FAQs about the review

For queries on programme implementation, please contact ibid@ibo.org

Frequently Asked Questions about the PYP review (updated January 2014):

• Why is the PYP being reviewed?

The IB embarks upon a regular period of evaluation and review for all programmes to ensure that they remain distinctive, relevant and of the highest possible quality for current and future generations of young learners.

• How will the IB review the PYP?

Curriculum review for the PYP is a rigorous, seven-phase and research-based process that evaluates how PYP schools understand and implement the programme; identifies PYP school’s successes, needs and challenges; and takes account of the latest research into child development and global economic, social demographic and technological trends.

• When and how can I share my opinion?

There are a number of ways that schools and educators can comment on the review.

In February 2014, for example, the IB will publish a consultation paper which outlines the review process on the OCC (in the PYP E-library section), detailing some of the particular areas of focus within the review. You are invited to participate initially by considering the content of this consultation paper either individually, or in collaboration with colleagues, and then by sharing thoughts, observations and comments with the PYP development team at pyp-review@ibo.org.

Your feedback to this early consultation will effectively support the PYP review groups in their efforts to conduct a deeper and more systematic investigation of the key review themes. IB World Schools implementing the PYP can also contact the IB at pyp-review@ibo.org to learn more about the review and to post any questions or comments they may have about the process.

• How can I get involved in the review?

Curriculum review and development within the IB is a consultative and collaborative process.

Consultants for all programme reviews are carefully selected according to a specified procedure and process. The PYP development team will be conducting focus groups at all the IB regional conferences over the next few years to elicit feedback on the programme and its review.

The review timeline and a full schedule of collaborative initiatives, including focus groups and webinars will be published on the SharingPYP blog in early 2014. Updates will also be posted on twitter @ibpyp.

IB World Schools implementing the PYP should watch for invitations to participate in the review process in the IB eNewsletters and on the SharingPYP blog.

In the meantime, we invite all PYP schools to contact IB at pyp-review@ibo.org to post any questions or comments they may have about the process.

• Where does the research come from?

Curriculum development in the IB is research-based. The IB Research team contributes to the planning of research and the training of staff involved in research, as well as conducting specific research projects. School input, representative of all regions, is generated through questionnaires and focus groups. In addition, reviews of relevant literature are periodically undertaken, normally prior to review and development, and documented as part of a research project.

The results from IB Research are used to inform curriculum development and available to the IB community on the OCC. To read more information about IB Research activities, see here.

• How can I stay updated/find out what is happening with the review?

The PYP development team will regularly communicate activities and developments relating to the review through the IB eNewsletters and on the OCC. Additionally, PYP educators can access the latest development news via the SharingPYP blog.

We advise all coordinators to ensure that their email details are correct on the IBIS system, to so that they receive eNewsletters and other communications as the review progresses.

• What changes should I expect?

The IB Primary Years Programme ‘Principles into practice’ is scheduled for launch in 2018.  Before this, schools and educators should expect to receive more information about the launch and any changes to the existing programme via the OCC and on the SharingPYP blog.

• What are the main areas of focus for the review?

While all aspects of the PYP will be considered during the review, a number of key themes have emerged from the research and analysis conducted so far where we think significant improvement and innovation can be made in order to better support IB World Schools and their students.

These themes are:

• Approaches to teaching and learning
• Assessment
• Early years
• Language and learning
• Leadership
• Technology

• Where can I find more information about the key themes of the review?

The consultation paper inviting PYP heads, coordinators and educators at IB World Schools to comment on key themes for the review process sets out the six key themes (i.e. approaches to teaching and learning, assessment, early years, language and learning, leadership, and technology) and presents a small sample of the investigations and discussions that have informed the review process so far.

This consultation paper will be available on the OCC in the PYP E-library section in February 2014.

• What are the outcomes of the review so far?

Since 2012, an extensive review and audit of IB PYP documents, surveys and research publications has been completed and a wide range of external literature, research databases, and qualitative and quantitative data has been consulted.

The data gathered so far indicates that, overall, the PYP is a highly successful curriculum framework and remains fit for purpose. The inclusive and transformational nature of the programme is identified as being one of its unique strengths but, according to our schools, the IB needs to improve both the communication with PYP schools and the support offered for programme implementation.

Several key themes have emerged and are currently being refined for discussion and exploration over the coming year.

• What are the next steps of the review?

The next phase of the review will be a collaborative process during which a number of working groups will be established to explore each of the key themes presented in the consultation paper entitled “An invitation to PYP heads, coordinators and educators at IB World Schools to comment on key themes for the PYP review process” in more depth. This paper will be available on the OCC in February 2014.

Comprising curriculum experts, IB educators and IB staff, the groups will consolidate the research and evidence-base for change and generate a series of options for PYP development and improvement.

PYP educators will be invited to engage in the review process throughout 2014 and to seize the opportunity to help influence the future of the PYP, ensuring that the programme builds on its existing strengths and addresses areas for improvement and innovation

• What will the review mean for professional development?

The PYP development team is working with the Schools Division to ensure that professional development is integrated and aligned within the review process to provide a seamless transition to the launch of ‘Principles into practice’ in 2018.