At OYIS, we believe that every child is capable of remarkable growth when given the right nurturing conditions. Our Primary Years Program (PYP) builds on children’s natural curiosity, fostering a love of learning, critical thinking, and international-mindedness. Grounded in the IB philosophy, our program develops knowledgeable, caring, and principled learners ready to thrive in a dynamic world.
Primary Years Programme
Ages 6 to 12 / Grades 1 to 6
As children progress through the PYP, they become very powerful thinkers, caring classmates, and responsible citizens. They learn how to ask interesting questions about many subjects and how to creatively explore those questions to develop academic expertise, and learn to evaluate what they discover.
Learning in the PYP
Key Learning Areas in the PYP:
- English
- Japanese
- Mathematics
- Science and Social Studies
- Visual Arts and Music
- Physical Health and Well-being
Together, these areas provide a balanced and engaging foundation for inquiry, creativity, and growth—nurturing students to become confident, well-rounded learners at OYIS
In the PYP, there are six transdisciplinary themes called Units of Inquiry that are focused on throughout the year: Who We Are, Where We are in Place and Time, How We Express Ourselves, How the World Works, How We Organize Ourselves, and Sharing the Planet
These themes together provide children with authentic learning experiences that are not confined to the boundaries of traditional subjects. PYP learners explore real-world problems by going beyond subject boundaries. Students have opportunities to reflect on the significance of their learning to take meaningful action in their community and the wider world.
Who We Are
This theme explores what it means to be human, including our beliefs, values, and relationships. Students learn about identity, well-being, and how people grow and make choices.
Where We Are in Place and Time
Students investigate how people, places, and events shape our world. They explore history, journeys, and the ways we learn about the past to understand the present.
How We Express Ourselves
This theme focuses on how people express ideas, feelings, and creativity. Students discover different forms of communication and the ways we share stories, culture, and imagination.
How the World Works
Students explore the natural world and how science helps us understand it. They learn about energy, materials, forces, and how people use scientific knowledge to make sense of the world.
How We Organize Ourselves
This theme looks at how communities and systems function. Students learn how people work together, make decisions, and create structures that help societies run smoothly.
Sharing the Planet
Students explore how living things share resources and depend on one another. They learn about environments, conflicts, and the responsibility we have to care for the planet and live sustainably.
The PYP Exhibition
The PYP Exhibition is a culminating project for students in the final year of the PYP. It is a student-led, in-depth inquiry into a real-world issue or opportunity that allows them to demonstrate their learning, independence, and responsibility. The project involves research, collaboration, reflection, and taking action based on their findings, and it culminates in a presentation of their work to the school community.
