As our smallest children get bigger, they become more independent about asking questions.  Their questions aren't so much skill testing as they are skill building.   Skills that to help them learn to read, reason, research, solve problems and communicate.

That's why we continue inquiry-based learning as part of the International Baccalaureate (IB) Primary Years Programme (PYP) in grades 1 to 6.

Primary Years Programme (PYP)
The PYP, designed for three- to 12-year-old children, develops the whole child, and meets their academic, social, physical, emotional and cultural needs.  For our Lower School students in grades 1 to 6, PYP means guided inquiry; learning to ask burning questions.  Questions that help them explore many subjects: language, social studies, mathematics, science and technology, arts, and social and physical education.  Questions that help them learn about the world, in and out of class.

To ask questions, language is key.  Not only do our students study English, they also learn a second language.  At York, it's French.

Our curriculum revolves around six main themes.

Who we are

Where we are in time and place

How we express ourselves

How the world works

How we organize ourselves

Sharing the planet

PYP Exhibition
This year, the PYP concludes with an Exhibition centered around the theme Sharing the planet where grade 6 students share what they've learned during the PYP years with our larger York community: grandparents, parents, teachers and students.  The Exhibition marks the transition to the IB Middle Years Programme (MYP).

To apply for grades 1 to 6, click on Apply To TYS.