International Baccalaureate
Primary Years Programme
The Choice School Kochi is an authorised institution offering the Primary Years Programme (PYP) and Diploma Programme (DP), with candidacy status for the Middle Years Programme (MYP).
About the IB PYP Programme
The Primary Years Programme (PYP) places emphasis on nurturing the holistic development of students as curious individuals, both within the school environment and in the broader world. This programme presents a transformative journey for students, educators, and entire school communities, yielding exceptional results by offering an education that is captivating, pertinent, demanding, and meaningful. PYP students are adept at assuming responsibility for their learning, working collaboratively with teachers to enhance comprehension and boost their self-assurance and self-driven initiative. By actively participating in continuous integrated assessments, they evolve into proficient, self-disciplined learners capable of applying constructive feedback to their actions. Guided by six overarching transdisciplinary themes of global importance, students expand their educational horizons by cultivating conceptual insights and enhancing their expertise and abilities across, between, and beyond distinct subject areas. The International Baccalaureate Primary Years Programme at The Choice School provides students with a fulfilling and comprehensive educational experience. It equips them with essential skills, attributes, and a global perspective vital for success in their journey ahead.
Learn more at https://www.ibo.org/programmes/primary-years-programme/
Transdisciplinary Curriculum
The transdisciplinary themes are incorporated into the curriculum through a combination of subjects, including English, Math, Science, Social Studies, Language Acquisition, Art and PSPE (Physical, Social, and Personal Education) and additional activities like STEM, Community Service and Action and Outreach programmes. The curriculum is designed to include activities that are directly linked to the concepts explored in the unit of inquiry. This approach ensures a comprehensive and interconnected learning experience that addresses key concepts across various disciplines.
The transdisciplinary themes are:
- 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.
In IB schools, there is a strong encouragement to provide language and literature courses in multiple languages and to actively support students in developing proficiency in their mother tongues.
The Choice School allows students to choose between French and Hindi as options for language acquisition. This allows students to explore and develop proficiency in a language of their choice, fostering a diverse and inclusive language learning environment.
Students engage in learning Malayalam through enjoyable activities such as games and theatre,creating a stress-free and vibrant atmosphere for mastering their mother tongue. This approach makes the learning process more engaging and enhances retention and appreciation for the language
The Choice School stands out for its emphasis on STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) activities. Students actively participate in hands-on experiences that involve modelling, critical thinking and scientific inquiry. This unique approach enhances their understanding of STEM concepts and fosters a spirit of innovation and curiosity.
At Choice School IB, literacy is at the heart of the PYP curriculum, fostering a love for reading, writing, and communication. Students engage with diverse texts and genres, developing skills to express themselves creatively and critically. Through inquiry-based learning, they become confident communicators, able to articulate their ideas and perspectives effectively in a variety of contexts.
Numeracy in the PYP, at The Choice School, goes beyond traditional mathematics, encouraging students to explore patterns, relationships, and problem-solving in real-world situations. Through hands-on activities and inquiry, learners develop a strong foundation in mathematical concepts, reasoning, and analytical thinking. This approach helps them apply numeracy skills confidently across disciplines and in everyday life.
Science in the PYP is an exciting journey of discovery, where students investigate the natural and physical world through inquiry and experimentation. They develop scientific skills such as observation, hypothesis testing, and data analysis, fostering curiosity and a deeper understanding of how the world works. This exploration encourages students to think critically about global issues and their role in creating sustainable solutions.
At The Choice School, Social studies in the PYP helps students explore the interconnectedness of people, cultures, and environments across time and place. Through inquiry into historical, geographical, and societal concepts, learners develop an understanding of their own identity and their responsibilities as global citizens. This fosters empathy, respect, and a commitment to making a positive impact in their communities and beyond.
The arts in the PYP provide students with opportunities to express themselves creatively through visual arts, music, drama, and dance. By engaging in artistic processes, learners develop skills in creativity, collaboration, and self-expression, while also appreciating diverse cultural perspectives. The arts are integrated into the curriculum, allowing students to make meaningful connections across subjects and real-world contexts.
The curriculum includes activities through which students profoundly understand their strengths, limitations, and challenges. The Physical, Social, and Personal Education (PSPE) component plays a crucial role in promoting active living and fostering an understanding of how individuals interact with other living organisms and the broader world.
The Choice School offers a balanced curriculum encompassing various physical activities,including games, track events, swimming, and skating. This diverse approach ensures that students develop physical fitness and acquire essential life skills such as teamwork, resilience,and sportsmanship. By integrating these activities with the overarching concepts in the unit of inquiry, we create a holistic learning environment that nurtures our students’ physical and personal development.
ASSESSMENT
Assessment within our PYP framework is a dynamic, ongoing process that integrates assessment of, assessment for, and assessment as learning. It involves the systematic gathering, analyzing, and reflecting on evidence of student learning to inform and enhance teaching practices. This collaborative approach ensures that assessment is not just about measuring outcomes but also about supporting and deepening the learning process.
Teachers and students work in partnership to monitor, document, and reflect on learning, using a variety of tools and strategies. Students actively engage in self-assessment and peer feedback, developing metacognitive skills and taking ownership of their learning journey. This process helps them identify strengths, areas for growth, and actionable next steps,
fostering a growth mindset and lifelong learning habits.
Our assessment practices are designed to be both backward and forward-looking, aligning with the IB’s philosophy of holistic education. We evaluate not only academic achievements but also the development of transdisciplinary skills, such as critical thinking, problem-solving, and engagement. By balancing formative and summative assessments, we ensure that
learning is meaningful, relevant, and continuously evolving to meet the needs of each student.
Our assessment design is backward and forward-looking, considering past performance and future learning objectives. This comprehensive approach ensures that assessments measure current understanding and guide and inform future educational endeavours.
INTERNATIONAL MINDEDNESS
Our school’s commitment to fostering open-mindedness is deeply embedded in our educational philosophy. We believe that embracing diverse perspectives and ideas is fundamental to developing well-rounded individuals. Our curriculum is designed to expose students to a wide range of cultural, social, and intellectual experiences, encouraging them to approach challenges with an open and receptive mindset. Beyond academics, our school actively promotes inclusivity, tolerance, and respect for differences, creating a learning environment where students feel empowered to express their opinions and engage in constructive dialogue. Through various programmes, discussions, and activities, we aim to instill in our students the value of embracing diversity and cultivating open-minded attitudes that will serve them well in their academic pursuits and beyond.
STUDENT-LED CONFERENCE
Student-led conferences (SLC) empower students by allowing them to take ownership of their learning. During these conferences, students articulate how learning occurs, elaborate on their projects, and engage parents in hands-on activities they’ve already mastered in class. This approach fosters a deeper understanding of the educational process and enhances communication between students, parents, and educators.
Admissions Open for 2025-2026 Academic Year
Eligibility - Children aged 3 to 11 are eligible for admission in the IB Primary Years Programme at The Choice School.
Continuing the Educational Journey: ADVANCING BEYOND PYP
The IB continuum is divided into 4 stages – Primary Year Programme, Middle Year Programme,Diploma Programme, and Career-related Programme that include four foundational and interrelated elements: International Mindedness, the IB Learner Profile; a broad, balanced,conceptual and connected Curriculum and Approaches to Teaching & Learning (ATL).
The seamless progression following the Primary Years Programme (PYP) is the Middle Years Programme (MYP). Specifically designed as an inclusive and comprehensive whole-school programme, the MYP is tailored for students aged 11 to 16 years old. This transitional phase builds upon the foundational skills and knowledge acquired in the PYP, providing students with a framework that is not only academically rigorous but also focuses on their holistic development during the crucial adolescent years. The MYP aims to nurture well-rounded individuals by emphasising academic excellence, personal growth, and a deeper understanding of the world around them.
Learn more at IB MYP at Choice.