Welcome to the International Baccalaureate Primary Years Programme at St Andrew’s International School.

We are one of two schools in New Providence authorized to offer the PYP. Our school received authorization in July of 2002, and has successfully met the IB programme standards and practices through accreditation ever since. Within the PYP, students are encouraged to become lifelong learners, expressing their diversity, creativity, knowledge and skills. Our student-centered approach to education allows the child to be an inquirer in and out of the classroom. Students are encouraged to work individually and collaboratively through in depth exploration of an important idea. Students become active participants in their learning by reflecting on their role and responsibility as learners.

Our Primary Years Programme is designed for students in PK1 to Grade 5. Students across the Primary School engage in units of inquiry that are transdisciplinary and flexible enough to accommodate most national or local curricular. Here at St Andrew’s, we use the PYP Scope and Sequence documents, as well as the Common Core State Standards, to create a well rounded programme of study for our students. Units of inquiry are planned collaboratively by classroom teachers and the PYP Coordinator. The PYP is made up of essential elements embedded in the written, taught and assessed curriculum. Lessons include independent learning as well as teacher directed learning. Digital literacy skills and technology are used to enhance lessons, and hands-on inquiry and experimentation bring lessons to life for our students. Student learning is showcased through formative and summative assessments that can be written or performance-based. PYP learners are encouraged to take action in their learning and make meaning of the world around them. Our students enjoy showcasing their learning during mini exhibitions, oral presentations, class assemblies, science fairs, portfolios and conferences. The culminating exercise in the PYP before transitioning into middle school is the PYP Exhibition. This exhibition is a chance for students to apply all of the skills they have acquired throughout their years in primary school to complete an interest-based research project based around a common central idea and theme. Most often, these projects focus on local issues and result in students taking action throughout our community.