ISB Curriculum

ISB Curriculum for Primary

In our Primary division, we implement the IB Primary Years Programme (PYP), an internationally recognised framework for students aged 3–12.

The PYP is designed around the idea that children learn best when they are actively involved in making meaning. Learning is therefore built around inquiry, conceptual understanding, student agency and meaningful connections across subjects.

Rather than focusing only on the acquisition of facts, the PYP encourages students to ask questions, investigate ideas, make connections and apply their learning in new situations. Teachers guide this process by creating purposeful learning experiences that support curiosity, critical thinking, collaboration and reflection.

Inquiry and conceptual learning

Inquiry is at the heart of the PYP. Students are encouraged to explore questions and ideas, develop their own understanding and become increasingly independent in their learning.

At the same time, the programme is concept-driven. Students work with important ideas and concepts that can be transferred across subjects and contexts. This helps them understand not only what they are learning, but also why it matters and how it connects to the wider world.

Transdisciplinary learning

One of the defining features of the PYP is its transdisciplinary approach.

Through the Programme of Inquiry, students explore significant themes that bring together learning from different subject areas. Language, mathematics, science, social studies, arts and physical education remain important disciplines, but students are also encouraged to recognise the connections between them.

This allows learning to become more coherent, relevant and connected to authentic local and global contexts.

Student agency

The PYP places students at the centre of the learning process.

Students are given opportunities to make choices, express their ideas, ask their own questions and take increasing responsibility for their learning. Through voice, choice and ownership, they develop confidence, independence and a stronger understanding of themselves as learners.

Approaches to Learning

Across all year levels, students develop Approaches to Learning (ATL) skills that support learning throughout the PYP and beyond:

• thinking skills
• communication skills
• research skills
• social skills
• self-management skills

These skills help students become more effective, reflective and independent learners and create an important foundation for their progression into the MYP.

Reflection, assessment and action

Reflection and feedback are an integral part of the PYP. Students are encouraged to think about what they have learned, how they have learned it and what they can do next.

Assessment is used not only to measure progress, but to support learning and help students understand their strengths and next steps.

The PYP also encourages students to take meaningful action as a result of their learning. This may involve making a personal choice, helping others, taking responsibility or contributing positively to the school or wider community.

Year at a Glance

To view the curriculum overview for each year group, please follow the links below:

English as an Additional Language (EAL) Support Programme

For students who are new to English or who require additional language support, ISB offers an English as an Additional Language (EAL) Support Programme.

The aim of the programme is to help students develop the language skills they need to communicate confidently and participate successfully in learning across the curriculum.

EAL support focuses on speaking, listening, reading, writing and academic language, and is adapted to the individual needs and language level of each student.

Wherever possible, language support is connected to the learning taking place in the classroom so that students can build both their English proficiency and their understanding of subject content.

The purpose of EAL is not simply to teach English as a separate subject, but to help students become confident, independent participants in the wider PYP learning environment.