IB Primary Years Programme (PYP)
⚠️ Critical Information: No Formal External Examinations
The IB Primary Years Programme (PYP) does NOT have formal external examinations or standardized test dates.
Unlike the IB Diploma Programme or national exam systems (GCSEs, O-Levels, etc.), the PYP uses continuous school-based assessment throughout the academic year. Assessment is integrated into daily learning and is conducted by classroom teachers.
There is NO "exam timetable" for PYP students. This guide explains how PYP assessment actually works and what students and parents can expect throughout 2025-2026.
What is the IB Primary Years Programme (PYP)?
The International Baccalaureate Primary Years Programme (PYP) is an inquiry-based educational framework for students aged 3-12 years (typically Early Years/Kindergarten through Grade 5 or 6). The PYP focuses on developing the whole child as an inquirer, both in the classroom and in the world outside.
Age Groups in PYP:
Core Principles:
- Inquiry-Based Learning: Students actively explore concepts through questions and investigation
- Student-Centered: Learning is driven by student interests, voice, and agency
- Transdisciplinary: Learning connects across traditional subject boundaries
- Conceptual Understanding: Focus on deep understanding rather than rote memorization
- Action-Oriented: Students take responsible action based on their learning
- International-Mindedness: Developing globally aware, culturally sensitive learners
PYP Transdisciplinary Themes
The PYP curriculum is organized around six transdisciplinary themes of global significance. Students explore these themes through Units of Inquiry throughout each academic year:
🧑 Who We Are
An inquiry into the nature of the self; beliefs and values; personal, physical, mental, social and spiritual health; human relationships including families, friends, communities, and cultures; rights and responsibilities; what it means to be human.
📍 Where We Are in Place and Time
An inquiry into orientation in place and time; personal histories; homes and journeys; the discoveries, explorations and migrations of humankind; the relationships between and the interconnectedness of individuals and civilizations, from local and global perspectives.
💭 How We Express Ourselves
An inquiry into the ways in which we discover and express ideas, feelings, nature, culture, beliefs and values; the ways in which we reflect on, extend and enjoy our creativity; our appreciation of the aesthetic.
🔬 How the World Works
An inquiry into the natural world and its laws; the interaction between the natural world (physical and biological) and human societies; how humans use their understanding of scientific principles; the impact of scientific and technological advances on society and on the environment.
🤝 How We Organize Ourselves
An inquiry into the interconnectedness of human-made systems and communities; the structure and function of organizations; societal decision-making; economic activities and their impact on humankind and the environment.
🌍 Sharing the Planet
An inquiry into rights and responsibilities in the struggle to share finite resources with other people and with other living things; communities and the relationships within and between them; access to equal opportunities; peace and conflict resolution.
Subject Areas in the PYP
While the PYP emphasizes transdisciplinary learning, students also develop skills and knowledge in specific subject areas:
📚 Language
Reading, writing, listening, speaking, viewing, and presenting in multiple languages
➗ Mathematics
Number, algebra, geometry, measurement, data handling, and mathematical problem-solving
🔬 Science
Living things, Earth and space, materials and matter, forces and energy
🗺️ Social Studies
Human systems, social organization, continuity and change, resources and environment
🎨 Arts
Visual arts, music, drama, dance - responding, creating, and presenting
⚽ Physical, Social & Personal Education
Identity, active living, interactions, and wellbeing
How PYP Assessment Works
Understanding PYP Assessment Philosophy
Assessment in the PYP is fundamentally different from traditional exam-based systems. It is:
- Continuous: Assessment happens every day as part of the learning process
- Integrated: Assessment is woven into lessons, not separated as "test time"
- Authentic: Students demonstrate learning through real-world tasks and projects
- Student-Involved: Students participate in assessing their own learning
- Formative-Focused: Primary purpose is to improve learning, not just measure it
- Multidimensional: Assesses knowledge, skills, understanding, attitudes, and action
Purpose of Assessment in PYP:
- Support and enhance student learning
- Inform, guide, and improve teaching
- Provide information to parents and the school community
- Help students become self-regulated learners
Types of Assessment in PYP
1. Formative Assessment (Assessment FOR Learning)
Formative assessment is ongoing and happens throughout the learning process. It helps students and teachers understand where students are in their learning journey and what next steps to take.
Examples of Formative Assessment:
- Observations: Teachers watch students work and interact, noting progress and challenges
- Questions and Discussions: Dialogue during lessons to check understanding
- Exit Tickets: Quick checks at the end of lessons
- Learning Journals: Students reflect on their understanding and progress
- Concept Maps: Visual representations of understanding
- Think-Pair-Share: Collaborative activities revealing student thinking
- Quizzes and Mini-Tests: Low-stakes checks for understanding
2. Summative Assessment (Assessment OF Learning)
Summative assessment happens at the end of a unit of inquiry or learning period. It provides evidence of what students have learned and understood.
Examples of Summative Assessment:
- Projects and Presentations: Demonstrating learning through creative products
- Portfolios: Collections of work showing growth over time
- Performance Tasks: Authentic demonstrations of skills and knowledge
- Written Reports: Essays, research papers, or explanations
- End-of-Unit Tests: Assessing specific content knowledge when appropriate
- Exhibitions: Public displays of learning (especially the PYP Exhibition)
3. Self-Assessment
Students reflect on their own learning, set goals, and evaluate their progress. This develops metacognition and learner agency.
4. Peer Assessment
Students provide feedback to classmates, learning to give and receive constructive criticism while deepening their own understanding.
The PYP Assessment Cycle
Five Phases of Assessment
| Phase | Description | Examples |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Planning | Teachers design assessment aligned with learning goals | Creating rubrics, planning tasks, identifying success criteria |
| 2. Collecting Evidence | Gathering data about student learning | Observations, student work samples, conversations, tests |
| 3. Documenting | Recording and organizing evidence | Photos, videos, notes, portfolios, anecdotal records |
| 4. Analyzing and Reporting | Making sense of evidence and sharing findings | Report cards, parent conferences, student-led conferences |
| 5. Responding | Taking action based on assessment findings | Adjusting teaching, providing interventions, celebrating growth |
Typical PYP Academic Year Timeline 2025-2026
| Period | Assessment Activities | Communication |
|---|---|---|
| August - September 2025 |
• School year begins • Baseline assessments • Unit of Inquiry 1 begins • Establishing classroom routines |
• Welcome meetings • Assessment policy shared with parents |
| October - November 2025 |
• Unit of Inquiry 1 summative assessments • Unit of Inquiry 2 begins • Ongoing formative assessments • Portfolio work collection |
• First progress reports • Parent-teacher conferences |
| December 2025 |
• Unit of Inquiry 2 assessments • End of semester reflections • Self-assessment activities |
• First semester report cards • Student reflections shared |
| January - February 2026 |
• Unit of Inquiry 3 begins • Benchmark assessments • Goal-setting for second semester |
• Student-led conferences (some schools) • Mid-year updates |
| March - April 2026 |
• Unit of Inquiry 3 & 4 assessments • PYP Exhibition planning (for final year students) • Portfolio reviews |
• Spring parent conferences • Progress updates |
| May - June 2026 |
• Unit of Inquiry 5 & 6 assessments • PYP Exhibition (for final year students) • End-of-year summative assessments • Final reflections and goal-setting |
• PYP Exhibition celebration • Final report cards • Student-led conferences • Transition meetings for next year |
📅 Note: The exact timeline varies by school. Schools typically complete 6 Units of Inquiry per year (approximately 6-8 weeks each). Check with your child's school for their specific Programme of Inquiry and assessment calendar.
The PYP Exhibition - Culminating Experience
The Highlight of the PYP Journey
The PYP Exhibition is a significant event that takes place in the final year of the PYP (typically Grade 5 or 6). It is the only mandatory "culminating" assessment in the PYP, but it is still school-based, not externally examined.
Key Features:
- Student-Driven Inquiry: Students choose their own topics of personal interest
- Extended Investigation: Takes place over several weeks (typically 6-8 weeks)
- Transdisciplinary: Incorporates multiple subject areas and ATL skills
- Collaborative: Often completed in small groups
- Action-Oriented: Students take meaningful action based on their learning
- Public Presentation: Shared with school community, parents, and invited guests
Typical Timeline:
- January - March: Introduction, topic selection, initial research
- March - April: Deep inquiry, mentorship, developing understanding
- April - May: Creating presentations, preparing displays
- Late May or Early June: Exhibition event (celebration of learning)
Assessment: The Exhibition is assessed by classroom teachers using rubrics aligned with the PYP Learner Profile, approaches to learning skills, and transdisciplinary themes. Parents, peers, and students themselves also provide feedback.
Mathematics in the PYP
Mathematical Concepts and Skills
Mathematics in the PYP is taught through inquiry, connecting to real-world contexts. Students develop conceptual understanding alongside procedural fluency.
Key Mathematical Strands:
1. Number (Patterns, Operations, Place Value):
- Addition and subtraction: a + b = c or c − b = a
- Multiplication and division: a × b = c or c ÷ b = a
- Fractions: ½ + ¼ = ¾
- Decimals and percentages: 0.5 = 50%
2. Algebra (Patterns, Functions, Variables):
- Simple equations: x + 5 = 12
- Pattern rules: 2, 4, 6, 8... (add 2 each time)
3. Geometry (Properties, Position, Transformation):
- Area of rectangle: A = l × w
- Perimeter: P = 2l + 2w
- Circle circumference: C = 2πr
4. Measurement (Units, Estimation, Conversion):
- Converting units: 1 meter = 100 centimeters
- Volume: V = l × w × h
5. Data Handling (Collection, Organization, Interpretation):
- Mean average: Mean = Sum ÷ Count
- Creating and interpreting graphs and charts
Reporting to Parents
Methods of Communication
- Written Reports: Typically 2-3 times per year, describing progress in subject areas and transdisciplinary skills
- Parent-Teacher Conferences: Face-to-face or virtual meetings, usually twice per year
- Student-Led Conferences: Students present their learning journey to parents
- Portfolio Shares: Students share collections of work showing growth
- Ongoing Communication: Learning management systems, newsletters, emails, class blogs
- Three-Way Conferences: Student, parent, and teacher together
What's Included in Reports
- Progress in subject areas (Language, Mathematics, Science, Social Studies, Arts, PSPE)
- Development of Learner Profile attributes
- Approaches to Learning (ATL) skills
- Participation in Units of Inquiry
- Social and emotional development
- Areas of strength and growth
- Next steps and goals
Official Resources and Links
International Baccalaureate (IB) Official Resources
PYP Programme Homepage PYP Curriculum Framework What is the PYP?Supporting Your PYP Learner at Home
❓ Encourage Questions
Ask open-ended questions. "What did you wonder about today?" instead of "What did you learn?"
🔗 Make Connections
Help children see connections between school learning and real life. Discuss current events, nature, community issues.
📚 Read Together
Read diverse books, discuss characters, predict outcomes, and explore different perspectives.
💭 Value Process Over Product
Focus on effort, strategies, and growth rather than just grades or finished work.
🌍 Foster International-Mindedness
Explore different cultures, languages, and perspectives. Discuss global issues in age-appropriate ways.
🎯 Support Action
Encourage children to take action on things they care about - environmental projects, helping others, creating change.
IB Learner Profile
Developing Well-Rounded Learners
The IB Learner Profile describes the attributes of internationally-minded learners. These attributes are developed throughout the PYP and assessed as part of student growth:
| Attribute | Description |
|---|---|
| Inquirers | Curious, developing skills for inquiry and research, showing independence in learning |
| Knowledgeable | Exploring concepts across disciplines, engaging with significant ideas |
| Thinkers | Applying thinking skills critically and creatively to solve complex problems |
| Communicators | Expressing ideas confidently in multiple languages and in many ways |
| Principled | Acting with integrity and honesty, with a strong sense of fairness and justice |
| Open-Minded | Understanding and appreciating own cultures and perspectives, as well as others' |
| Caring | Showing empathy, compassion, and respect; committed to service and making a difference |
| Risk-Takers | Approaching unfamiliar situations with courage, willing to try new ideas |
| Balanced | Understanding the importance of physical, mental, and emotional balance |
| Reflective | Thoughtfully considering own learning and experience, able to assess and understand strengths and limitations |
Frequently Asked Questions
Will my child take formal exams in PYP?
No. There are no formal external examinations in the PYP. Assessment is continuous, school-based, and integrated into daily learning. Some schools may use standardized tests for benchmarking purposes, but these are school decisions, not IB requirements.
How will I know how my child is doing if there are no exam grades?
You will receive detailed reports describing your child's progress across all areas of learning, including conceptual understanding, skills development, attitudes, and social-emotional growth. Parent-teacher conferences and student-led conferences provide opportunities for in-depth discussion about progress.
What is the PYP Exhibition?
The PYP Exhibition is a culminating inquiry project completed in the final year of PYP (typically Grade 5 or 6). Students choose their own topics, conduct in-depth research, and present their learning to the school community. It is school-based and assessed by teachers, not externally examined.
Does PYP prepare students for secondary school?
Yes. PYP develops strong foundations in literacy, numeracy, critical thinking, research skills, and self-management. These skills transfer well to any secondary programme, including IB MYP, IB Diploma Programme, IGCSE, national curricula, and other frameworks.
How is PYP different from traditional curricula?
PYP is transdisciplinary (connecting across subjects) rather than teaching subjects in isolation. It emphasizes inquiry, concept-based learning, and student agency rather than memorization. Assessment is ongoing and varied rather than exam-focused.
Can students transfer between PYP and non-PYP schools?
Yes. PYP students develop strong foundational skills that transfer to any educational system. When transferring, schools may conduct assessments to determine appropriate placement, but PYP students typically adapt well to different curricula.
What happens after PYP?
Students typically transition to the IB Middle Years Programme (MYP) for ages 11-16, but they can also enter other secondary programmes like IGCSE, national curricula, or other international frameworks.
How can I access my child's assessment information?
Schools use various platforms (learning management systems, portfolios, apps) to share ongoing assessment information with parents. Check with your child's school about their specific communication methods and access procedures.
Important Reminders
- No External Exams: PYP does not use formal external examinations - assessment is continuous and school-based
- Trust the Process: Inquiry-based learning may look different from traditional schooling, but research supports its effectiveness
- Assessment is Learning: In PYP, assessment and learning are intertwined, not separate processes
- Student Voice Matters: Children are active participants in their assessment, not passive recipients of grades
- Growth Over Grades: Focus is on progress and development rather than comparison to peers
- Communicate with Teachers: Attend conferences, ask questions, and stay involved in your child's learning journey
- School-Specific Practices: Each PYP school implements the framework within their local context - check with your school for specific practices
- PYP Exhibition: The only "major" assessment event is the Exhibition in final year - still school-based, not externally examined
Final Thoughts
The IB Primary Years Programme offers a holistic, student-centered education that prepares children not just for academic success, but for life as globally-minded, empathetic, and active citizens. Rather than focusing on test scores and exam results, the PYP emphasizes deep understanding, critical thinking, and the development of lifelong learning skills.
Assessment in the PYP is purposeful, ongoing, and integrated into the learning process. It provides rich information about each child's growth across multiple dimensions - not just academic achievement, but also social-emotional development, approaches to learning, and the attributes of the Learner Profile.
As parents and educators, our role is to support children's natural curiosity, celebrate their growth, and trust the inquiry process. The absence of formal examinations does not mean the absence of rigor - PYP students are challenged to think deeply, question critically, and take meaningful action in their learning.
Embrace the PYP journey with your child - it's about becoming, not just achieving!
⚠️ Disclaimer: This guide provides general information about the IB Primary Years Programme and its assessment practices. The PYP does not have formal external examinations or standardized exam dates. All assessment is school-based and varies between schools. Specific assessment practices, reporting schedules, and communication methods differ by school. Always consult your child's school for their specific assessment policy, Programme of Inquiry, and academic calendar. Information is accurate as of October 2025 based on IB PYP framework documentation.
Last Updated: October 2025 | Official Source: International Baccalaureate Organization (IBO)