PYP
IB Primary Years Programme at MHG
Miina Härma Gümnaasium is an IB World School that implements the national curriculum of Estonia. All topics and concepts of the national curriculum 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 the development of learners as inquiring individuals in all learning areas in and beyond the classroom. The PYP aims to develop students’ academic, social and emotional wellbeing, 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 in order 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 wellbeing of individuals and learning communities, and connect directly to the IB learner profile
- action, which is 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:
Who we are – Inquiry into the nature of the self; beliefs and values; person, physical, mental, social and spiritual health; and human relationships.
Where we are in place and time – Inquiry into our orientation in place and time; personal histories; the discoveries and explorations of humankind; and the interconnectedness of individuals and civilizations.
How we express ourselves – Inquiry into the ways in which we discover and express ideas, feelings, nature, culture, beliefs and values.
How the world works – Inquiry into the natural world and its laws, the interaction between the natural world and human societies; the impact of scientific and technological advances on society and on the environment.
How we organize ourselves – Inquiry into the interconnectedness of human-made systems and communities; the structure and function of organizations; and their impact on humankind and the environment.
Sharing the planet – Inquiry into rights and responsibilities in the struggle to share finite resources with other people and other living things; access to equal opportunities; peace and conflict resolution.
The full Programme of Inquiry of Miina Härma Gümnaasium is available here.
Assessment
We believe the assessment is integral to all teaching and learning. It is central to the PYP to guide the 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 conduct an in-depth inquiry into real-life issues or problems. 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 process for assessing 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 wonderful 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 moment from the Exhibition Day 2019:
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.
For further inquiries please contact the PYP coordinator:
Triinu Pihus
triinu.pihus@mhg.tartu.ee
(+372) 736 1922
