PYP
Welcome
Welcome to the European School and the International Baccalaureate Primary Years Programme (IB PYP). The PYP forms part of the educational continuum at ES, serving students aged 6 to 11. It is uniquely designed to support the developmental stages of young learners through an inquiry-based, student-centered approach.
Education for Life
The European School offers a balanced and academically challenging education in English, fostering independent learners and global citizens. We strive to cultivate knowledge, attitudes, and skills that empower students to participate actively and responsibly in our interconnected world.
The PYP addresses the social, physical, emotional, cultural, and academic needs of learners aged 6 to 11. It combines best teaching practices from national systems and international education to deliver a transdisciplinary curriculum that is relevant, engaging, and concept-driven.
International Curriculum
The PYP is about developing a deeper understanding of important ideas, building essential skills, and nurturing positive attitudes toward learning. Students make meaningful connections across disciplines, engage in real-world inquiries, and grow as thoughtful, capable, and caring individuals ready to navigate an ever-changing world.
This learning journey includes a body of knowledge across the following subject areas:
- Languages
- Social Studies
- Science
- Mathematics
- Visual Arts
- Personal, Social, and Physical Education
- Music
- ICT and Computer Science
In addition to these core subjects, students at the European School benefit from a rich and diverse curriculum that supports language acquisition, literacy, and personal development. Additional curriculum areas include Georgian A and B, Robotics, Effective Reading, Library Hour, EAL (English as an Additional Language), and Wellbeing lessons—each designed to support language development, literacy, problem-solving, emotional wellbeing, and a love of reading and research.
From Grade 5, students begin learning additional languages such as French, German, Spanish, or Russian.
Each grade explores six Units of Inquiry aligned with the IB’s transdisciplinary themes:
- Who we are
- Where we are in time and place
- How we express ourselves
- How the world works
- How we organize ourselves
- Sharing the planet
Teaching Methodologies
We use inclusive, differentiated teaching methodologies to ensure learning is meaningful and accessible. Our approaches include:
- Active, hands-on learning with an emphasis on inquiry
- Conceptual learning that builds deep understanding
- Cooperative learning and collaboration
- Use of diverse instructional materials and technology
- Opportunities for independence and critical thinking
PYP Learning Environment
Classrooms at ES are designed as dynamic learning environments that support both planned and spontaneous inquiry. Students are encouraged to:
- Make choices and decisions
- Use materials creatively
- Initiate inquiry and ask questions
- Collaborate with peers
- Sustain interest and extend knowledge
Indoor and outdoor learning environments at the European School are intentionally designed to inspire inquiry, support diverse learning styles. Carefully structured sections—such as reading corners, writing and research stations, construction and maker spaces, imaginative play zones, visual and performing arts areas, and calm spaces for reflection—empower students to explore, create, collaborate, and self-regulate. These thoughtfully arranged environments offer flexible opportunities for individual inquiry, small-group work, hands-on experimentation, and creative expression, ensuring every learner finds the tools and space they need to thrive.
In the PYP, we strive to guide our young learners in becoming lifelong learners, global and digital citizens who know how to choose, act, and reflect — embodying student agency in all aspects of their learning journey.
