What is the IB PYP?
4 min read · updated 2026-09-01
The IB Primary Years Programme (PYP) is the International Baccalaureate's framework for ages 3-12, used by international schools worldwide. It is inquiry-based: children learn by investigating questions rather than memorising content.
How it works
Learning is organised around six transdisciplinary themes (who we are, how the world works, sharing the planet, and others) explored through units of inquiry. Literacy and numeracy are taught within these units alongside science, social studies, arts and languages, guided by the learner profile attributes (inquirers, thinkers, communicators and more).
How it differs from national curricula
There is less rote content and more open-ended investigation, and assessment is against criteria rather than grades in the early years. The trade-off parents should understand: children moving from a content-heavy system into the PYP sometimes lack fluency basics the PYP assumes are developing naturally.
Where tutoring fits
One-to-one support fills exactly those gaps: number fluency, writing mechanics and reading stamina, taught in a way that connects to the unit of inquiry. Weekly sessions keep the fluency layer strong while the school builds the inquiry skills.
FAQs
Will my child fall behind if the school uses the PYP?＋
Not if the fluency basics are supported at home or through tutoring. PYP students often excel at inquiry and discussion; the basics sometimes need deliberate reinforcement.
Does the PYP lead into the IB MYP and Diploma?＋
Yes, the PYP is the first stage of the IB continuum, flowing into the MYP (11-16) and then the Diploma Programme (16-19).
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