IB Primary Years Programme

Qatar Academy Msheireb is an accredited IB Primary Years Programme School.


The Primary Years Programme fosters learning that is engaging, relevant, challenging and significant. At Qatar Academy Msheireb learning is not confined within the boundaries of subjects. Learning is transdisciplinary – authentic connections are established between, across and beyond subjects.

Subjects:

  • Language [English & Arabic]
  • Social Studies [incorporating Islamic Studies & Qatar National History]
  • Mathematics
  • Arts [Visual Arts & Performing Arts]
  • Science
  • Physical, Social and Personal Education.
Primary Years Programme

Transdisciplinary Themes

KG – G5 students engage in six units of inquiry over the course of an academic year. PS3-PS4 students have four inquiries.

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
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.

Inquiry

As an IB School, Inquiry is a stance that shapes the learning and teaching in all curriculum areas at QAM. Inquiry is deliberate, planned to address identified learning goals. It is also fluid to allow for extended learning opportunities as they emerge, based on student interests and wonderings. Inquiry is purposeful and authentic, with learning engagements that allow students to make personal connections to local and global challenges.

Programme of Inquiry

Qatar Academy Msheireb has designed a programme of inquiry that articulates what, when and how transdisciplinary themes are explored through units of inquiry from PS3 to Grade 5. In the school year, KG – G5 students undertake six units of inquiry. PS3 and PS4 students undertake four units of inquiry. In each unit of inquiry students explore issues of personal, local and global significance.

Through the programme of inquiry Qatar Academy Msheireb students are researchers. They reflect on what they already know through personal experience and prior learning and construct new conceptual understandings. The Primary Years Programme is a concept-driven curriculum. Concepts are ideas that are of relevance across subject areas, beyond national and cultural boundaries and over time – they are transferable understandings. Students also develop subject-specific knowledge and skills that support learning in the inquiry. Inquiry is not possible without this subject-specific knowledge, and skills – or approaches to learning.

Exhibition

Grade 5 students are involved in the Exhibition, a student directed, in-depth collaborative inquiry. Students collectively synthesize the key elements of the PYP and share their learning with the wider school community. Student groups follow the inquiry cycle, developing lines of inquiry and research questions, with the support of a mentor who guides them through this challenging and rewarding learning process. The exhibition is a unique and significant opportunity for students to exhibit the attributes of the IB Learner Profile that they have developed over the course of their primary years, to showcase the skills and knowledge they have acquired, and take action for positive change.

IB Learner Profile

The IB Learner Profile is at the core of the Primary Years Programme. Qatar Academy Msheireb students are supported and encouraged to develop and demonstrate the attributes of the learner profile at school, at home and in the wider community. In doing so, they adopt and enact a disposition that reflects international-mindedness. Qatar Academy Msheireb students are actively engaged learners, they express their ideas and opinions, in at least two languages, and reflect on the ways they demonstrate the learner profile attributes. Students exercise agency, embracing ownership of their learning, and taking action.

Exhibition

Accredited Partners