The Learner Profile

The Learner Profile is at the heart of the PYP. It describes a set of characteristics that, when worked toward, will help our students to be internationally minded in order to succeed in the rapidly changing world.

Inquirers: We nurture our curiosity, developing skills for inquiry and research. We know how to learn independently and with others. We learn with enthusiasm and sustain our love of learning throughout life.

Thinkers: We use critical and creative thinking skills to analyse and take responsible action on complex problems. We exercise initiative in making reasoned, ethical decisions.

Communicators: We express ourselves confidently and creatively in more than one language and in many ways. We collaborate effectively, listening carefully to the perspectives of other individuals and groups.

Risk-Takers: We approach uncertainty with forethought and determination; we work independently and cooperatively to explore new ideas and innovative strategies. We are resourceful and resilient in the face of challenges and change.

Knowledgeable: We develop and use conceptual understanding, exploring knowledge across a range of disciplines. We engage with issues and ideas that have local and global significance.

Principled: We act with integrity and honesty, with a strong sense of fairness and justice, and with respect for the dignity and rights of people everywhere. We take responsibility for our actions and their consequences.

Caring: We show empathy, compassion and respect. We have a commitment to service, and we act to make a positive difference in the lives of others and in the world around us.

Open-Minded: We critically appreciate our own cultures and personal histories, as well as the values and traditions of others. We seek and evaluate a range of points of view, and we are willing to grow from the experience.

Balanced: We understand the importance of balancing different aspects of our lives—intellectual, physical, and emotional—to achieve well-being for ourselves and others. We recognize our interdependence with other people and with the world in which we live.

Reflective: We thoughtfully consider the world and our own ideas and experience. We work to understand our strengths and weaknesses in order to support our learning and personal development.

The best start in life

Children’s brains are influenced by our environment from a time before birth. In the early years of education, children’s brains show an extraordinary level of neuroplasticity, the ability for the brain to shape itself to stimulus. Our program provides education from 3 year olds to the start of the teen years, shaping our students into the learners they are capable of becoming. We know from research that providing high level literacy, numeracy, social and thinking skills early in life marks success later in life. Providing a safe, stimulating environment in which a child develops a strong identity as a learner is providing them with the best start in life.

Prepared for the future

We know our world is changing, and the skills of today may not be relevant tomorrow. What will the workplaces of our students look like? How do we provide training for them? Our economy is changing and our leaders now need creativity, critical thinking, the ability to problem solve, reflect and adapt, they need entrepreneurial skills, literacy skills, IT skills, people skills. We reject the old model in which the teacher knows all, and the student’s role is to passively listen. This will not provide the skills our students will need to be successful.

The IB program is different from other curricula because it:

• encourages students of all ages to think critically and challenge assumptions
• uses complex, real life examples to teach knowledge and skills
• focuses on understanding, not just remembering
• teaches students that they are in charge of their learning
• encourages students of all ages to consider both local and global contexts
• develops well-rounded students who can collaborate effectively and act ethically

This produces students who love learning and are motivated to succeed.