Our teachers are actively engaged in professional development and collaborative planning to ensure the programme is implemented with fidelity and excellence.
24-E3,Ali Zaib Road,Gulberg lll, Lahore, Pakistan.
Call: 03208102128
Email: admission@headstart.edu.pk
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