The Athens College Elementary Schools were authorised as IB World Schools for the Primary Years Programme in May 2022.

 The implementation of the PYP reflects both the philosophy of the International Baccalaureate and the mission and educational traditions of Athens College, while working alongside the requirements of the Greek National Curriculum.

 The PYP is most visible in students' everyday experiences. They ask questions, investigate, discuss and collaborate, make connections, develop skills, make choices, use feedback and reflect on their thinking. When learning leads them to do so, they also take meaningful action.

Agency, action and reflection

Learning does not end when students complete an activity or assessment. Students are encouraged to consider what they have learned, how their thinking has changed, and what they might do as a result.

 Action may be individual or collaborative. It can include changing a habit, sharing learning with others, proposing a solution, raising awareness, improving an aspect of the community or making a thoughtful personal choice.

Meaningful action grows from learning rather than being added at the end of a unit.

The PYP Exhibition

In the final year of the PYP, the PYP Exhibition brings together many of the understandings and skills students have developed throughout their learning journey.

Students inquire into significant issues, develop questions, conduct research, collaborate, make decisions, reflect on their learning and consider meaningful action. The Exhibition provides an opportunity for students to demonstrate increasing independence and ownership of their learning and to share it with the wider school community.

Learning in action

Examples from classrooms across the website can illustrate the PYP as students experience it:

• What did students wonder?
• What did they investigate?
• What connections did they make?
• How did their thinking change?
• How did they reflect?
• What action followed from their learning?
  

Learning in the PYP extends beyond the individual classroom. Students, teachers, families, school leaders, support staff and members of the wider community all contribute to the learning experience.

Teachers collaborate across grade levels and subject areas. Families are important partners in children’s learning. Students also learn from experts, community members, real-life experiences and opportunities beyond the classroom.

International-mindedness

Students are encouraged to look beyond a single point of view. They learn to consider different perspectives, appreciate cultural and linguistic diversity, recognise connections between local and global issues and understand their responsibilities towards others.

Through learning and experience, students develop the understanding and dispositions needed to participate thoughtfully in an interconnected world. They become active global citizens.

Learning for every student

Every child brings different experiences, strengths, languages, interests and learning needs to school.

Athens College aims to create learning environments in which all students can participate, develop and experience appropriate challenge. Teachers use strategies such as differentiation, scaffolding, flexible grouping, language support, extension and varied ways for students to demonstrate understanding.