PYP

IB Primary Years Programme at MHG

Miina Härma Gümnaasium is an IB World School that implements Estonia’s national curriculum. All national curriculum topics and concepts are explored through the PYP transdisciplinary themes using the IB philosophy. MHG has been authorized to offer the Primary Years Programme (PYP) since June 2014. 

The programme focuses on developing learners as inquiring individuals in all learning areas in and beyond the classroom. The PYP aims to develop students’ academic, social and emotional well-being, focusing on international-mindedness and strong personal values. The PYP nurtures independent learning skills, encouraging every student to take responsibility for their learning. The written curriculum is made up of five essential elements: 

• knowledge, which is both disciplinary, represented by traditional subject areas (language, math, science, social studies, arts, PSPE) and transdisciplinary
• concepts, which students explore through structured inquiry to develop coherent, in-depth understanding, and which have relevance both within and beyond subject areas
• skills, which are the broad capabilities students develop and apply during learning and in life beyond the classroom
• attitudes, which contribute to international-mindedness and the well-being of individuals and learning communities and connect directly to the IB learner profile
• action, an expectation in the PYP that successful inquiry leads to responsible, thoughtful and appropriate action.

The programme incorporates local and global issues into the curriculum, asking students to look at six related, transdisciplinary themes and to consider the links between them. 

The International Baccalaureate® (IB) Primary Years Programme (PYP) is underpinned by six transdisciplinary themes around which learning is planned. These are:

The full Programme of Inquiry of Miina Härma Gümnaasium is available here.

Assessment
We believe assessment is integral to all teaching and learning. The PYP is central to guiding students through the five essential elements of learning: the acquisition of knowledge, the understanding of concepts, the mastering of skills, the development of attitudes, and the decisions to take action. The basics of assessment at MHG can be found in the PYP Assessment Policy.

The Exhibition
In the final year of the PYP (4th grade), students carry out an extended, in-depth collaborative project known as the PYP exhibition.

This involves students working collaboratively to investigate real-life issues or problems in-depth.  Students collectively synthesise all of the essential elements of the PYP in ways that can be shared with the whole school community.

It also provides teachers with a powerful and authentic assessment process for student understanding.

The exhibition represents a unique and significant opportunity for students to exhibit the attributes of the IB learner profile developed throughout their engagement with the PYP.

It also provides schools and students with a fantastic opportunity to celebrate the transition of learners to the next phase of their education. ( ibo.org )

The exhibition culminates in May with a whole-school exhibition day.
A snapshot of the Exhibition Day in 2022:

More information about the IB Primary Years Programme can be found on the IBO website.

More frequent questions are also answered in the IBO’s PYP Parent Pack.

For information about admissions and applications to the PYP, see: Admissions to International Classes.