At St Columba’s Primary School, we are proud to be an International Baccalaureate (IB) World School, delivering the Primary Years Programme (PYP). This internationally recognised framework shapes the way we teach and how our students learn—providing a rich, inquiry-based approach that supports the development of the whole child.
The IB PYP is a framework for teaching and learning designed for children aged 3 to 12. It encourages students to become curious, active learners who think deeply, ask questions, and take meaningful action. The program is grounded in six transdisciplinary themes that help students make real-world connections across traditional subject areas.
Students explore concepts through Units of Inquiry that are:
Relevant and engaging
Connected across subjects (e.g. science, literacy, history)
Driven by student voice and agency
Central to the PYP are the Learner Profile attributes—such as being caring, open-minded, principled and reflective—which help guide students to become responsible global citizens.
The PYP works in full alignment with the Victorian Curriculum, ensuring students meet all mandated learning outcomes while benefiting from a future-focused, global framework.
Here’s how it works:
The Victorian Curriculum provides the what - the required knowledge and skills in each subject area.
The IB PYP provides the how - a powerful, inquiry-driven method for delivering and deepening that learning.
For example, a science topic from the Victorian Curriculum might be explored through a PYP Unit of Inquiry under the transdisciplinary theme "How the world works", where students not only learn scientific facts but also investigate real-world applications and reflect on the impact of science in everyday life.
Our learning is structured around:
Key Concepts (e.g., form, function, change)
Approaches to Learning (thinking, communication, social, research, and self-management skills)
Student Action (what students do with their learning in their community and beyond)
By combining the strengths of both the Victorian Curriculum and the IB PYP, your child receives:
A strong foundation in literacy, numeracy, science, and humanities
Opportunities to explore real-life issues with depth and purpose
Skills in critical thinking, collaboration, and responsible decision-making
A love of learning that extends beyond the classroom
At St Columba’s, your child is not only prepared for the next year of school—they’re prepared for life.
We respectfully acknowledge the Boon Wurrung people of the Kulin Nation, the traditional custodians of the Country on which we learn and play.
We pay respect to ongoing living cultures of First Peoples, their ancestors and their Elders; past, present and emerging.
St Columba's Primary | 24 Glen Huntly Rd | Elwood 3184, VIC | 03 9531 6560 | office@scelwood.catholic.edu.au
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