The PYP is a programme of international education designed to foster the development of the whole child. It provides a curriculum framework for primary schools around the globe. The most significant and distinctive feature of the IB Primary Years Programme are the six transdisciplinary themes. The illustration of the IB PYP Curriculum model below encapsulates student learning at Stonehill.

The Six Transdisciplinary Themes

These themes provide the opportunity to incorporate local and global issues into the curriculum and effectively allow students to step beyond the confines of learning within subject areas.

• 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

Units of Inquiry are developed around these transdisciplinary themes. These inquiries are substantial, in-depth and usually last for several weeks.

Since these ideas relate to the world beyond the school, students see their relevance and connect with them in an engaging and challenging way. Students who learn in this way begin to reflect on their roles and responsibilities as learners and become actively involved with their education.

To ensure continuity and academic rigour at Stonehill, we have developed key learning outcomes for each year level set in continuums that reflect the different ways that children develop. These Subject-Specific Curriculum Documents are available by clicking on the tabs above.

We aim to create a learning environment where young students understand the interconnectedness of big ideas while grasping the essential elements (concepts, knowledge, ATLS, action) that will form the foundation for future learning. These things are planned within each unit of inquiry.