At One World International School (OWIS) Riyadh, we believe in nurturing inquisitive, compassionate, and reflective lifelong learners. Our approach combines the International Baccalaureate Primary Years Programme (IB PYP) with the American curriculum, creating a future-ready learning environment that fosters both academic excellence and holistic development.
An Overview of IB PYP
The IB PYP is designed for students aged 3 to 12 years and focuses on developing the intellectual, personal, emotional, and social skills needed to thrive in a rapidly globalizing world. The program is inquiry-based, encouraging students to take an active role in their own learning. At the heart of the PYP are the 10 learner attributes:
- Inquirers – curious, enthusiastic learners who actively explore ideas.
- Knowledgeable – acquiring in-depth understanding of concepts across disciplines.
- Thinkers – exercising critical and creative thinking to solve complex problems.
- Communicators – expressing ideas confidently and listening actively.
- Principled – acting with integrity, honesty, and a sense of fairness.
- Open-minded – appreciating different perspectives and cultures.
- Caring – showing empathy, compassion, and commitment to service.
- Courageous – approaching challenges with confidence and resilience.
- Balanced – striving for intellectual, physical, and emotional well-being.
- Reflective – thoughtfully evaluating learning to grow and improve.
Through these attributes, students develop curiosity, critical thinking, and global awareness, building a foundation for lifelong learning.
Benefits of IB PYP at OWIS Riyadh
At OWIS, the IB PYP framework goes beyond academics:
- Nurturing Inquisitive Minds: Students are encouraged to ask questions, explore diverse perspectives, and engage deeply with ideas.
- Global Perspective: Learners develop empathy and an appreciation for different cultures and viewpoints.
- Collaborative Excellence: Team projects and group activities foster communication, leadership, and interpersonal skills.
- Hands-on Learning: Real-world applications and interactive projects make learning tangible and meaningful.
- Holistic Development: Students pursue academic, personal, and creative growth, preparing them for success in school and life.
- Smooth Transition to Higher Education: The IB PYP equips students with skills recognized by universities worldwide.
Integrating IB Philosophy with the American Curriculum
OWIS Riyadh combines the rigor and global focus of IB with the innovation, creativity, and adaptability of the American curriculum, including the Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS) and Common Core. This synergy ensures that students:
- Learn across disciplines with flexible, inquiry-based approaches.
- Develop critical thinking, problem-solving, and collaboration skills.
- Experience a holistic education that emphasizes both academics and personal growth.
Implementing American IB PYP Learning – The OWIS Way
Our classrooms follow the Kath Murdoch Inquiry Cycle, an evidence-based framework that guides students through stages of curiosity and discovery:
- Tuning In – Sparking curiosity and engagement.
- Finding Out – Exploring ideas, gathering information, and understanding global contexts.
- Sorting – Organizing knowledge, analyzing perspectives, and developing critical thinking.
- Going Further – Diving deeper into interests and passions.
- Making Conclusions – Synthesizing knowledge and forming informed opinions.
- Reflection and Assessment – Self-evaluating learning and growth.
- Action – Applying knowledge meaningfully to impact communities and the world.
This inquiry-based approach ensures that students take ownership of their learning, explore their passions, and develop skills that are essential for the 21st century.
About OWIS Riyadh
At OWIS Riyadh, our mission is to develop learners who are inquisitive, compassionate, and reflective, respecting all cultures and caring for the world. As a school that blends IB PYP with the American curriculum, we provide students with best-in-class, future-ready education.
Every day, our learners demonstrate exemplary behavior and curiosity. From our youngest students helping teachers with small acts of kindness to primary students collaborating in inquiry-based projects, OWIS Riyadh fosters personal growth in every aspect of learning.
