The aim of the PYP, to create a curriculum that is engaging, relevant, challenging and significant, is achieved through structured inquiry and the development of essential elements: knowledge, concepts, skills, attitudes and action.

Knowledge: What do we want students to know?

While the Primary Years Programme acknowledges the importance of traditional subject areas (language, mathematics, social studies, science, personal, social and physical education, and the arts), it is also recognized that it is equally important to acquire a set of skills in context, to explore content that is relevant to students, and transcends the boundaries of the traditional subjects. The Primary Years Programme has six transdisciplinary themes that provide the framework for learning. These themes are globally significant, support the acquisition of knowledge, concepts and skills of the traditional subjects. They are revisited throughout the students’ time in the PYP.

The PYP Transdisciplinary Themes are:

• Who we are
• Where we are in place and time
• How we express ourselves
• How the world works
• How we organize ourselves
• Sharing the planet

Concepts: What do we want students to understand?

The following key concepts are used to support and structure the inquiries. The exploration of concepts leads to a deeper understanding and allows students to transfer knowledge learned in one area of the curriculum to another.

Form:  What is it like? Function:  How does it work? Causation:  Why is it like it is? Change:  How is it changing? Connection:  How is it connected to other things? Perspective:  What are the points of view? Responsibility:  What is our responsibility? Reflection:  How do we know?

In addition to the above key concepts, children will inquire into related concepts in all curriculum areas.

Skills: What do we want students to be able to do?

Throughout their learning, students acquire and apply a set of skills which are valuable not only for the teaching and learning that goes on within classroom but also in life outside the school. There are five transdisciplinary skills identified within the Primary Years Programme:

Thinking skills. Social skills. Communication skills. Self-management skills. Research skills.

Attitudes: What do we want students to feel, value and demonstrate?

The school encourages attitudes that contribute to the well-being of the individual and of the group. Students develop personal attitudes towards people, the environment and learning. At SEK International School Qatar we encourage: appreciation, commitment, confidence, cooperation, creativity, curiosity, empathy, enthusiasm, independence, integrity, respect and tolerance.

Action: How do we want the students to act?

Students are encouraged to take action as a result of their learning. Action can be a demonstration of a sense of responsibility and respect for themselves, others and the environment. Action usually begins in a small way but arises from genuine concern and commitment. Action as a result of learning often happens beyond the classroom, and teachers are always keen to know about action students take within the family.