Transdisciplinary theme

Schools design a programme of inquiry that consists of six units of inquiry—one for each transdisciplinary theme—at each year or grade level, except for students from 3–6 years, where the school may choose to offer a minimum of four units at each year or grade level, two of which must be within the themes of 'Who we are' and 'How we express ourselves'. -PYP Transition Guide 2018

A school’s comprehensive programme of inquiry is structured around six transdisciplinary themes, each with their own robust and comprehensive descriptor:

  • Who we are

  • Where we are in place and time

  • How we express ourselves

  • How the world works

  • How we organize ourselves

  • Sharing the planet

When planning a unit of inquiry, it is important to identify the specific aspect of the theme descriptor to which it connects. It is recommended that all aspects of the transdisciplinary theme be addressed throughout the entire programme of inquiry. This allows for schools to intentionally plan a written curriculum that is vertically aligned and provides a varied experience for students.

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