IB Primary Years Programme (PYP)

The primary years programme at Montgomery International School enables students to take responsibility for their own learning and to acquire pivotal knowledge and skills. Throughout their primary educational journey, they develop their natural curiosity as well as key traits such as empathy, resilience and the ability to work in a team.

PYP 1-5 / GRADE 1-5

What is the IB Primary Years Programme (PYP)?

The Primary Years Programme (PYP) is an educational framework designed by the International Baccalaureate (IB) for young learners aged 3* to 12. It focuses on developing the whole child as an inquirer, both in the classroom and in the world outside. At Montgomery International School, the PYP aims to nurture and develop young students into caring, active participants in a lifelong journey of learning. The PYP framework is trans-disciplinary, meaning it focuses on issues that go across subject areas. Students learn to think critically and independently and to inquire with care and logic.

* At MIS, the Primary Years Programme starts at Grade 1 - for students aged 5^1/2 in September of the enrollment year

How does the IB Primary Years Programme work?

Our PYP curriculum at Montgomery International School encourages independent thinking and promotes collaboration. The programme fosters critical thinking, problem-solving abilities, and effective communication skills, ensuring students are well-prepared for the challenges of the future.

The curriculum is built around six transdisciplinary themes, explored via key subjects.

Six transdisciplinary themes...

Who we are
Where we are in place and time
How we express ourselves
How the world works
How we organise ourselves
Sharing the planet

...explored via key subjects.

English
French
Maths
Natural Sciences
Social Studies
Drama
Visual Arts
Information & Communication Technologies
Physical, Social and Emotional Education

IB PYP in practice

Drama

Information & Communication Technologies (ICT)

Physical, social and emotional education

Library

PYP5 exhibition

I think this school is good for me because I have good friends. It is a nice school and teachers are very kind. There is a huge playground and I can learn theatre.

PYP4 student

Programmes at MIS

Montgomery International School offers a comprehensive IB education that includes - besides the Primary Years Programme - both the Middle Years Programme (MYP) and the Diploma Programme (DP). This continuum of education ensures that students develop the necessary skills and knowledge to excel academically and personally.

By integrating the MYP and DP, Montgomery International School ensures that students develop a continuous and coherent educational experience. The MYP lays a strong foundation of skills and knowledge that students build upon in the DP, leading to well-rounded, critical, and reflective learners who are ready to take on the challenges of higher education and beyond.

The Primary Years Programme (PYP) at Montgomery International School provides a nurturing and challenging environment that fosters a love for learning, critical thinking, and global awareness. This foundation sets students on a path to success, both academically and personally, preparing them to make a positive impact on the world. The comprehensive IB education offered at Montgomery International School ensures that students develop the skills and knowledge needed to thrive in a rapidly changing and interconnected world, opening doors to numerous post-graduation opportunities.

What is the IB?

The International Baccalaureate (IB) is a globally recognised educational foundation that offers four highly respected programmes for students aged 3* to 19. The IB aims to develop inquiring, knowledgeable, and caring young people who are motivated to succeed. The IB programmes encourage both personal and academic achievement, challenging students to excel in their studies and in their personal development.

The four IB programmes are:

Primary Years Programme (PYP): For students aged 3 to 11.
Middle Years Programme (MYP): For students aged 11 to 16.
Diploma Programme (DP): For students aged 16 to 19.

The IB's mission is to create a better world through education by fostering understanding and respect among young people from different cultures and backgrounds.

* At MIS, the Primary Years Programme starts at Grade 1 - for students aged 5^1/2to 11

Middle Years Programme (MYP)

The MYP is designed for students aged 11 to 16 and bridges the Primary Years Programme (PYP) and the Diploma Programme (DP). The MYP aims to develop active learners and internationally minded young people who can empathise with others and pursue lives of purpose and meaning.

The curriculum framework comprises eight subject groups, providing a broad and balanced education:

Language and Literature
Language Acquisition
Individuals and Societies
Sciences
Mathematics
Arts
Physical and Health Education
Design

Students also engage in interdisciplinary learning that integrates multiple subject areas, fostering a deeper understanding of complex concepts and real-world issues. The MYP emphasises critical thinking, communication, and reflection through its Approaches to Learning (ATL) skills framework. Additionally, students complete a Personal Project in their final year, which allows them to demonstrate their learning and personal interests through an independent research project.

MYP - MORE INFO

The Diploma Programme (DP)

The DP is designed for students aged 16 to 19 and prepares them for success at university and beyond. The DP curriculum includes six subject groups (Language and Literature, Language Acquisition, Individuals & Societies, Sciences, Mathematics, and Arts) and a core comprising three essential elements:

Theory of Knowledge (TOK): Encourages students to reflect on the nature of knowledge and how we know what we claim to know.
Creativity, Activity, Service (CAS): Requires students to engage in a range of activities alongside their academic studies, involving creativity, physical activity, and community service.
Extended Essay (EE): Offers students the opportunity to investigate a topic of interest through independent research, culminating in a 4,000-word essay.

The DP's rigorous and comprehensive curriculum is highly respected by universities worldwide, providing students with the skills and knowledge needed for higher education and beyond. Montgomery International School's DP graduates are well-prepared to succeed in a variety of fields, including medicine, law, engineering, international relations, and business.

DP - MORE INFO

Post Graduation Opportunities

Graduates of Montgomery International School's IB programmes are well-prepared for a wide range of opportunities in higher education and beyond. The rigorous and comprehensive nature of the IB curriculum is highly respected by universities worldwide, facilitating admissions to prestigious institutions.

Recent graduates have been accepted to top universities such as:

Canada: University of Toronto, McGill University
United Kingdom: University College London, King's College London, University of Edinburgh
Europe: Bocconi University (Italy), Erasmus University Rotterdam (Netherlands), KU Leuven (Belgium), Trinity University (Ireland)

Montgomery International School's emphasis on academic excellence, critical thinking, and global citizenship equips students with the skills needed for success in various fields, including medicine, law, engineering, international relations, and business. The school's alumni network and career counselling services also provide ongoing support to graduates as they navigate their future careers.

In This Section

What is the PYP curriculum?

For more information about the PYP curriculum framework, visit the IB Primary Years Programme in the IBO webpages

PYP CURRICULUM

Hear it from our teachers...

Advanced bilingual vs English in PYP

ENGLISH PROGRAMME

All classes are taught in English except for French Language Acquisition.

ADVANCED BILINGUAL
PROGRAMME

PYP 2-5: Social Science (Éveil) classes are taught in French.

Age Range

The PYP at Montgomery International School is designed for students aged 5^1/2to 12 years old. The programme starts with PYP 1 and continues through the primary years. This age-appropriate approach ensures that learning experiences are relevant and engaging for young students, helping them develop essential academic and social skills.

Grades at Montgomery International School

The PYP at Montgomery International School covers the primary years, from PYP 1 to PYP 5. The programme corresponds to the following age groups and grade levels:

PYP 1: Age 5^1/2-7 (equivalent to Grade 1 in the US, Year 2 in the UK, CP in France)
PYP 2: Age 7-8 (equivalent to Grade 2 in the US, Year 3 in the UK, CE1 in France)
PYP 3: Age 8-9 (equivalent to Grade 3 in the US, Year 4 in the UK, CE2 in France)
PYP 4: Age 9-10 (equivalent to Grade 4 in the US, Year 5 in the UK, CM1 in France)
PYP 5: Age 10-11 (equivalent to Grade 5 in the US, Year 6 in the UK, CM2 in France)

Admission Requirements

Admission to Montgomery International School's PYP is based on a holistic review of each applicant's background and personal qualities. As an inclusive school, we welcome students with diverse learning profiles who are eager to engage with the IB’s learner profile. Key admission considerations include:

Academic Records: School reports from the last two years (when applicable)
Personal Interview: An interview with the student(s) and parents to discuss educational goals and how they fit with the school's mission.
Reference (when applicable): name and contact details of a teacher who knows the student well.

Montgomery International School welcomes students from diverse academic backgrounds and levels of English proficiency, offering support to help all students thrive in the PYP.

Admissions