IB Essential Elements

In addition to the Learner Profile, which is the center of the PYP model, there are 5 essential elements of IB. All of the elements of IB are connected and interwoven through our Programme of Inquiry (POI), which consists of six units of inquiry at every grade level. Click each bolded word to learn more.

KNOWLEDGE Significant, relevant content that we wish the students to explore and know about, taking into consideration their prior experience and understanding.The program identifies a body of significant knowledge in six principal areas: languages; social studies; science and technology; mathematics; arts; personal, social, and physical education.

CONCEPTS Powerful ideas that have relevance within the subject areas but also transcend them and that students must explore and re-explore in order to develop a coherent, in-depth understanding. The key concepts have a major universal significance, regardless of time or place, within and across disciplines. The related concepts deepen understanding of the subject areas while providing further opportunities to make connections throughout the learning, from one subject to another, and between disciplinary and transdisciplinary learning.

SKILLS Those capabilities that students need to demonstrate to succeed in a changing, challenging world, which may be disciplinary or transdisciplinary in nature. The skills are categorized into the following transdisciplinary classifications: social skills, communication skills, thinking skills, research skills, and self-management skills. These skills are valuable, not only in the units of inquiry, but also for any teaching and learning that goes on within the classroom, and in life outside of school.

ATTITUDES Dispositions that are expressions of fundamental values, beliefs, and feelings about learning, the environment, and people.

ACTION Demonstrations of deeper learning in responsible behavior through responsible action; a manifestation in practice of the other essential elements. Student-initiated action is a cycle of choosing something that needs attention, taking action to make a change, and reflecting on the process.