Primary Years (ages 6-11)

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Students in the IB Primary Years Programme (PYP) classroom take ownership of their learning by wondering, exploring, learning, sharing, reflecting, and taking actions in and beyond the classroom. The aim of the PYP programme is to develop internationally minded people who, recognising their common humanity and shared guardianship of the planet, help to create a better and more peaceful world.

Amity International School Amsterdam is an authorised International Baccalaureate® Primary Years Programme (PYP) school since November 2020. Our students have the opportunity to explore their passions, engage with real world problems and are challenged in their thinking. 

 

I think school has a wonderful curriculum and learning programmes. We like the way the school encourages children to learn from their daily lives and not from textbooks only. My son definitely has learned a lot and expanded his world since he’s joined!   Primary Years 1 Parent

What is the IB PYP?

The International Baccalaureate® (IB) Primary Years Programme is a curriculum framework designed for students aged 3 to 11 and is designed as an engaging, student-centred curriculum that teaches children to become independent, lifelong learners and critical thinkers. 

PYP is a concept-based curriculum. Unlike other curricula that focus mainly on factual knowledge, the PYP focuses on ideas that are broad, abstract, timeless and universal. These concepts help to weave essential understandings across, between and beyond subjects areas and to transfer learning to new contexts. 

The IB PYP framework offers several advantages over other frameworks, especially in critical subject areas.

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How will my child learn?

Inquiry-based learning is the leading pedagogical approach of the Primary Years Programme (PYP); it recognises students as being actively involved in their own learning and as taking responsibility for that learning. Through inquiry, students not only acquire a wealth of knowledge, but also learn how to learn. Amity Amsterdam puts a strong emphasis on connecting learning with real-life experience through field trips, guest speakers, and supporting each other as well as the community around us.

Inquiry-based teaching and learning helps students take action by using what they have learned.

 

We loved EVERYTHING: we loved the teachers; the warm, welcoming yet challenging environment; the truly inclusive mindset; and the fact that the school is open to parents’ feedback and acts on it!   Primary Years 1 Parent

 

Absolutely amazing primary teachers, classroom assistants, specialist teachers, facilities staff and the grounds are stunning. Just a beautiful location. Within a few months we really felt part of the community!   Parent with children in various year groups

Essential Elements of the PYP

The five essential elements of the PYP play a key role in the development of students’ learning. By emphasising these 5 components, the PYP provides a rigorous programme for young learners, equipping them to excel in the classroom and beyond. This framework ensures that learning is engaging and relevant to the challenges of living in a diverse, 21st-century society.

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Frequently Asked Questions