PYP | IB @ DIA

Primary Years Programme

PYP Parent

Balance

PYP Student

Choices

Some reasons why the PYP might be a good choice for your child

Rigorous and Balanced Transdisciplinary Curriculum:

DIA primary school offers a rigorous and balanced transdisciplinary curriculum that fosters deep understanding and holistic development. Learning is thoughtfully designed to integrate knowledge, skills, and concepts across disciplines, ensuring meaningful connections that extend beyond the classroom. These are all threaded through the elements of the PYP, linking through an overarching big idea. By blending inquiry-based approaches with structured learning experiences a balance between academic challenge, creativity, sports, and well-being ensures that every child is supported in their intellectual, social, and emotional growth. Through a dynamic and responsive curriculum, students develop as knowledgeable, reflective, and compassionate learners, prepared to navigate an ever-evolving world with confidence and curiosity.

Primary school at Dubai International Academy provides a rich, holistic learning environment that nurtures all students. In the early years, a play-based approach lays the foundation for exploration and discovery. As students progress, play remains a powerful tool for integrating rigorous curriculum standards with engaging, hands-on learning experiences. Through design thinking, learners harness their curiosity, tackle real-world challenges, and develop innovative solutions by iterating through inquiry, creativity, and reflection. This year, students applied this approach to designing a theme park and a shopping mall, demonstrating their ability to think critically, collaborate, and bring ideas to life.

Global Awareness:

International-mindedness and cultural understanding are fostered and embedded in daily learning experiences in the PYP. With the introduction of extended curriculum through MUN, World Scholar’s Cup, TED Ed student talks, Olympiad, students have an opportunity to engage with subjects of global concern. Our rich Mother Tongue programme is a testimony to the multiple nationalities and celebrates the identity and culture of everyone.

Self-directed, Agentic Learners:

From an early age, students at DIA are empowered to take ownership of their learning, developing independence and a strong sense of responsibility. They actively engage in shaping their educational journey, choosing learning experiences, expressing their opinions, co-constructing units of inquiry, and designing assessments. Through goal setting, self-assessment, and peer evaluation, students cultivate critical thinking, reflection, and collaboration. This agency fosters a deep sense of engagement, ensuring that learning is not only meaningful but also driven by curiosity, purpose, and personal growth.

Integrating Technology:

Technology supports the learning environment at DIA using apps and a learning platform that promotes collaboration and sharing. By incorporating coding and robotics into the curriculum, we enable students to apply these to solve problems and create solutions. Such initiatives prepare students for the future and make learning more engaging and interactive.

Action-Oriented Learning:

At DIA, learning extends beyond the classroom, inspiring students to take meaningful action in their communities based on their learning. Whether at home or in school, students are encouraged to apply their knowledge and skills to make a positive impact. Opportunities for action are embedded throughout the learning experience, fostering a sense of responsibility and global citizenship. Their efforts are celebrated and recognized through classroom acknowledgments, assemblies, certificates, and newsletters, reinforcing the value of initiative, empathy, and real-world application of learning.

Overall, the PYP is a well-respected and challenging curriculum that provides students with a well-rounded education and prepares them for success in the future