Primary Years Programme (PYP)
Inspiring Young Minds Through Inquiry
A world-class framework, grounded in faith
The International Baccalaureate (IB) Primary Years Programme (PYP) is an internationally recognized framework that inspires children to become curious, confident, and compassionate learners. Designed for students aged 3–12 years (Kindergarten to Grade 5), the PYP provides a challenging and engaging education that develops the whole child through inquiry, conceptual understanding, and meaningful action.
As an IB Candidate School, we are committed to implementing a world-class educational programme that integrates the Alberta curriculum, the IB philosophy, and Islamic values. Students are encouraged to become active participants in their learning, developing the knowledge, skills, and character needed to thrive in an ever-changing world while remaining grounded in faith, integrity, and service to others.
Learning in the PYP extends beyond the acquisition of knowledge. Students investigate authentic questions, make meaningful connections across subject areas, reflect on their learning, and apply their understanding to real-life situations. Through inquiry-based learning, they develop critical thinking, creativity, collaboration, communication, and a lifelong love of learning.
Why Choose the Primary Years Programme?
The PYP provides a balanced education that nurtures students academically, socially, emotionally, physically, and spiritually. Every aspect of the programme is designed to support individual growth while fostering international-mindedness, responsibility, and respect for others.
Students benefit from:
- A caring, inclusive, and faith-centred learning environment
- Inquiry-based and play-rich learning in the early years
- Strong foundations in literacy and numeracy
- Concept-driven and transdisciplinary learning experiences
- English, Arabic Language, Islamic Studies, and Qur'an education
- Specialist programmes in Physical Education, Visual Arts, Technology, and Library
- Opportunities for leadership, service, and meaningful student action
- Innovation through STEM, digital technologies, and creative problem-solving
- The development of the IB Learner Profile and Approaches to Learning (ATL) skills
- Strong partnerships between school, students, and families that support every child's learning journey
By combining academic excellence with character development and Islamic values, the Primary Years Programme prepares learners to become knowledgeable, principled, and compassionate individuals who are equipped to contribute positively to their communities and the wider world.
Learning Through Inquiry
Inquiry is at the heart of learning in the Primary Years Programme (PYP). Rather than simply acquiring knowledge, students actively construct understanding by asking meaningful questions, investigating authentic issues, and making connections between ideas and real-world experiences. Guided by skilled teachers, learners engage in exploration, collaboration, reflection, and purposeful action that deepen conceptual understanding and inspire curiosity.
Teachers serve as facilitators of learning, designing engaging experiences that encourage students to explore concepts, conduct research, collaborate with others, and communicate their understanding in a variety of ways. Every Unit of Inquiry intentionally integrates language, mathematics, science, social studies, the arts, technology, and physical education, creating rich and connected learning experiences that reflect the interconnected nature of knowledge.
Through inquiry-based learning, students are encouraged to:
- Ask thoughtful and meaningful questions
- Investigate authentic problems and real-world challenges
- Explore multiple perspectives and diverse viewpoints
- Make meaningful connections across subject areas
- Think critically and creatively
- Develop independence, resilience, and confidence
- Apply their learning in meaningful contexts
- Reflect on their thinking and take informed action
Our Programme of Inquiry
The curriculum is organized around six transdisciplinary themes that provide meaningful contexts for learning throughout the primary years. These globally significant themes encourage students to explore enduring concepts, develop conceptual understanding, and make connections between school, their communities, and the wider world.
The six transdisciplinary themes are:
Who We Are
Exploring identity, relationships, well-being, beliefs, and personal responsibility.
Where We Are in Place and Time
Investigating history, geography, journeys, discoveries, and our connections across time and place.
How We Express Ourselves
Discovering the many ways people communicate ideas, feelings, creativity, and culture.
How the World Works
Understanding the natural world through scientific inquiry, innovation, and exploration.
How We Organize Ourselves
Examining systems, communities, organizations, leadership, and economic activity.
Sharing the Planet
Developing an understanding of sustainability, environmental responsibility, human rights, and our shared responsibility for the world.
Together, these themes provide a coherent framework that connects learning across disciplines, nurtures international-mindedness, and empowers students to become knowledgeable, compassionate, and responsible global citizens prepared to make a positive difference in an ever-changing world.
Play-Based Learning in the Early Years
Purposeful play is the foundation of learning in the early years. The Primary Years Programme (PYP) recognizes that young children learn best through active exploration, meaningful experiences, and guided inquiry. Through play, children develop curiosity, confidence, independence, and a lifelong love of learning.
Learning experiences are thoughtfully designed to encourage children to investigate, create, collaborate, and reflect as they make sense of the world around them. Teachers intentionally facilitate play-based inquiry, providing rich learning environments that promote both academic development and personal growth.
Children engage in a variety of meaningful learning experiences, including:
- Exploration and discovery
- Imaginative play
- Construction and design
- Outdoor learning and nature exploration
- Sensory investigations
- Creative arts and expression
- Collaborative problem-solving and inquiry
These experiences naturally integrate literacy, numeracy, science, social studies, language development, and the arts while fostering critical thinking, communication, creativity, and resilience.
Play-based learning also supports the development of essential social and emotional skills, helping children build positive relationships, develop self-regulation, demonstrate empathy, and grow in confidence as independent learners. Through purposeful play, children become active participants in their own learning, laying a strong foundation for future academic success and lifelong inquiry.
Developing the Whole Child
Education is about far more than academic achievement. The Primary Years Programme (PYP) at OIAA nurtures the intellectual, social, emotional, physical, and spiritual development of every learner, empowering children to become confident, compassionate, and responsible members of their communities.
At the heart of the programme is the IB Learner Profile, a set of internationally recognized attributes that guide students in becoming lifelong learners who make positive contributions both locally and globally. Learners are encouraged to develop as:
Inquirers
who are curious and enjoy learning
Knowledgeable
individuals who explore significant ideas and concepts
Thinkers
who apply critical and creative thinking to solve problems
Communicators
who express themselves confidently in more than one language and through a variety of forms
Principled
individuals who act with honesty, integrity, and fairness
Open-minded
learners who value different perspectives and cultures
Caring
members of society who demonstrate empathy, compassion, and respect
Risk-takers
who approach new experiences with courage and resilience
Balanced
individuals who understand the importance of intellectual, physical, emotional, and spiritual well-being
Reflective
learners who thoughtfully evaluate their learning and personal growth
These attributes are cultivated through meaningful inquiry, collaborative learning, service, and reflection, enabling students to develop strong character alongside academic excellence.
Within an Islamic learning environment, the Learner Profile aligns naturally with the values and teachings of Islam. Students are encouraged to demonstrate integrity, compassion, gratitude, humility, respect, responsibility, justice, perseverance, and service to others in their daily lives. These shared values inspire learners to build positive relationships, contribute to their communities, and act with wisdom and kindness.
By developing knowledgeable minds, strong moral character, and a lifelong love of learning, the programme prepares young people to navigate an ever-changing world with confidence, purpose, and a commitment to making a positive difference.
Language Learning
Empowering Communication Through Language
Language is at the heart of learning, inquiry, and human connection. At Omar Ibn Al Khattab Academy, students develop the confidence and skills to communicate effectively, think critically, and express themselves with clarity and purpose.
Grounded in the International Baccalaureate Primary Years Programme (PYP) and enriched by Islamic values, our multilingual learning environment nurtures language development across all areas of the curriculum. Students are encouraged to appreciate linguistic diversity while becoming confident communicators in both English and Arabic.
Our Language Programme
English Language Arts
To develop literacy, comprehension, critical thinking, and effective communication.
Arabic Language
To build proficiency in reading, writing, speaking, and listening while fostering appreciation for language and culture.
Qur'an Studies
To deepen understanding through recitation, reflection, and meaningful connections to Islamic teachings.
Islamic Studies
To strengthen language through the exploration of faith, values, and ethical understanding.
Multilingual Learning Opportunities
That celebrate students’ diverse linguistic backgrounds and promote intercultural understanding.
Rich Classroom Discussions
That encourage inquiry, collaboration, and respectful exchange of ideas.
Reading and Writing
That cultivate confident, reflective, and lifelong readers and writers.
Presentations and Collaborative Learning
That develop communication, confidence, leadership, and teamwork.
Building Confident Communicators
By integrating language across all areas of learning, Omar Ibn Al Khattab Academy empowers students to become articulate communicators, thoughtful listeners, and globally minded learners. Our multilingual environment fosters academic excellence while nurturing cultural identity, respect for diversity, and meaningful connections within both the local and global community.
Assessment for Learning
Supporting Growth Through Meaningful Assessment
At Omar Ibn Al Khattab Academy, assessment is an integral part of the learning process. In the International Baccalaureate Primary Years Programme (PYP), assessment is continuous, authentic, and purposeful, providing meaningful insights that support every student’s academic, personal, and social development.
Rather than focusing solely on outcomes, assessment helps teachers understand each learner’s progress, celebrate achievements, and plan responsive learning experiences that meet individual needs.
Our Assessment Approaches
Classroom Observations
To monitor student engagement, understanding, and development.
Student Conferences
That encourage meaningful dialogue, goal setting, and reflection.
Learning Portfolios
That document growth, achievement, and the learning journey over time.
Performance Tasks
That allow students to apply knowledge and skills in authentic contexts.
Inquiry Projects
That demonstrate conceptual understanding, research, and collaboration.
Self-Assessment
To develop independence, ownership, and reflective thinking.
Peer Feedback
That promotes collaboration, constructive communication, and shared learning.
Student Reflections
That help learners evaluate their progress and identify meaningful next steps.
Assessment That Inspires Growth
Assessment at Omar Ibn Al Khattab Academy is designed to inform teaching, empower learners, and strengthen the partnership between students, teachers, and families. Through timely feedback and ongoing reflection, students develop confidence, resilience, and a deeper understanding of themselves as capable, lifelong learners.
Innovation and Future-Ready Learning
Empowering Learners for Tomorrow's World
At Omar Ibn Al Khattab Academy, innovation is thoughtfully integrated into learning to prepare students for success in an ever-evolving global society. Through the International Baccalaureate Primary Years Programme (PYP), students engage in authentic, inquiry-based experiences that cultivate creativity, critical thinking, collaboration, and responsible use of technology.
Our learning environments encourage students to explore ideas, solve meaningful problems, and apply their knowledge in ways that make learning relevant, engaging, and future-focused.
Future-Ready Learning Experiences
STEM and Design Thinking
To investigate real-world challenges and develop innovative solutions.
Robotics and Coding
To build computational thinking, creativity, and problem-solving skills.
Artificial Intelligence (AI) Exploration
To understand emerging technologies while promoting ethical and responsible innovation.
Digital Technologies
That enhance communication, creativity, collaboration, and digital citizenship.
Makerspaces
Where students design, create, prototype, and learn through hands-on exploration.
Research and Inquiry Projects
That inspire curiosity, critical analysis, and independent learning.
Collaborative Problem Solving
That encourages teamwork, communication, and diverse perspectives to address authentic challenges.
Shaping Tomorrow's Leaders
By combining inquiry, innovation, and Islamic values, Omar Ibn Al Khattab Academy equips students with the knowledge, skills, and character to thrive in an increasingly interconnected and technology-rich world. Our learners are empowered to think creatively, act responsibly, embrace lifelong learning, and contribute with confidence to their communities and the future.
A Strong Partnership with Families
Working Together to Support Every Child's Success
At Omar Ibn Al Khattab Academy, we believe that education is most meaningful when schools and families work together. Parents are valued partners in every child’s learning journey, and strong home–school relationships enrich students’ academic, social, emotional, and spiritual development.
We foster an open, welcoming, and collaborative community where families are actively engaged in school life and contribute to a culture of learning, respect, and shared responsibility.
Opportunities for Family Engagement
- Student-Led Conferences that empower students to share their learning and reflect on their growth.
- Parent Workshops focused on inquiry-based learning, the IB Primary Years Programme (PYP), and strategies to support learning at home.
- Classroom Celebrations that showcase student learning, creativity, and achievement.
- Learning Showcases and Exhibitions where students demonstrate their understanding through authentic inquiry and action.
- Community Events that strengthen relationships and celebrate our diverse school community.
- Volunteer Opportunities that allow parents to contribute their skills, talents, and experiences.
- Regular Communication with Teachers through meetings, digital platforms, newsletters, and ongoing feedback to ensure every child is supported.
Growing Together
By building meaningful partnerships between home and school, we create a nurturing environment where every child is known, valued, challenged, and inspired to thrive. Together, we cultivate confident, compassionate, and lifelong learners who are prepared to make a positive difference in their communities and beyond.
Preparing Students for a Lifetime of Learning
Building Confident Learners for an Ever-Changing World
The International Baccalaureate Primary Years Programme (PYP) provides a strong foundation for students’ continued success in the Middle Years Programme (MYP), the Diploma Programme (DP), higher education, and the opportunities and challenges of an increasingly interconnected world.
At Omar Ibn Al Khattab Academy, learning extends beyond the acquisition of knowledge. Through inquiry, reflection, collaboration, and meaningful action, students develop the skills, attitudes, and values needed to become independent thinkers, compassionate leaders, and lifelong learners.
Grounded in Islamic values and inspired by the IB philosophy, our students grow into individuals who are:
Knowledgeable and intellectually curious
Principled and guided by integrity
Open-minded and respectful of diverse perspectives
Caring and committed to serving others
Confident communicators and critical thinkers
Responsible local and global citizens
Our goal is to nurture young people who embrace challenges with resilience, lead with empathy, and contribute positively to their communities while making a meaningful difference in the world.
Omar Ibn Al Khattab Academy is a Candidate School* for the Primary Years Programme (PYP). This school is pursuing authorization as an IB World School. These are schools that share a common philosophy – a commitment to high quality, challenging, international education that Omar Ibn Al Khattab Academy believes is important for our students.
*Only schools authorized by the IB Organization can offer any of its four academic programmes: the Primary Years Programme (PYP), the Middle Years Programme (MYP), the Diploma Programme, or the Career-related Programme (CP). Candidate status gives no guarantee that authorization will be granted. For further information about the IB and its programmes, visit www.ibo.org
Begin the Journey
Discover the joy of inquiry.
Develop a passion for learning.
Grow with purpose.
Become a lifelong learner.