IB PYP

The International Baccalaureate Primary Years' Programme (PYP) is designed for students aged 3 to 12. Queen Margaret College is a PYP Candidate School and is implementing this programme in our Pre-School and Junior School. It focuses on the total growth of the developing child, encompassing social, physical, emotional and cultural needs in addition to academic development.


The PYP draws on research and best practice from a range of national systems with a wealth of knowledge and experience from international schools to create a relevant and engaging framework for all students. At the heart of the programme's philosophy is a commitment to structured, purposeful inquiry as the leading vehicle for learning.
Contact Kathleen McDonnell, the PYP Coordinator or go to www.ibo.org for further information.

Six transdisciplinary themes of global significance provide the framework for exploration and study:

  • 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.

Teachers are guided by these themes as they design units of inquiry.

The programme can be illustrated by a hexagon at the centre of which is the IB Learner Profile with the six themes surrounding six subject areas:

  • language- including a second language
  • social studies
  • mathematics
  • arts
  • science
  • personal, social and physical education.

The following video provides a useful insight into the programme and show how it encourages students across the world to become active, compassionate, lifelong learners and prepare them for the future ahead; giving us our greatest hope for a better world. The video is stored on IBtv. To view it please click here