ISPS: Living our Mission through the PYP

The International School of Port of Spain has been a pioneer in world-class education since 1994 and is authorized to offer the International Baccalaureate Primary Years Programme (IB PYP) for pre-kindergarten to grade 5. The guiding tenets of the PYP represent not only a shared philosophy but an approach to education that we at ISPS are dedicated to - developing internationally-minded thinkers with a sense of belonging to local and global communities.

The PYP is grounded on a few fundamental elements: concepts, knowledge, transdisciplinary skills, and transdisciplinary themes. This conceptually-based curriculum allows for emphasis on the big ideas that underlie topics of study. Knowledge of subject areas is undoubtedly essential and is a critical part of the learning process, however; knowledge is viewed as the tool to create a deeper conceptual understanding.

A major component of the PYP is its focus on transdisciplinary skills such as research and communication skills. Our 5th graders demonstrate this well, through the PYP Exhibition - an in-depth collaborative inquiry that showcases students’ conceptual understanding of real-life topics. From raising awareness of ocean pollution, and the value of animal migration, to exploring natural systems through the lens of biomimicry, students' journeys go beyond the research to how their findings are connected to other things in their world. Collectively they encourage their peers to take action as global citizens. 

The IB’s student-centered approach to education allows students to be agents of their own learning, and at ISPS we embrace every opportunity to learn beyond the walls of a classroom. Our visits to the Wa Samaki Ecosystems help elementary learners deepen their understanding of how the world works and fosters meaningful connections with the PYP units. Whether they are nurturing a butterfly garden, harvesting seeds, or building a dirt oven, every opportunity empowers our students to become active participants in their learning process, connecting the smallest of caterpillars with the biggest scientific concepts.

ISPS strives to produce global citizens; investing in not just the academic development of the learner but in the student as a future productive member of the local and international community. We are dedicated to educating children for the future and encouraging them to be thinkers who shape the world. As such, our PYP springboards into a Middle Years Programme (MYP) which then helps prepare our high schoolers to participate in things like Model UN summits and National Honor Society. The IB PYP was chosen because it directly correlates with our philosophy about learning as a lifelong journey of problem-posing and problem-solving. The fundamental elements of the PYP have been infused into our curriculum and daily lives at ISPS, allowing us to truly live our mission and vision.

Alyssa Jones
Elementary/Middle School Counselor