There is a world-class, internationally recognized academic program for elementary students that emphasizes critical thinking in a global context. This program is called the International Baccalaureate Primary Years Program (IB PYP).

Founded in Geneva in 1968, 3,026 schools in 139 countries offer challenging IB programs to more than 200,000 students. Currently, 6 schools offer the IB PYP in San Diego County. Thanks to a generous grant from the Leichtag Foundation, Ocean Knoll Elementary School has begun the rigorous application process to make this program available to your children.

Themes
Six interdisciplinary themes of global significance provide the framework for exploration and study:

Who We Are
An inquiry into the nature of the self; beliefs and values; personal, physical, mental, social, and spiritual health; human relationships including families, friends, communities, 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; homes and journeys; the discoveries, explorations, and migrations of humankind; the relationships between and the interconnectedness of individuals and civilizations, from local and global perspectives.
How We Express Ourselves
An inquiry into the ways in which we discover and express ideas, feelings, nature, culture, beliefs, and values; the ways in which we reflect on, extend and enjoy our creativity; our appreciation of the aesthetic.
How the World Works
An inquiry into the natural world and its laws; the interaction between the natural world (physical and biological) and human societies; how humans use their understanding of scientific principles; the impact of scientific and technological advances on society and on the environment.
How We Organize Ourselves
An inquiry into the interconnectedness of human-made systems and communities; the structure and function of organizations; societal decision-making; economic activities and their impact on humankind and the environment.
Sharing the Planet
An inquiry into rights and responsibilities in the struggle to share finite resources with other people and with other living things; communities and the relationships within and between them; access to equal opportunities; peace and conflict resolution.

These six themes guide teachers as they design IB units of inquiry.

Highlights of Ocean Knoll’s IB PYP:
Small, Community-Based School -550 Students-High Academic Standards – Intellectual Rigor -Real-World Experiences – Project-Based Learning – Hands-On Learning – Standards-Based Curriculum

Student Profile:
As an IB Candidate School, Ocean Knoll strives towards developing an international student with the following attributes:
★Caring ★Knowledgeable ★Open-Minded ★Reflective ★Well Balanced

Attitudes:
★Communicator ★Risk Taker ★Principled ★Inquirer ★Thinker
An Ocean Knoll IB PYP education focuses on the development of the following attitudes toward people, towards the environment, and towards learning:

★Appreciation ★Commitment ★Confidence ★Cooperation ★Creativity ★Curiosity

★Empathy ★Enthusiasm ★Independence ★Integrity ★Respect ★Tolerance
For more information, please visit http://www.ibo.org/pyp/