To complement PdH's dual-language programming, PdH is also an International Baccalaureate (IB) School. The IB is recognized globally with over 5,000 International Schools. The IB Primary Year Programme (PYP) is designed for elementary age students.  This program provides the knowledge, concepts, skills, personal attributes, and the capacity to take reflective and responsible action. Students at PdH investigate across subject areas to gain knowledge and understanding as they explore global, topical, and relevant “big picture” questions, or transdisciplinary themes.

Student-centered learning

The PYP provides an ideal foundation for children to become successful, lifelong learners by developing the following:

• Language skills in more than one language
• Independence, as they take responsibility for their own learning
• International mindedness and learning to cross lines of difference
• Understanding of the world and their ability to function effectively within it
• Attitudes and dispositions for learning
• Ability to take mindful, appropriate, and responsible student-initiated action

Learning in the PYP is underpinned by six transdisciplinary themes: 

• Who we are

Inquiry into the nature of the self; beliefs and values; person, physical, mental, social, and spiritual health; and human relationships.

• Where we are in place and time

Inquiry into our orientation in place and time; personal histories; the discoveries and explorations of humankind; and the interconnectedness of individuals and civilizations.

• How we express ourselves

Inquiry into the ways in which we discover and express ideas, feelings, nature, culture, beliefs, and values.

• How the world works

Inquiry into the natural world and its laws, the interaction between the natural world and human societies; the impact of scientific and technological advances on society and on the environment.

• How we organize ourselves

Inquiry into the interconnectedness of human-made systems and communities; the structure and function of organizations; and their impact on humankind and the environment.

• Sharing the planet

Inquiry into rights and responsibilities in the struggle to share finite resources with other people and other living things; access to equal opportunities; and peace and conflict resolution.

Programme of Inquiry / Calendar of Units

The Programme of Inquiry (POI) is a plan that articulates what, when, and how learners explore the transdisciplinary themes.  It is a guide that shows what students will be learning.  We also use a calendar so you will know when each unit is being taught. If you have questions about what your child is learning please contact your child’s teacher or the IB coordinator, Ms. Hernández through Parent Square or by calling the school at 928-773-4090.

The Exhibition

The Exhibition is an extended, in-depth project celebrating the culmination of a child’s learning experience in the PYP before they move on to the next stage in their educational journey. In PYP schools as well as PdH, the Exhibition occurs in the fifth grade. Young learners conduct an in-depth inquiry into real-life issues or challenges, and present their research, investigation, and resulting action to the whole school community. The Exhibition is an archetype of what learning should be in general, and hopefully continues to guide students through the middle and high school years of learning. 

Recent research into the impact of the PYP exhibition found it to be a “valuable and pivotal experience in the life of the schools, families and students who were involved.”