IB Primary Years Program (PYP)
The Japanese International School is an authorised IB World School. We have been authorised to offer the PYP since June 2007, were evaluated in 2010 and 2015, to high acclaim (next evaluation in October 2020). Our experienced staff deliver an engaging curriculum, supporting the IB philosophy of international education, and ensuring that learning experiences are connected to the world around our students. Stimulating classroom environments allow for our curious learners to ask questions, be inquisitive and explore relevant content, whilst still working towards explicit learning outcomes.
The Primary Years Program (PYP) is a transdisciplinary programme of international education designed to foster the development of the whole child. It is designed for children between the ages of 3 and 12. The program focuses on the total growth of the developing child, affecting hearts as well as minds and addressing social, physical, emotional and cultural needs in addition to academic welfare. The PYP draws on research and best practice from a range of national systems with a wealth of knowledge and experience to create a relevant, engaging, challenging and significant educational framework for all children.
Aims of the Program
The aim of all IB programmes is to develop internationally minded people who, recognising their common humanity and shared guardianship of the planet, help to create a better and more peaceful world.
IB learners strive to be:
| Inquirers |
They develop their natural curiosity. They acquire the skills necessary to conduct inquiry and research and show independence in learning. They actively enjoy learning and this love of learning will be sustained throughout their lives. |
| Knowledgeable |
They explore concepts, ideas and issues that have local and global significance. In doing so, they acquire in-depth knowledge and develop understanding across a broad and balanced range of disciplines. |
| Thinkers |
They exercise initiative in applying thinking skills critically and creatively to recognise and approach complex problems, and make reasoned, ethical decisions. |
| Communicators |
They understand and express ideas and information confidently and creatively in more than one language and in a variety of modes of communication. They work effectively and willingly in collaboration with others. |
| Principled |
They act with integrity and honesty, with a strong sense of fairness, justice and respect for the dignity of the individual, groups and communities. They take responsibility for their own actions and the consequences that accompany them. |
| Open-minded |
They understand and appreciate their own cultures and personal histories, and are open to the perspectives, values and traditions of other individuals and communities. They are accustomed to seeking and evaluating a range of points of view, and are willing to grow from the experience. |
| Caring |
They show empathy, compassion and respect towards the needs and feelings of others. They have a personal commitment to service, and act to make a positive difference to the lives of others and to the environment. |
| Risk-takers |
They approach unfamiliar situations and uncertainty with courage and forethought, and have the independence of spirit to explore new roles, ideas and strategies. They are brave and articulate in defending their beliefs. |
| Balanced |
They understand the importance of intellectual, physical and emotional balance to achieve personal well-being for themselves and others. |
| Reflective |
They give thoughtful consideration to their own learning and experience. They are able to assess and understand their strengths and limitations in order to support their learning and personal development. |
Primary Years Programme
Characteristics of the IB PYP Program
PYP offers a transdisciplinary approach, which draws individual disciplines together into a coherent whole, while preserving the essence of each subject. At the heart of the PYP philosophy is a commitment to inquiry as the ideal vehicle for learning. Teachers and students are guided by a series of basic questions as they design curricular units for exploration and study. Throughout the units of study, each child will:
- Develop a deep understanding of important concepts
- Conduct research into knowledge that has local and global significance
- Acquire and practice a range of essential skills
- Develop positive attitudes towards learning, the environment, and other people
- Have the opportunity for involvement in responsible action and social service
The Programme of Inquiry (POI) is an outline of all of the Units of Inquiry that each grade level completes throughout the school year. Units of Inquiry are collaboratively planned at each grade level. Our comprehensive POI is regularly reviewed by all staff. It is displayed in the school for all students and the JIS community members to share.
There are no externally set or externally marked exams in PYP. Teachers develop and carry out all assessments of student work, which are designed to give a clear picture of each child's progress. The student's progress throughout the curriculum is documented in a reflective portfolio that outlines student achievement and accomplishments. Students and teachers collaborate on selections for the portfolio, which also facilitates transfer between schools offering the PYP. Primary 6 students, as the culmination of their PYP experience at JIS, participate in the PYP Exhibition. Their teachers guide them as they work on group and individual inquiry projects that require them to synthesize their learning and have a better understanding for all aspects of the PYP.
For more information about the IB Primary Years Programme at JIS, contact Ms. Cath Wan, our PYP Coordinator, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. .
For a copy of our Programme of Inquiry curriculum planning document click:
For more information about the IB Primary Years Programme, please click here.
For a copy of the General Regulations for I.B. World Schools, click here:
Current Poilicies at JIS for Parental or community interest:
Useful policy documents to be be aware of:
