The PYP is committed to a concept-driven curriculum which helps the students construct meaning through critical thinking and the transfer of knowledge. There are eight key-concepts which are woven throughout the six transdisciplinary themes. Each theme is instructed through the lense of two or three key concepts.
Key Concepts
Form- What is it like? Definition: The understanding that everything has a form with recognizable features that can be observed, identified, described and categorized. Examples: Properties, structure, similarities, differences, pattern Function- How does it work? Definition: The understanding that everything has a purpose, a role or a way of behaving that can be investigated. Examples: Behavior, communication, pattern, role, systems Causation - Why is it like it is? Definition: The understanding that things do not just happen, that there are casual relationships at work, and actions have consequences. Examples: Consequences, sequences, pattern, impact Change - How is it changing? Definition: The understanding that change is the process of movement from one state to another. It is universal and inevitable. Examples: Adaptation, growth, cycles, sequences, transformation Connection - How is it connected to other things? Definition: The understanding that we live in a world of interacting systems in which the actions of any individual element affects others Examples: Relationships, networks, systems, interdependence Perspective - What are the points of view? Definition: The understanding that knowledge is moderated by perspectives; different perspectives lead to different interpretations, understandings and findings; perspectives my be individual, group, cultural or disciplinary. Examples: Subjectivity, truth, beliefs, opinion, prejudice Responsibility - What is our responsibility? Definition: The understanding that people make choices based on their understandings, and the actions they take as a result do make a difference. Examples: Rights, Citizenship, values, justice, initiative Reflection - How do we know? Definition: The understanding that there are different ways of knowing, and that it is important to reflect on our conclusions, to consider our methods of reasoning, and the quality and the reliability of the evidence we have considered. Examples: Review, evidence, interpretation, responsibility, behavior Adapted from: Making the PYP happen: A curriculum framework for international primary education |