Primary Years Programme (PYP) Learner Profile

The Enhanced PYP

As a transdisciplinary, inquiry-based and student-centered education with responsible action at its core, the Primary Years Programme (PYP) remains trusted, timeless and transformational. Through the PYP, students experience learning that is engaging, significant, challenging and relevant.

In response to the challenges and opportunities found in our rapidly changing world, and in line with movements in global education to develop lifelong learners, a future focused PYP has evolved to support IB World Schools as they strive for excellence in primary education. This evolution is known as the Enhanced PYP.

Throughout the year, I will share the elements of the Enhanced PYP. The first element to share with you are the approaches to learning (often referred to as the ATLs – we love an acronym or two in Primary education) as listed below.

• Thinking skills – critical, creative, transfer
• Research skills – ethical, media and information literacy
• Communication skills – listening, speaking, interpreting
• Social skills – interpersonal, social and emotional intelligence
• Self-management skills – mindfulness, time management, organisation.

The ATLs are learning techniques that students utilise in order to promote independent learning and an awareness of 'how to learn' (process), as opposed to 'what to learn' (curriculum/content). You will see these referred to in many of the reporting and assessment documents throughout your child's journey through Scotch (and possibly PLC) and discussion about these skills is encouraged between yourselves, your child and their teachers.

Mr Warwick Norman
Junior School Dean of Teaching and Learning