FAQ's for the IB PYP Program

What is the IB?

The International Baccalaureate (IB) is a globally recognized educational framework that promotes rigorous academic learning while fostering personal, emotional, and social growth. At Loomis Basin Charter School, we offer the Primary Years Programme (PYP), which is designed for young learners ages 3–12.

The PYP nurtures the development of the whole child through an inquiry-based approach that encourages curiosity, critical thinking, and global awareness. It integrates international perspectives with a strong core curriculum to ensure well-rounded, meaningful, and challenging learning experiences.

How Do We Believe Students Learn?

In the PYP, we believe that students learn best when they actively construct meaning by connecting new knowledge with prior understanding. The role of the teacher is to facilitate this process through structured inquiry, providing opportunities for students to ask questions, investigate, collaborate, and reflect.

As students explore their learning, they also develop essential Approaches to Learning (ATL) skills—including social, thinking, research, self-management, and communication skills—which support their academic growth and help them become lifelong learners.

What Is the Transdisciplinary Approach, and How Does It Foster Better Learning?

The PYP uses a transdisciplinary approach to learning, which means that students explore big ideas that cross subject boundaries and connect to real life. Through Units of Inquiry, students investigate globally significant concepts organized under six transdisciplinary themes:

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 built around key elements of learning: concepts, skills, attitudes, knowledge, and action. At LBCS, we use a whole-school approach to develop a Program of Inquiry (POI) that provides a thoughtfully sequenced learning experience from Kindergarten through 5th grade.

Although the Units often draw from science, social studies, and personal/social education, the goal is to help students make connections across all subjects, integrate learning, and apply knowledge in meaningful ways.

How Does the PYP Foster Personal and Social-Emotional Development?

The PYP places a strong emphasis on developing the whole child, including their personal and emotional well-being. A central component of this is the IB Learner Profile, a set of ten attributes we aim to cultivate in every student:

Inquirers, Knowledgeable, Thinkers, Communicators, Principled, Open-minded, Caring, Risk-takers, Balanced, Reflective

In addition, the PYP encourages the growth of positive attitudes that support these attributes and help students become responsible, compassionate individuals. These include:

Appreciation, Commitment, Confidence, Cooperation, Creativity, Curiosity, Empathy, Enthusiasm, Independence, Integrity, Respect, and Tolerance

How Does the PYP Promote International Mindedness?

The PYP helps students develop a deep understanding of their place in the world and a respect for others. Through the transdisciplinary themes, students explore universal human experiences and global issues, gaining insight into different cultures, perspectives, and ways of life.

The program also encourages students to reflect on how their learning applies beyond the classroom—to their homes, communities, and the wider world. This focus on international mindedness helps students grow into thoughtful, ethical individuals who recognize both the commonalities and diversity of the human experience.

How Can I Support My Child at Home?

As a parent, you play an essential role in supporting your child's learning journey. Here are a few simple but powerful ways to be involved:

Help with organization by checking their homework planner and supporting time management
Ask questions about what they’re learning—be curious with them!
Extend classroom learning at home, for example: if they’re learning to tell time, ask them to tell you the time throughout the day
Take family field trips that connect to their units of inquiry
Review and reflect together by looking through their student portfolio

Your interest and engagement show your child that learning is valuable, relevant, and something we do throughout life.

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