A learning journey that begins with curiosity
The IB Primary Years Programme (PYP) is an inquiry-based, transdisciplinary framework designed for children aged 3 to 12. It places the child’s natural curiosity at the centre of learning, raising them as an individual who researches, thinks and is mindful of the world.
The child’s natural curiosity, at the centre of learning
The International Baccalaureate Primary Years Programme (IB PYP) is a global education programme for children aged 3 to 12. Rather than confining learning within subject boundaries, it treats it as a whole: connected to real life, concept-driven and grounded in inquiry.
At the heart of the programme is student agency: the child having a voice in their own learning, making choices and taking responsibility. Students ask their own questions, investigate, make meaning and turn what they learn into action.
The IB Primary Years Programme is delivered under authorisation at Gökkuşağı Schools’ Istanbul Ataşehir, Bahçelievler and Bahçeşehir campuses.
Why IB Primary Years?
Holistic development, a global outlook, nurtured curiosity and critical thinking; the four foundations that make the programme exceptional for the early years.
- I
A Holistic Education
Provides a balanced, comprehensive learning experience that supports academic, social and emotional development together.
- II
Raises Global Citizens
Children gain awareness of different cultures and become individuals mindful of world issues with an international outlook.
- III
Nurtures Curiosity and Discovery
Feeds the child’s natural curiosity; through exploration- and inquiry-based learning, they build knowledge through their own effort.
- IV
Develops Critical Thinking
Develops research, analysis and critical-thinking skills from an early age using the scientific method.
A brief overview of the programme
- 0Transdisciplinary themes
- 0Key concepts
- 0Approaches to learning · ATL skills
- 0Gökkuşağı campuses · Ataşehir, Bahçelievler, Bahçeşehir
Who we are
An inquiry into the nature of the self; beliefs and values; personal health; families, friendships and cultures; rights and responsibilities; what it means to be human.
Where we are in place and time
An inquiry into orientation in place and time; personal histories; humankind’s discoveries and migrations; the relationships between individuals and civilisations.
How we express ourselves
An inquiry into the ways we discover and express ideas, feelings and culture; the development of creativity and aesthetic appreciation.
How the world works
An inquiry into the laws of nature; the interaction between nature and human societies; scientific principles and the impact of technology on society.
How we organize ourselves
An inquiry into human-made systems and communities; the structure and function of institutions; societal decision-making and economic activities.
Sharing the planet
An inquiry into rights and responsibilities in sharing finite resources; relationships between communities; equal opportunities; peace and conflict resolution.
Concepts and skills
Every inquiry is built on key concepts that guide the child towards deep thinking, and on learning skills that serve them for life.
- FormWhat is it like?
- FunctionHow does it work?
- CausationWhy is it as it is?
- ChangeHow is it transforming?
- ConnectionHow is it connected to other things?
- PerspectiveWhat are the points of view?
- ResponsibilityWhat is our responsibility?
Thinking Skills
Critical and creative thinking, analysing and evaluating.
Research Skills
Asking questions, gathering information, interpreting and presenting.
Communication Skills
Listening, reading, writing and sharing ideas effectively.
Social Skills
Collaborating, taking responsibility and managing relationships.
Self-management Skills
Time and task management, goal-setting and regulating one’s own learning.
The moment learning is celebrated: the PYP Exhibition
The PYP Exhibition is a collaborative, culminating project carried out by students in the final year of the programme. Students choose, research and present to the school community an issue of personal and global significance.
The Exhibition brings together all the essential elements of the programme: knowledge, concepts, skills, the learner profile and taking action. It is a celebration of the learning journey, showing where the child has arrived as an independent researcher and a globally minded individual.
The ten attributes we nurture
The IB Primary Years Programme builds, from an early age, not only knowledge but a lifelong learner identity.
Inquirers
Nurture their curiosity and learn through research and questioning.
Knowledgeable
Develop and use a meaningful body of knowledge.
Thinkers
Think critically and creatively to solve problems.
Communicators
Share their ideas and feelings clearly and listen to others.
Principled
Act responsibly with a sense of honesty and fairness.
Open-minded
Understand and respect different cultures and viewpoints.
Caring
Approach others with empathy and make a positive contribution to the community.
Risk-takers
Approach new experiences with courage and determination.
Balanced
Find balance between physical, mental and emotional wellbeing.
Reflective
Grow continuously by reflecting on their own learning.
The IB Primary Years Programme prepares the child not only for the next stage but for a lifelong passion for learning. Equipped with thinking, research, communication, social and self-management skills, children develop a strong character alongside academic success.
Our children come to school with their questions; they grow into confident, inquiring learners who are mindful of the world.
The campuses that deliver IB Primary Years
The IB Primary Years Programme is delivered under authorisation at the campuses below.
- Ataşehir
Istanbul Ataşehir Campus
View campus - Bahçelievler
Istanbul Bahçelievler Campus
View campus - Bahçeşehir
Istanbul Bahçeşehir Campus
View campus
IB Primary Years questions answered
The IB Primary Years Programme is designed for children aged 3 to 12. At Gökkuşağı Schools it covers the stages from kindergarten through the end of primary school.
The IB Primary Years Programme is delivered under authorisation at Gökkuşağı Schools’ Istanbul Ataşehir, Bahçelievler and Bahçeşehir campuses.
In inquiry-based learning the child does not receive knowledge ready-made; they build it by asking their own questions, researching and experimenting. The teacher guides, and the child is the active subject of learning. This approach creates lasting understanding and genuine curiosity.
PYP organises learning around six transdisciplinary themes: Who we are, Where we are in place and time, How we express ourselves, How the world works, How we organize ourselves and Sharing the planet. These themes connect subjects to provide holistic learning.
The PYP Exhibition is a culminating project carried out by students in the final year of the programme. Students choose an issue of personal and global significance, research it in depth and present it to the school community. It is a celebration of learning that brings together all the essential elements of the programme.
PYP builds thinking, research, communication, social and self-management skills from an early age. Children who inquire, are confident and take responsibility are prepared for lower secondary and later international programmes with a strong foundation.
Let’s plan your Primary Years journey together
Fill out the form and our advisors will call you about how the programme works, the admissions process and campus options. The IB Primary Years Programme is delivered at our Ataşehir, Bahçelievler and Bahçeşehir campuses.
Let your child’s learning journey begin here.
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