Primary Years Programme

The Primary Years Programme (PYP) provides an educational framework based upon what is currently known about how young children learn best. It draws on the quality practices in primary/elementary school instruction around the world. In the PYP, students are taught to understand that learning is about asking questions and looking for answers, which in turn may generate new, and perhaps more complex questions in need of answers. Teachers work with students through a programme of inquiry, to develop the student's understanding of concepts, skills, and knowledge. Unlike many other programmes, the PYP helps students to understand what their relationship and responsibility is towards what they are learning.
Throughout the school year, Kindergarten through Grade 5 classes focus on six Units of Inquiry organized under six transdisciplinary themes. The Early Childhood classes focus on four units of inquiry. The transdisciplinary themes are:

  • Who We Are
  • Where We Are In Place And Time
  • How We Express Ourselves
  • How The World Works
  • How We Organize Ourselves
  • How We Share The Planet

Mathematics, Language, Social Studies and Science are offered at each grade level. Additional languages (Ukrainian or Russian) Physical Education, Music, Art, and Information and Design Technology are all offered by specialist subject teachers.

At PSI we value:

  • Sustained and meaningful inquiry into issues that are significant to the student, the wider community and the curriculum
  • Independent learning (students organize their own research, collect data by doing surveys, conducting interviews, consulting books or using the internet, apply their understanding and present their findings to a larger audience)
    Cooperative learning in which students interact with other students and members of the community
  • Students reflecting on their own learning
  • A student-friendly environment in which students feel free to express themselves and in which their contributions are appreciated \
  • Student initiative and creative thinking
  • Students who ask questions of themselves and others
  • Students who can empathize with a variety of perspectives
  • A good command of the basic skills (reading, writing and mathematics) because these skills are essential to conduct meaningful research, communicate effectively and participate in our society
  • Collaboration between teachers and students and parents and teachers.
  • On-going and timely communication with parents