Primary Years Programme Making the PYP happen - ITARI

Making the PYP happen
PYP key concepts What do we want the students to understand (subject perspectives)
Concept
Generic perspective
Language perspective
Mathematics perspective
Science and technology
perspective
Social studies perspective
What is it like
(Form)
Everything has a form with
recognizable features which can be
observed, identified, described and
categorized.
Every language has a form which
makes it unique.
The recognition, categorization and
description of patterns and other
information.
Most things have a form or shape
with an outward or visible
manifestation and an internal
structure.
Events, people and places have
recognizable features which
distinguish them in time, space or
social order.
How does it work
(Function)
Everything has a purpose, a role or a
way of behaving which can be
investigated.
Language is used for a variety of
purposes depending on the
circumstances.
The examination of systems,
relationships, mechanics, components
and patterns.
The special activities, properties or
purposes, natural or endowed, of a
creature or thing.
How events or relationships happen
among people or the interaction
between people and the environment.
Why is it like it is
(Causation)
Things do not just happen. There are
causal relationships at work and
actions have consequences.
Language has an effect on, and is
affected by, everything.
The consideration of the
organization, process, application and
consequences of actions.
The effect brought about by an
intended or unintended action or
reaction.
Human actions and events have
causes, antecedents and consequences
which affect how people interact with
each other and with their
environment.
How is it changing
(Change)
The process of movement from one
state to another. It is universal and
inevitable.
Language is not static; it changes
constantly.
Looking for evidence of change,
analysing change and making
predictions.
Change is an inevitable aspect of the
physical world as things become
different or pass from one form or
phase to another. Change can be
natural or brought about and
accelerated by outside influences.
Understanding the nature of social
change (individual, group, cultural, or
institutional), and how and why
humans, over time and space, effect
changes or respond to it.
How is it connected to
other things
(Connection)
We live in a world of interacting
systems in which the actions of any
individual element affect others.
Language is central to life. It is the
major connecting system within,
between and among all societies.
The examination of systems and
strategies to identify different kinds
and levels of relationships within and
beyond the strands of mathematics.
The natural world is full of
interacting systems in which parts
and sets depend on each other to
form a working whole.
The social world comprises interacting
systems in which the actions of
individuals or groups affect each other
and the environment. Events, people
and places are part of an elaborate web
of interdependent human systems.
What are the
points of view
(Perspective)
What constitutes “knowledge”
represents perspectives. Different
perspectives lead to different
understandings, interpretations and
findings. Perspective may be
individual, cultural or disciplinary.
Language can be interpreted and
meaning expressed in different ways.
In mathematics this means, “What are
the different ways of looking at it” It
is about the developing awareness of,
and respect for, varied interpretations
and the critical evaluation of
explanations, strategies and solutions.
Events and findings can be
interpreted differently, depending on
knowledge, experience and motives.
The difference between empirically
proven facts and supposition must be
emphasized.
There is no one right way of knowing.
Perspective is influenced by other
people, by our emotions, past
experiences, needs and desires as well
as by the influences of our culture and
the disciplines.
What is our responsibility
(Responsibility)
We are not passive observers of
events. We can and must make
choices. By doing so we can make a
difference.
Language is powerful and can have a
profound effect, both positive and
negative. Therefore, it must be used
responsibly.
Understanding the importance of
accuracy and appreciating the
obligation to gather, interpret, report
and apply data with honesty.
We have a responsibility to the world
in which we live. This involves being
aware of how scientific knowledge
can be used to improve or worsen the
quality of life of all living things.
Responsibility entails action as well
as awareness.
People are not neutral and must
consider their individual
responsibilities towards their society
and towards events and social issues.
How do we know
(Reflection)
There are different ways of knowing.
It is important to reflect on our
conclusions, in terms of our way of
reasoning and the quality and
reliability of the evidence we have
considered.
Language is the means by which we
reflect on our experiences and
knowledge.
Being able to communicate how we
have come to understand an idea,
concept or skill.
We must consciously reflect on, and
be able to describe, how we gain our
knowledge and develop our attitudes.
Reflecting on the ways of knowing
about the past and other places and
people involves introspection,
empathy and the evaluation of sources
for objectivity, omission and bias.
Figure 6 Generic and subject-specific definitions of the key concepts
© IBO 2000 19