Programme standards and practices with requirements for the Primary Years Programme
Section A: Philosophy
Standard A
The school’s educational beliefs and values reflect IB philosophy.
- The school’s published statements of mission and philosophy align with those of the IB.
- The governing body, administrative and pedagogical leadership and staff demonstrate understanding of IB philosophy.
- The school community demonstrates an understanding of, and commitment to, the programme(s).
- The school develops and promotes international-mindedness and all attributes of the IB learner profile across the school community.
- The school promotes responsible action within and beyond the school community.
- The school promotes open communication based on understanding and respect.
- The school places importance on language learning, including mother tongue, host country language and other languages.
- The school participates in the IB world community.
- The school supports access for students to the IB programme(s) and philosophy.
Section B: Organization
Standard B1: Leadership and structure
The school’s leadership and administrative structures ensure the implementation of the PYP.
- The school has developed systems to keep the governing body informed about the ongoing implementation and development of the programme(s).
- The school has developed a governance and leadership structure that supports the implementation of the programme(s).
- The head of school/school principal and programme coordinator demonstrate pedagogical leadership aligned with the philosophy of the programme(s).
- The school has appointed a programme coordinator with a job description, release time, support and resources to carry out the responsibilities of the position.
- The school develops and implements policies and procedures that support the programme(s).
- The school has systems in place for the continuity and ongoing development of the programme(s).
- The school carries out programme evaluation involving all stakeholders.
Standard B2: Resources and support
The school’s resources and support structures ensure the implementation of the IB programme(s).
- The governing body allocates funding for the implementation and ongoing development of the programme(s).
- The school provides qualified staff to implement the programme(s).
- The school ensures that teachers and administrators receive IB-recognized professional development.
- The school provides dedicated time for teachers’ collaborative planning and reflection.
- The physical and virtual learning environments, facilities, resources and specialized equipment support the implementation of the programme(s).
- The library/multimedia/resources play a central role in the implementation of the programme(s).
- The school ensures access to information on global issues and diverse perspectives.
- The school provides support for its students with learning and/or special educational needs and support for their teachers.
- The school has systems in place to guide and counsel students through the programme(s).
- The student schedule or timetable allows for the requirements of the programme(s) to be met.
- The school utilizes the resources and expertise of the community to enhance learning within the programme(s).
- The school allocates resources to implement the PYP exhibition, the MYP personal project (or community project for programmes that end in MYP year 3 or 4), the DP extended essay and the CP reflective project for all students, depending on the programme(s) offered.
(resources: www.ibo.org)