Primary Years Programme Making the PYP happen - ITARI

Making the PYP happen
What do I tell the parents
There is clear evidence from home-school projects that children
make better progress when their parents are involved in their
education.
Bell, 1990
Experience in a number of schools has shown that, given the right approach, parents are relieved to hear
about the PYP and are very supportive of it. Our schools often form a focus for the families we serve. We
are accountable to them and their children for the education we offer.
Guidelines for implementation
Let parents know that:
! the PYP provides a shared curriculum for primary schools
! the PYP is working to define a balanced programme of concepts, knowledge, skills, attitudes
and actions for children
! through the international profile of student achievement, the PYP will help to facilitate transfer
between schools
! the PYP is part of the continuum of international education offered by the International
Baccalaureate Organisation (the approach to teaching and learning in the PYP is good
preparation for the IBO’s Middle Years Programme and the IBO’s Diploma Programme)
! the PYP curriculum sets high standards for and has high expectations of the students
! the teachers plan the programme together, providing a more coherent education
! the PYP promotes good teaching practice, both through the written curriculum documents and
by sharing ideas among authorized schools
! the PYP curriculum incorporates a range of assessment, recording and reporting strategies, so
that parents will receive clear information on their children’s progress.
Ways to inform parents
! Provide information about the PYP in parent newsletters.
! Share and display examples of students’ work, together with PYP planners.
! Hold parents evenings on the subject of international curriculum.
! Consider modelling PYP teaching principles.
! Distribute the guide for parents, customized for your school’s setting.
96 © IBO 2000