International Primary Curriculum (IPC): What Parents and New Teachers Need to Know

Choosing a school or starting a new teaching role involves understanding the curriculum that will shape the learning journey. If you're joining a school that follows the International Primary Curriculum (IPC), you're about to discover a vibrant, engaging, and globally-minded approach to primary education.

This post is designed to give both incoming parents and new teachers a clear picture of what the IPC is all about – why we use it and how it comes to life in the classroom.

What is the Heart of the IPC? (Our Intent)

At its core, the International Primary Curriculum isn't just a list of subjects; it's a philosophy for how children learn best and what they need to thrive in today's world. Its main intentions are centered around developing well-rounded, curious, and capable individuals.

Think of the IPC's intent as the 'why' behind everything we do:

• Improving Learning: The fundamental aim is to make learning more effective, enjoyable, and meaningful for every child.

• Holistic Development: It's committed to nurturing the whole child – focusing on academic growth, personal development (like resilience and respect), and international understanding.

• Creating Global Citizens: The IPC actively encourages students to become internationally minded, helping them understand and appreciate their own culture while developing a genuine curiosity about other cultures and perspectives around the world.

• Engaging & Relevant Education: By using exciting, relevant themes, the curriculum makes learning come alive, connecting classroom concepts to the real world children experience.

• Developing Deep Understanding & Skills: The focus goes beyond simply memorizing facts. The IPC aims for students to build a deep understanding of concepts and develop crucial skills needed for the 21st century, such as critical thinking, collaboration, and communication.

• Progressive & Brain-Friendly: The curriculum is built on research about how children's brains learn best, promoting active, reflective, and engaging teaching methods.

  
  

How Does the IPC Come to Life in the Classroom? (Implementation in Action)

The IPC's intent is put into practice through a dynamic and flexible framework. This is the 'how' you'll see the curriculum unfolding day-to-day:

• Thematic Units: Learning is organized into exciting, child-friendly themes (like 'Mission to Mars', 'The Adventures of Marco Polo', or 'How Humans Work'). These themes provide a context for learning and naturally connect different subjects. Instead of isolated lessons, children explore aspects of science, history, geography, art, and more, all linked to the central theme.

• Specific Learning Goals: Each unit has clear learning goals across three areas:

  • Subject Goals: What children should know, do, and understand in traditional subjects.

  • Personal Goals: Developing qualities like adaptability, cooperation, and respect.

  • International Goals: Building awareness and understanding of their own country and other countries.

• A Unique Learning Process: Every unit follows a structured process designed to maximize engagement and understanding:

  • Entry Point: Kicking off the unit with an exciting event or activity to grab attention.

  • Knowledge Harvest: Finding out what children already know or think they know about the theme.

  • Explaining the Theme: Teachers introduce the learning goals and the 'big picture' of the unit.

  • Research, Record, and Reflect: This is where much of the learning happens through varied activities, encouraging inquiry, skill development, and thinking about what they are learning and how.

  • Exit Point: A celebratory conclusion where children share their learning with others, often parents, through presentations, exhibitions, or performances.

• Assessment for Learning: Assessment is continuous and used to help teachers understand what children have learned and plan next steps. It focuses on progress in knowledge, skills, and understanding.

• Flexible Adaptation: While providing a clear structure, the IPC encourages teachers to adapt units to their local environment and the specific interests of their students, making learning even more relevant.

  
  

Why Teachers Love the IPC

Incoming teachers often find the IPC a refreshing and rewarding curriculum to teach. Here's why:

• Engaging & Creative Teaching: The thematic approach makes planning lessons more imaginative and allows for cross-curricular connections that make teaching more dynamic. It moves away from isolated subjects to integrated, exciting learning experiences.

• Clear Framework, Room for Creativity: The defined learning goals and process provide a strong foundation, while the thematic units offer ample flexibility for teachers to bring their own creativity and expertise to the classroom.

• Seeing Deeper Learning: The focus on skills and understanding means teachers see students not just remembering facts, but applying what they learn and developing crucial lifelong abilities.

• Collaboration Opportunities: The nature of IPC units often lends itself to collaborative planning and teaching among colleagues.

• Rewarding Student Engagement: Watching students become genuinely excited about a theme, make connections across different subjects, and develop as global citizens is incredibly fulfilling.

  
  

Why Parents Love the IPC

Parents appreciate the IPC for the tangible impact it has on their children's learning and development:

• My Child Loves Learning! The engaging, thematic units and active learning approach make school fun and interesting, fostering a genuine love for learning. Children often come home excited to talk about their theme.

• Developing Key Life Skills: Parents see their children developing important personal skills like resilience, communication, and collaboration – qualities essential for success in school and life.

• Becoming Global Citizens: The focus on international mindedness helps children understand the diverse world they live in, fostering respect and open-mindedness.

• Making Connections: The integrated approach helps children see how different subjects are related and how what they learn in school connects to the real world.

• Opportunities for Involvement: Exit Points and opportunities to discuss thematic learning at home allow parents to be more involved in their child's educational journey.

  
  

Ready to Explore More?

Whether you are a new teacher preparing for the academic year or a parent eager to understand your child's learning experience, we hope this overview provides a clear insight into the International Primary Curriculum. It's a curriculum designed to nurture curious, capable, and globally aware learners.

We encourage incoming teachers to explore the IPC resources available and connect with colleagues. For parents, keep an eye out for information about your child's upcoming IPC units – you might find yourselves on a journey through space or exploring ancient civilizations together!

The IPC is an exciting journey, and we are thrilled to embark on it with you.