Primary School Curriculum
Atlanta International School (AIS) uses the International Baccalaureate Primary Years Programme (IBPYP) as a framework for the curriculum. The framework consists of a process whereby teachers plan activities, engage students in learning, assess the success of their students in reaching the goals established, and then reformulate the plan according to the results.
The Primary Years Programme (PYP) is an international, transdisciplinary program designed to foster the development of the whole student encompassing social, physical emotional and cultural needs as well as academic welfare.
The AIS Program is a cohesive academic program, taught and learned in two languages. Students in the Primary Division at AIS study the usual range of elementary school subjects, but approximately 50% of their time is spent in English and 50% in French, German or Spanish.
The aim of all IB programmes is to develop internationally minded people who, recognizing their common humanity and shared guardianship of the planet, help to create a better and more peaceful world.
IB learners strive to be:
- Inquirers: They develop their natural curiosity. They acquire the skills necessary to conduct inquiry and research and show independence in learning. They actively enjoy learning and this love of learning will be sustained throughout their lives.
- Knowledgeable: They explore concepts, ideas and issues that have local and global significance. In so doing, they acquire in-depth knowledge and develop understanding across a broad and balanced range of disciplines.
- Thinkers: They exercise initiative in applying thinking skills critically and creatively to recognize and approach complex problems, and make reasoned, ethical decisions.
- Communicators: They understand and express ideas and information confidently and creatively in more than one language and in a variety of modes of communication. They work effectively and willingly in collaboration with others.
- Principled: They act with integrity and honesty, with a strong sense of fairness, justice and respect for the dignity of the individual, groups and communities. They take responsibility for their own actions and the consequences that accompany them.
- Open-minded: They understand and appreciate their own cultures and personal histories, and are open to the perspectives, values and traditions of other individuals and communities. They are accustomed to seeking and evaluating a range of points of view, and are willing to grow from the experience.
- Caring: They show empathy, compassion and respect towards the needs and feelings of others. They have a personal commitment to service, and act to make a positive difference to the lives of others and to the environment.
- Risk-takers: They approach unfamiliar situations and uncertainty with courage and forethought, and have the independence of spirit to explore new roles, ideas and strategies. They are brave and articulate in defending their beliefs.
- Balanced: They understand the importance of intellectual, physical and emotional balance to achieve personal well-being for themselves and others.
- Reflective: They give thoughtful consideration to their own learning and experience. They are able to assess and understand their strengths and limitations in order to support their learning and personal development.
The PYP program is transdisciplinary and driven by concept acquisition and is inquiry-based. The body of knowledge studied has both local and global significance. The essential skills developed are: the ability to conduct research, communicate effectively, function successfully in different social contexts, manage health and life and to think critically and creatively. Positive attitudes such as tolerance, respect and responsibility are fostered. Opportunities for meaningful action and social service are provided.
Six transdisciplinary themes provide the framework for units of inquiry at each grade level and these form the school's Programme of Inquiry (updated for the 2005-2006 school year), available as a PDF:
Programme of Inquiry (PDF, 85K)
Specific objectives are identified for each subject area:
- Language
- Art
- Mathematics
- Music
- Science*
- PE
- Social Studies*
- Personal Social Education (PSE)
*Science and Social Studies are incorporated into the transdisciplinary units of inquiry and where appropriate elements of the other subject areas are also included.
For more information, or further documents pertaining to the Primary School Curriculum, please contact Leonie Ley-Mitchell, PS Curriculum (IBPYP) Coordinator, at 404-841-3860 or lley@aischool.org.
