IB PYP Programme

Académie de la Capitale is authorized to offer the inquiry-based Primary Years Programme (PYP) of the International Baccalaureate (IB) from Pre- junior Kindergarten to Grade 6. (ages 3-11). Being authorized means that we meet the standards and practices required by the IB to provide the PYP at Académie de la Capitale and, in common with IB schools around the world, we continue to prove that our philosophy, curriculum and educational practices are in line with the published standards of the IB. This is monitored through submission of assessment documents and in-school visits from IB representatives.

A relevant, challenging and engaging curriculum

The goal of the PYP curriculum is to develop students with:

• the academic concepts and skills necessary for higher learning success.
• knowledge appropriate to the level of their educational development.
• healthy self-respect and an appreciation of others from different racial, religious and cultural backgrounds.

Our students become inquirers, communicators, and thinkers who are principled, open-minded and reflective.

Our teaching methods balance the teaching of disciplines within units of inquiry, but subjects such as Math, Math Enrichment, French, English, Information Technology, Visual and Performing Arts and Physical Education are taught by specialist teachers, as distinct learning areas, while still linked to the units. Our students reflect on their learning and delve deeper into a topic while developing critical thinking skills. They participate actively in problem solving, asking questions, seeking explanations and forming original hypotheses and generalizations. Research activities (individual and group) are a notable feature of the PYP classroom and help students, from an early age, to become independent and confident thinkers and learners.

Extra curricular and third language included in the curriculum

Our students become even more culturally aware and respectful by being exposed to other languages. Two 45-minute periods a week allow the students to develop listening and speaking skills in Spanish or Mandarin. Our music programme includes learning the violin in group settings and students have the opportunity to perform in and outside school. Our athletics programme involves the study of physical activity and appropriate lifestyle choices. A wide range of compulsory physical activities such as Jiu-jitsu (taught by a Renchi Master), gymnastics, individual and teams sports, and outdoor education are included in the PE curriculum. The mandatory Math Enrichment complements our already advanced daily programme Défi mathématiques/Challenging Math. It further enables students to develop in-depth math concepts in authentic problem solving situations, and encourages the development of creative, logical and critical thinking.

Taking Action

Taking action is a core component of the PYP. At Académie de la Capitale, students apply their knowledge to the real world and further develop their sense of commitment, demonstrating that they have the power to affect change. Our students are involved in many community projects such as Pennies for Peace, the Shepherds of Good Hope, la maison Guigues, just to name a few, taking their learning from inside and outside the classrooms and applying it to the wider community.

Developing the Whole Child

In the PYP, positive attitude and character-building share a prominent place alongside learning. Personal qualities such as respect, tolerance, integrity, independence, enthusiasm, curiosity, creativity, cooperation, confidence, commitment and appreciation are emphasized throughout the programme. Académie de la Capitale students are encouraged to reflect, choose wisely and act responsibly with all individuals and the wider community. The PYP at Académie de la Capitale provides a strong academic and socially conscious foundation for all future studies. It sets the standard for the high expectations and high achievement that follow in middle and secondary school education.