The Primary Years Program (PYP) is an inquiry-based framework designed to nurture your child's academic, social, emotional, cultural, and physical development. Aimed at students aged 3–12, the PYP encourages curiosity, critical thinking, and lifelong learning. It helps children ask meaningful questions, seek answers, and develop a deeper understanding of the world. Learn more about the PYP here.
Key Features of the PYP:
Inquiry-Based Learning: Students learn by exploring their interests and taking ownership of their education.
High Standards: The PYP combines rigorous academics with an emphasis on the process of learning.
Global Perspectives: Lessons connect local and global issues, fostering cultural awareness and international-mindedness.
Whole-Child Development: Students grow into caring, balanced, and reflective individuals prepared to make a difference.
Six Themes That Shape Learning:
Through interdisciplinary units of inquiry, students explore:
At the heart of the International Baccalaureate (IB) is the Learner Profile—a long-term, holistic vision of education that connects all three IB programmes and places students at the center of everything we do. The Learner Profile transforms the IB mission into a set of essential learning outcomes for the 21st century.
Comprising ten aspirational qualities, the Learner Profile inspires and guides students, teachers, and schools alike. It represents the IB's values and vision of "international-mindedness," motivating everyone in our community to grow as knowledgeable, compassionate, and globally aware individuals.
The Learner Profile unites us with a shared purpose: to nurture the whole person as a lifelong learner. It’s not just for students—it applies to teachers, parents, and administrators too, because in the IB community, we are all continually learning and growing together.
Learner Profile Attribute
Definition
Caring
Helpful to others, empathetic, thoughtful, considerate, recognizes that he/she is part of a group.
Open-Minded
Listens to others' thoughts and ideas, accepts that there is more than one way of looking at things.
Balanced
Uses time wisely, and participate in a variety of activities.
Risk-Taker
Willing to make mistakes, prepared to try something new, willing to try things in unfamiliar ways.
Principled
Honest, makes good decisions, responsible, has a sense of fairness and justice.
Inquirer
Ask questions, wonders about the world, does not give up easily.
Thinker
Uses what he/she already knows and can build on his/her own ideas and the ideas of others.
Knowledgeable
Learning more about self, others and the world.
Communicator
Expresses feelings and thoughts across the curriculum.
Reflective
Thinks about his/her actions, learning and different ways to do things.
The International Baccalaureate® aims to develop inquiring, knowledgeable and caring young people who help to create a better and more peaceful world through intercultural understanding and respect. To this end, the organization works with schools, governments and international organizations to develop challenging programmes of international education and rigorous assessment. These programmes encourage students across the world to become active, compassionate and lifelong learners who understand that other people, with their differences, can also be right.
At William Lipscomb Elementary, the PYP is more than a curriculum—it’s a way to inspire students to create a better, more peaceful world. Our experienced and collaborative teachers ensure every child thrives academically and personally.
Learn More
For questions about the PYP Program, contact our Coordinator, Ms. Timms.