Dear Primary Families,
On Tuesday this week, we hosted our first Parent Coffee Morning of the school year. It was wonderful to meet and speak with so many parents who were able to join us. These opportunities are invaluable, as they allow us to discuss a range of subjects and answer any questions that arise. For example, two topics of discussion this week were the swimming pool changing rooms and the time students have for eating their snacks and lunch.
Another important discussion was about teaching and learning at ABIS, especially for new parents and families. We focused on the IB Primary Years Programme (PYP). We recognize that the IB approach differs from that of schools offering a UK curriculum model, for example. To help parents better understand the various elements of the PYP, we will be offering a parent workshop on Tuesday, 7th October. Our new PYP Coordinator, Ms. Mary Ann Van der Weerd, will lead the session, and we invite all those who wish to learn more about the programme to attend.
Here are some key features of the PYP:
Three Pillars of the PYP Curriculum
Pillar One: Your Child
In the PYP, we believe your child is at the centre of their learning journey. We don’t just give them information to memorise; we encourage them to explore, ask questions, and think critically about who they are, who others are, and the world around them. Our goal is to help them learn not just facts but also to deeply understand concepts, develop useful skills, and grow into thoughtful, caring individuals who can make a difference in their communities and the world.
Pillar Two: Learning & Teaching
At the heart of the PYP is a focus on inquiry, where students and teachers collaborate. Together, we explore six big ideas (transdisciplinary themes) that help us understand universal concepts and issues in our world. This approach enables students to connect prior knowledge with new ideas and continue learning. We emphasise collaboration and reflection, ensuring that we are constantly improving our learning processes.
Pillar Three: The Learning Community
The PYP isn’t just about what happens at school; it involves everyone who contributes to making our school a great learning environment, including the important people in your child’s life. It’s also about the larger world outside of school. Together, we work to make our school a safe and happy place where students can grow into lifelong learners.
If you have any questions about what we do or want to discuss your child’s learning, please don’t hesitate to contact your child’s homeroom teacher. We’re here to help!
Best Regards,
Matthew
Primary Team Lead
Reminders:
- Thursday, 3rd October: No school for students (Professional Development Day for staff)
- Monday, 7th October: PYP Workshop: Learning in the PYP Classroom
- Thursday, 10th October: Primary Assembly (Grades 3-6), 12:20 – 1:00 pm
- Thursday, 17th October: Primary Assembly (KG2-Grade 2), 12:20 – 1:00 pm (KG1 will not be sharing their learning during this assembly; they are not quite ready yet!)