As PYP coordinators, we are no strangers to change. The Primary Years Programme (PYP) is a constantly evolving journey to meet our students’ needs and the demands of an ever-changing world. When changes are introduced, it’s natural to feel the urge to implement them immediately. However, it’s important to remember that the International Baccalaureate (IB) provides a transition period, allowing us to take our time and ensure that these changes are integrated thoughtfully and effectively. In this blog, I will share some tips related to the implemenation of the new transdisciplinary theme.
1. Connect with Your IB School Manager (IBWSM)
Before diving into the new themes, the first step is to check with your IB World School Manager. This is particularly crucial if your school has an upcoming IB visit in 2027, the year all schools must have the new themes in place by September 2027. Your IBWSM can guide and clarify expectations, helping you confidently plan your transition. You can add this to your programme development plan (PDP) to introduce this change.
2. Organize a Collaborative Planning Meeting
Collaboration is at the heart of the PYP. Organize a collaborative planning meeting with all your teachers. During this meeting, compare the new theme descriptions with the old ones. Reflect on the units that need to stay, those that need to change, and those that may need to be rewritten entirely. This process ensures everyone is on the same page and fosters a sense of ownership among the staff.
3. Implement Gradually – One Step at a Time
The transition to the new themes doesn’t need to happen overnight. In my opinion, you have a three-year window, so take advantage of it. Focus on implementing two transdisciplinary (TD) themes each year. This gradual approach allows for reflection, adjustment, and a more sustainable integration of the changes. Remember, this is a process, not a sprint.
4. Wait for the official publications
Involve All Teachers and Enjoy the Journey
Perhaps the most critical aspect of this transition is involving all your teachers in the process. When teachers feel included and supported, they are more likely to embrace the changes. As PYP coordinators, we should model the change process with our teachers, just as we want them to model it with their students. In his book, Trevor Mackenzie says: “an inquiry teacher teaches slowly”, and I believe that as PYP coordinators, we should introduce changes slowly and thoughtfully. This isn’t a competition or a race – it’s a journey.
Reflective Questions:
– Why is this change necessary for our school and students?
-How will the new descriptions impact our current POI?
– What strategies can we use to make this transition smooth?
– How can we support each other during this process of change?
Taking a thoughtful, measured approach to change can help ensure that our school community implements and embraces new changes. So, let’s enjoy the journey together. Feel free to check my previous blog about revising the POI.
Awesome content that will make the transition process simple and practical …thank you so much for providing your insight …
Thank you for putting it all succintly and clearly… it is not a race! For changes to be systemic and long term, the path one may take needs to be steady and consistent… by January 2025, We will be unpacking the new themes and doing a comparative analysis with old themes to check if any of our units have to change. Post that we will tackle the scope and sequence as the learning progressions are released.
Great reflection. Indeed, it’s a journey. As risk-takers, we are all eager to put the changes into action. As balanced practitioners, we need to share the changes with our learning community and deeply understand it
Your reflection was just what I needed at this time! SO, it is not a race, it is a journey… We will enjoy delving into the changes and implementing them slowly.
Thank you so much for sharing your thoughts.
Very rightly said it’s a journey and not a race. PYP has evolved several times and hence the statement change is inevitable proves. At our school we are looking into taking one theme at a time and we are eagerly looking forward to the other documents to be released soon, so that we map them both vertically and horizontally.
Where can I find the information about the new themes??
On My IB