IB Primary Years Programme

Gan Hillel through Grade 7 at Hillel Community Day School is a candidate school for the IB Primary Years Programme (PYP)—a framework that nurtures inquiry, creativity, global-mindedness, and lifelong learning.

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IB Mission Statement:

The International Baccalaureate aims to develop inquiring, knowledgeable and caring young people through intercultural understanding and respect. To this end the organization works with schools, governments and international organizations to develop challenging programs of international education and rigorous assessment. These programs encourage students across the world to become active, compassionate and lifelong learners who understand that other people, with their differences, can also be right.

 

What is the IB Primary Years Programme?

The IB Primary Years Programme (PYP) is a curriculum framework designed for students aged 3 to 12. It focuses on the development of the whole child as an inquirer, both in the classroom and in the world outside. IB is defined by six transdisciplinary themes of global significance, explored using knowledge and skills derived from six subject areas, with a powerful emphasis on inquiry-based learning.

The PYP is flexible enough to accommodate the demands of most national or local curriculums. An aim of the PYP is to create a transdisciplinary curriculum that is engaging, relevant, challenging and significant for learners in the 3-12 age range.

 

Why the PYP?

• Holistic Development: We educate the whole child—academically, socially, emotionally, and spiritually.

• Inquiry-Based Learning: Built around six transdisciplinary themes each year, invites students to explore real-world issues through open-ended investigation.

• Structured Flexibility: PYP integrates with Judaic studies, Hebrew language, STEAM, and Superkids/Amplify literacy programs.

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Integrating Jewish Values, History, and Israel:

The IB PYP framework provides a powerful foundation for integrating Jewish values, Jewish history, and a deep connection to Israel into our everyday learning. Because the PYP is built around big ideas and conceptual understanding, we are able to infuse each unit with opportunities to explore our identity, traditions, and heritage in meaningful, age-appropriate ways.

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For example, in our How We Organize Ourselves unit, students investigate systems of leadership and responsibility. Through this lens, we explore Jewish perspectives on leadership—from biblical figures to modern Israeli leaders—while reflecting on the values of tzedek (justice) and achrayut (responsibility).

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Across all grades, Jewish values such as chesed (kindness), tikkun olam (repairing the world), and emunah (faith) are woven into the learning environment. Our connection to Israel is strengthened through stories, celebrations, Hebrew language, current events, and cultural exploration—helping students see themselves as part of a global Jewish community.

                     

Click here to learn more about the IB PYP

Interested about learning more about the IB PYP at Hillel?

Contact: Ms. Hillary Haas

PYP Coordinator

hhaas@hillelschool.org