International Baccalaureate

IB Primary Years Programme (PYP)

St Columba's is a proud International Baccalaureate (IB) World School offering the Primary Years Programme (PYP). IB World Schools share a common philosophy and a commitment to improving the teaching and learning of a diverse and inclusive community of students, by delivering challenging, high-quality programmes of international education that share a powerful vision.

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

As a IB PYP World School, St Columba's encourages and supports all members of our school community to become life-long learners who are actively striving to embody the IB learner profile. The IB learner profile is aspirational and describes a broad range of human capacities and responsibilities that go beyond just academic success. It is made up of the following 10 attributes:

  • Inquirers
  • Knowledgeable
  • Thinkers
  • Communicators
  • Principled
  • Open-minded
  • Caring
  • Risk-takers
  • Balanced
  • Reflective

What our parents & students say

"St Columba's is known as the little school with the big heart and you notice that when you first arrive. Every teacher and every student knows your child by name. They offer bespoke learning experiences for children to enjoy while at school." 

Parent of Year 4 Student