How is the curriculum developed?

The IBPYP holds regular meetings to which authorized PYP schools send representatives. These representatives serve on curriculum committees that develop the curriculum for individual disciplines, in the context of a coherent, central framework. The work of these committees is coordinated by a steering committee. Since the early stages of its development, the IBPYP has also worked closely with consultants and teacher trainers from different national systems. At International School Winterthur, all teachers attend PYP training workshops and are now able to develop, within the IBPYP framework, curriculum that takes into account our location in Switzerland, and the individual needs of our students.

What will my child be learning?

The IBPYP has designed a transdisciplinary curriculum framework that draws the individual disciplines together into a coherent whole, while preserving the essence of each subject. Your child will:

	Develop a deep understanding of important concepts
	Conduct research into knowledge which has local and global significance
	Acquire and practise a range of essential skills
	Be encouraged to develop positive attitudes towards learning, the environment and other people
	Have the opportunity for involvement in responsible action and social service

How will I know how my child is doing?

The PYP promotes the use of a range of assessment strategies that are designed to give a clear picture of your child's progress. This progress will be reported to you regularly, orally, through informal contacts, conferences involving parents, students and teachers, and written reports. You are encouraged to play an active role in supporting your child's learning.

How can I support my child's learning?

The PYP sees learning as a partnership between student, parent and school.

You can help your child by:

	maintaining regular contact with the school
	sharing books with your child
	supporting your child's mother tongue
	assisting your child with research projects
	attending curriculum information sessions at school and parent /student /teacher conferences
	providing an appropriate setting and structured routine for doing homework

Will the PYP help my child fit into another school?

Although no school or curriculum can guarantee a perfect fit when children transfer to a new school, particularly a school in a different country, parents may be reassured by the following points.

Transfer to schools following a national curriculum

Close attention is paid to a range of national curriculums when developing the IBPYP curriculum Students transferring from international schools usually have no trouble with the standards of national schools

Transfer to other schools offering the PYP

Students in other schools implementing the PYP curriculum will have common learning experiences in terms of conceptual development, skill acquisition, positive attitudes and meaningful action. There will be less uniformity of specific content in certain areas, since schools will naturally wish to reflect the unique nature of their own locations. The IBPYP is working towards agreement on a common set of assessment, recording and reporting strategies that will facilitate the transfer of students.

What shall I do if I have questions?

Professional educators can sometimes explain curriculum issues in ways that are not clear to parents. You have a right to know about the educational programme in which your child is engaged. If you have any further questions please ask - you will find the PYP staff at ISW more than happy to discuss the curriculum with you.