Programme of Inquiry

Grade EC 4/5

The Primary Years Programme curriculum framework is developed and applied in a context defined by six transdisciplinary themes. Students in Grade EC4/5 are taught units of inquiry through four of the six themes that span the school year from August to June.

Who We Are

Central Idea: We are alike and different in many ways but all of us are unique.

How We Express Ourselves

Central Idea: Our imaginations grow through listening to, telling and acting out stories from diverse cultures.

How the World Works

Central Idea: Forces affect our daily lives.

Sharing the Planet 

Grade EC 5/6

The Primary Years Programme curriculum framework is developed and applied in a context defined by six transdisciplinary themes. Students in Grade EC5/6 are taught units of inquiry through all six of these themes that span the school year from August to June.

Who We Are 

Central Idea: We explore the world through our 5 senses.

Where We Are in Time and Place 

Central Idea: Each of our classmates have unique cultural roots, but we share some similarities too.

How We Express Ourselves 

Central Idea: We can express our imagination through art, drama, story and music.

How the World Works 

Central Idea: Many of the products we use come from farms and gardens.

How We Organise Ourselves 

Central Idea: To work together effectively, communities need to be organised.

Sharing the Planet 

Central Idea: We can play our part in caring for each other and our environment.

Grade 1

The Primary Years Programme curriculum framework is developed and applied in a context defined by six transdisciplinary themes. Students in Grade 1 are taught units of inquiry through all six of these themes that span the school year from August to June.

Who We Are 

Central Idea: Homes reflect personal identity and local culture.

Where We Are in Time and Place 

Central Idea: Investigation helps us learn why things change over time.

How We Express Ourselves

Central Idea: We can be creative expressing our ideas, telling stories and entertaining people.

How the World Works 

Central Idea: Changes in matter determine how we use it.

How We Organise Ourselves 

Central Idea: Communities depend on transport systems.

Sharing the Planet 

Central Idea: Living things need to adapt in order to survive changing environments.

Grade 2

The Primary Years Programme curriculum framework is developed and applied in a context defined by six transdisciplinary themes. Students in Grade 2 are taught units of inquiry through all six of these themes that span the school year from August to June.

Who We Are 

Central Idea: The choices we make about our lifestyle affect our health.

Where We Are in Time and Place 

Central Idea: The time and place in history influences daily life.

How We Express Ourselves 

Central Idea: Thoughts and feelings can be expressed using different media.

How the World Works 

Central Idea: Earth is part of a vast and complex system.

How We Organise Ourselves 

Central Idea: Communities develop interconnected systems to meet people’s needs.

Sharing the Planet 

Central Idea: Clean air is an essential resource for sustaining our planet.

Grade 3

The Primary Years Programme curriculum framework is developed and applied in a context defined by six transdisciplinary themes. Students in Grade 3 are taught units of inquiry through all six of these themes that span the school year from August to June.

Who We Are 

Central Idea: Recognizing other peoples’ perspectives and communicating our own can enhance relationships.

Where We Are in Time and Place 

Central Idea: As people continue to explore, lives change.

How We Express Ourselves 

Central Idea: Cultures express their beliefs and values through the arts.

How the World Works 

Central Idea: Biodiversity relies on maintaining the interdependent balance of organisms within systems.

How We Organise Ourselves

Central Idea: The production and exchange of goods impact marketplaces.

Sharing the Planet 

Central Idea: Energy is a valuable resource that impacts our daily lives in many ways.

Grade 4

The Primary Years Programme curriculum framework is developed and applied in a context defined by six transdisciplinary themes. Students in Grade 4 are taught units of inquiry through all six of these themes that span the school year from August to June.

Who We Are

Central Idea: Humans have unique characteristics which include the need to explain their world.

Where We Are in Time and Place

Central Idea: The interdependence of people and resources shape our world.

How We Express Ourselves

Central Idea: Artists create and respond in a variety of ways.

How the World Works

Central Idea: Forces around us have magnitude (strength) and direction.

How We Organise Ourselves 

Central Idea: Community decisions can promote or deny equal opportunities and social justice.

Sharing the Planet 

Central Idea: Human survival is connected to understanding the continual changing nature of the earth.

Grade 5

The Primary Years Programme curriculum framework is developed and applied in a context defined by six transdisciplinary themes. Students in Grade 5 are taught units of inquiry through all six of these themes that span the school year from August to June.

Who We Are 

Central Idea: Our bodies react in different ways to external and internal influences.

Where We Are in Time and Place 

Central Idea: We can develop understanding of society today by studying civilizations from the past.

How We Express Ourselves

Central Idea:Creative expression allows us to explore, appreciate and celebrate who we are and how we feel.

How the World Works 

Central Idea: Problem solving extends human capabilities and leads to inventions and innovation.

How We Organise Ourselves 

Central Idea: Preserving our environment and cultural heritage requires understanding, planning and collaboration.

Sharing the Planet 

Central Idea: Through Problem Solving, young people can have a positive impact on their community.