The Primary Years Programme (PYP)

The Primary Years Programme in the Lower School provides students a Christ-centered educational experience that supports their spiritual and academic growth. In addition to building foundational skills in reading, writing, and mathematics, students will be engaged in Units of Inquiry (UOI), as organized by IB  (International Baccalaureate), which are transdisciplinary in nature and designed to help them develop essential skills as a learner. It is the goal of the Lower School that students become inquirers, knowledgeable, thinkers, communicators, principled, open-minded, caring, risk-takers, balanced and reflective so that they are able to "go into the world" as Christians, grounded in their faith and able to follow His will for their life.

How the PYP works

The Units of Inquiry are named as follows:

• Who we are
• Where we are in place and time
• How we express ourselves
• How the world works
• How we organize ourselves
• Sharing the planet

Each unit is first, and most importantly, created to be Biblically relevant, supporting students’ understanding of how scripture applies to the identified lines of inquiry—the lines of inquiry present opportunities for learning and exploration in a connected manner (vs. subject-specific). In addition, other important academic content and skills (based on Virginia SOLs) are identified and integrated into the curriculum to allow for a comprehensive educational experience that provides opportunities for students to use critical thinking skills to analyze important issues and develop solutions to real-world issues. Through this approach, students will enhance their ability to think deeply, research and communicate effectively about an issue or topic in a Christ-centered manner.

For a detailed description from the IB organization of the PYP, click here to view the program brochure. We are also happy to answer any questions you have by emailing your admission department at admissions@williamsburgchristian.org.

IB World Schools share a common philosophy—a commitment to improve the teaching and learning of a diverse and inclusive community of students by delivering challenging, high-quality programs of international education that share a powerful vision.**

*Only schools authorized by the International Baccalaureate can offer any of its four academic programs: the Primary years programme (PYP), the Middle Years Programme (MYP), the Diploma Programme or the Career-related Program (CP). Candidate status gives no guarantee that authorization will be granted. For further information about the IB and its programs, visit www.ibo.org

**Mission Statement from the IB: The International Baccalaureate aims to develop inquiring, knowledgeable, and caring young people who help to create a better and more peaceful world through intercultural understanding and respect. To this end, the organization works with schools, governments, and international organizations to develop challenging programs of international education and rigorous assessment. These programs encourage students across the world to become active, compassionate, and lifelong learners who understand that other people, with their differences, can also be right.