Significance of Transdisciplinary Themes in IB Primary Year Programme

The top international schools in Gurgaon get frequent admission inquiries from parents who want to optimise their children’s early school learning with the globally renowned primary year programme (PYP).

Offered by the International Baccalaureate (IB) Board, the PYP is for children in the age group of 3 to 10 years and aims for the 360° development of a learner with focus on academic, social, physical and emotional growth.

Even if a child has already started education in another primary school of Gurugram, they can be admitted to an IB institution offering the PYP by a simple interaction – the child can move to an IB school and get the benefits of world-class education.

The top IB schools in Gurgaon also open their doors to students with special needs. As per the IB Board’s policies, these schools also offer English Language Support (ELS) to students who are non native English speaker.

An interesting aspect of the primary year programme is its six transdisciplinary themes – the students actively participate in the activities related to these subjects. The knowledge and experience they gain from such tasks helps them become better learners with deep understanding of relevant concepts.

The themes are:

1. Who We Are

This unit entails an inquiry into self and enables children to be more aware of their values and beliefs. While focusing on the idea of ‘Who we are’, the teachers of IB primary schools in Gurgaon organise activities that develop intellectual, physical, emotional and spiritual health of students. They also get to learn about human relationships across communities and cultures. Under this theme, the children get to know their rights, responsibilities and duties as humans.

2. Where We Are in Place and Time

In exploring their orientation in place and time, the students delve into histories of civilizations. They learn deeply about the discoveries made by humans in different ages and the migrations of communities across the world. This transdisciplinary theme also involves the connections between individuals and societies by viewing them from local and international standpoints.

3. How We Express Ourselves

When the PYP students have class for ‘how we express ourselves’, they inquire into the methods that allow them to identify and express new information. The content of this unit helps students to know how they can convey personal feelings, convictions and values through language and creative arts. By participating in the activities planned under the theme, the primary school students can improve their aesthetic sense and creativity.

4. How the World Works

It is a theme wherein students learn about the planet they live on and its ecosystems. There are projects to help them understand the interactions between biodiversity and the environments in which humans, animals and plants thrive. The unit also helps learners become better aware of natural occurrences as also trends introduced by humans with their knowledge of science and technology.

5. How We Organise Ourselves

Under the transdisciplinary theme emphasising on self-organisation, PYP students get to know how communities are interconnected with the economic and social systems developed by humans. They learn about structures and functioning of businesses, government agencies and non-governmental organisations. The unit familiarises them with decision-making skills and how such decisions affect life. Teachers may assign projects related to cleanliness, recycling, tree plantation and other activities that promote environmental protection.

6. Sharing the Planet

The sixth transdisciplinary theme is about analysing the rights and responsibilities of humans. It makes children realise that we share this planet with other humans as also animals, birds and plants. The unit teaches them to use natural resources in sustainable ways and create an environment where everyone can thrive without mutual conflicts.

Conclusion

You might have heard about the IB Diploma Programme and its benefits for the students of Grade 11 and 12 in international schools. However, the academic programmes preceding this curriculum in IB schools are no less valuable. They make students life-long learners and mould them as global citizens. So if you want your children to make the most of IB education, it is advisable to seek admission at the earliest stage of their school life.

Author bio - The Gurgaon based campus of Amity Global School enrolled its first batch of students in 2008 and has been helping young scholars imbibe the virtues of education year after year. A tailored approach to academics, sports and extra-curricular activities is the hallmark of the institution.