Primary Years Programme
An inquiry-based, transdisciplinary curriculum framework that develops conceptual understanding. Families should still look at how the school applies the PYP in the child’s actual year group.
IB PROGRAMMES EXPLAINED
Understand the IB pathway without the overload.
The IB is not one single programme used in exactly the same way at every school. Start with the programme offered in your child’s year group and the next likely transition.
THE IB CONTINUUM AT A GLANCE
Begin with the programme that matches the child’s stage.
A school does not need to offer all four programmes. Programme availability, subjects and the way learning is organised remain school-specific.
Middle Years Programme
A framework that connects learning across subject groups with practical contexts and the wider world. The MYP is designed as a five-year programme, although schools may offer an abbreviated format.
Diploma Programme
An assessed senior programme built around six subject groups and the core: Theory of Knowledge, the Extended Essay, and Creativity, Activity, Service. Subjects and Higher Level or Standard Level combinations vary by school.
Career-related Programme
A three-part framework combining at least two DP courses, the CP core and an approved career-related study. The career-related option and its delivery are selected by the school.
WHAT FAMILIES ACTUALLY NEED TO COMPARE
Keep the school comparison focused.
The programme name is only the starting point. For a useful comparison, confirm which IB programme is offered in the intended year group, what pathway follows it, and which subjects, languages and support the school currently provides.
- The programme used in the child’s intended year group
- The transition into the next school stage or senior qualification
- The school’s current subjects, language options and learner support
Frequently asked questions
Does an IB World School offer all four IB programmes?+
Not necessarily. A school may offer one or more of the PYP, MYP, DP and CP. Check the authorised programme used in your child’s intended year group and the pathway that follows it.
Do all IB schools offer the same subjects and options?+
No. The shared IB framework does not make every school identical. DP subjects, Higher Level and Standard Level combinations, CP career-related studies, languages and student support are school-specific.
Is an IB pathway automatically the right choice for every child?+
No curriculum label is automatically the best fit. The child’s current learning experience, intended entry point, likely next transition and the way a particular school delivers the programme should be considered together.
Do parents need to understand every IB detail before making an enquiry?+
No. The child’s current year group, intended entry timing and likely next step are enough for a useful first conversation. Detailed subject planning becomes more useful once the school shortlist is realistic.
Programme details are school-specific
Confirm the current programme, subjects, admissions requirements and student support for the relevant campus and year group before making a final decision.