International Baccalaureate

Primary Years Program

The International Baccalaureate at Tessa International School

Tessa is proud to be an International Baccalaureate (IB) World School offering the Primary Years Program (PYP). This dynamic and goal-oriented framework creates many academic and social emotional growth opportunities for our students, and provides children with the skills to challenge themselves in an environment that holds them to the highest academic standards.

French Class at Tessa International School

About the IB

IB World School Logo

The International Baccalaureate Organization is a not-for-profit foundation, which offers high quality and challenging educational programs for a worldwide community of schools. For over 40 years, IB programmes have gained a reputation for their high academic standards, for preparing students for life in a globalized 21st century, and for helping to develop the citizens who will create a better, more peaceful world. Founded in 1968, currently there are more than one million IB students at over 5,000 schools in 147 countries across the world.
The IB PYP is a curriculum framework designed for students aged 3 to 12. It focuses on the development of the whole child as a learner both in the classroom and in the world outside.

About the Primary Years Program

Transdisciplinary Framework

The IB PYP is a curriculum framework which centers around a series of transdisciplinary themes that address human commonalities.

Inquiry-based Approach

The students are exposed to units of learning that promote inquiry, exploration, and investigation. These units integrate all subject areas and provide meaningful learning experiences for students.

Developing the Whole Child

The IB PYP focuses on the development of the whole child as a learner both in the classroom and in the world outside.

A Transdisciplinary Approach to Learning – Our Students in Action

Unlike traditional subject-based learning, the IB PYP framework encourages students to explore topics through various lenses. Knowledge is gained through a transdisciplinary approach drawing on all subjects which allows students to seek patterns and make real-world connections. The students engage in rich learning experiences as they actively engage with real-life scenarios, exploring concepts through hands-on experiences and inquiry-based learning.

Imagine a unit on Ancient Civilizations. Students might explore the engineering marvels of the pyramids in science, uncover daily life as history detectives, create myths inspired by discoveries, and craft artifacts with ancient techniques and materials. They may also observe the development of written language from hieroglyphs to modern alphabets, while experiencing cultural expression through traditional dances and music. This interconnected approach helps students:

  • Think Deeper: They see connections between seemingly separate subjects, fostering a more comprehensive understanding of the world.
  • Become Better Communicators: They express their knowledge and ideas effectively across different disciplines.
  • Develop as Responsible Individuals: They grapple with complex issues and learn to take action.

By going beyond subject boundaries, the IB PYP framework equips students with the skills and knowledge to become lifelong learners. The student’s learning goes beyond what to think by learning  how to think, which ultimately prepares them for success in an ever-changing world.

The IB Learner Profile

The International Baccalaureate (IB) learner profile describes a broad range of human capacities and responsibilities that go beyond academic success. They imply a commitment to help all members of the school community learn to respect themselves, others and the world around them.

The profile aims to develop learners who are:

  • Inquirers

    Students who are inquirers nurture their curiosity, developing skills for inquiry and research. They know how to learn independently and with others. Inquirers learn with enthusiasm and sustain their love of learning throughout life.

  • Knowledgeable

    Students who are knowledgeable explore concepts, ideas and issues that have local and global significance. In doing so, they acquire in-depth knowledge and develop understanding across a broad and balanced range of disciplines.

  • Thinkers

    Students who are thinkers exercise initiative in applying thinking skills critically and creatively to recognize and approach complex problems, and make reasoned, ethical decisions.

  • Communicators

    Students who are communicators understand and express ideas and information confidently and creatively in more than one language and in a variety of modes of communication. They work effectively and willingly in collaboration with others.

  • Principled

    Students who are principled act with integrity and honesty, with a strong sense of fairness, justice and respect for the dignity of the individual, groups and communities. They take responsibility for their own actions and the consequences that accompany them.

  • Open-minded

    Students who are open-minded understand and appreciate their own cultures and personal histories, and are open to the perspectives, values and traditions of other individuals and communities. They are accustomed to seeking and evaluating a range of points of view, and are willing to grow from the experience.

  • Caring

    Students who are caring show empathy, compassion and respect towards the needs and feelings of others. They have a personal commitment to service, and act to make a positive difference to the lives of others and to the environment. They remember to treat others how they themselves would like to be treated.

  • Risk-takers

    Students who are risk-takers are able to approach unfamiliar situations and uncertainty with courage and forethought. They have the independence of spirit to explore new roles, ideas and strategies. Risk-takers are brave and articulate in defending their beliefs.

  • Balanced

    Balanced learners understand the importance of intellectual, physical, and emotional balance to achieve personal well-being for themselves and others. They are able to assess and understand their strengths and limitations in order to support their learning and personal development.

  • Reflective

    Students who are reflective give thoughtful consideration to their own learning and experiences. They are able to assess and understand their strengths and limitations in order to support their learning and personal development.

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End of Unit Celebrations

End of Unit Celebration with school parent

At the end of each unit, classes hold a celebration of their achievements. At Tessa, parents are invited to one celebration a year. Students demonstrate their work and achievements from the past few weeks under the form of their choosing: exhibition, songs and performances, crafts…

The Celebration of Learning is a part of the IB PYP curriculum framework and a  great way to develop a partnership between parents and schools. It is a powerful opportunity for students to make their learning public and gain confidence by presenting it to an authentic audience. Through this process, students can embrace the different learner profiles to reflect on their learning by communicating what they now know and what they are inquiring about.

Read about one of our end of unit projects on our blog.

IB PYP Parent Pack - FAQ

The IB program prepares students for the future

Here are a few alumni who represent what it means to be an IB graduate, and what it means to put the skills learned in the IB into practice.

Join us at Tessa International School

Discover why our bilingual curriculum is one of the best! Explore how we combine learning with fun, making new friends, and encouraging a global mindset.

Tessa International School

Office: (201) 755-5585 | Location: 720 Monroe St. Hoboken, NJ 07030