Primary School
22 March 2021 2026-09-03 11:37Primary School
Curious minds. Confident learners. Meaningful action.
At Candor, children do more than acquire knowledge. They learn to ask powerful questions, connect ideas, think independently and use their learning to make a difference.
More than a curriculum. A way of learning.
The PYP is an inquiry-based, transdisciplinary framework that develops the whole child—academically, socially, emotionally and physically. At Candor, children are known, supported and challenged as active partners in their learning.
Curious
Children ask questions, explore possibilities and develop a lasting enthusiasm for learning.
Capable
Strong foundations in literacy, numeracy and subject knowledge grow alongside transferable skills.
Confident
Students make choices, explain their thinking, reflect on progress and take increasing ownership.
Caring
Learners understand different perspectives and act with empathy, integrity and responsibility.
Learning designed around children.
The PYP is built around three connected pillars. Together, they ensure learning is engaging, relevant, challenging and significant.
The learner
Children bring ideas, identities, experiences and questions into the classroom. Their voice, choice and ownership shape the learning journey.
Learning and teaching
Teachers design purposeful inquiries that build knowledge, conceptual understanding and skills across and beyond individual subjects.
The learning community
Students, families and educators learn in partnership, creating an inclusive community where every child can belong and contribute.
Children learn by doing, thinking and reflecting.
Inquiry does not mean children are left to discover everything alone. Candor teachers explicitly teach essential knowledge and skills, then guide students to investigate important concepts, test ideas, make connections and apply their understanding.
Wonder
Questions and prior knowledge spark the learning.
Investigate
Students research, observe, discuss, create and test ideas.
Make meaning
They connect new understanding across subjects and contexts.
Reflect and act
Feedback, reflection and action give learning purpose.
Big ideas cross subject boundaries.
Through six transdisciplinary themes, students explore significant questions about themselves, society and the world. English, Mathematics, Science and Social Studies connect naturally within these inquiries while retaining clear subject knowledge and progression.
Who we are
Identity, wellbeing, relationships and what it means to be human.
Where we are in place and time
Personal histories, journeys, discovery and connections across time.
How we express ourselves
Ideas, feelings, culture, creativity and the many ways we communicate.
How the world works
The natural world, scientific principles, technology and their impact.
How we organise ourselves
Communities, systems, decision-making and how societies function.
Sharing the planet
Rights, responsibilities, resources, living things and our shared future.
Learning how to learn.
The PYP deliberately develops five Approaches to Learning. Children practise these skills in every subject and learn when and how to use them independently.
Every child has different
ways to think, create and
thrive.
Classroom inquiries are enriched by specialist teaching and experiences that support the development of the whole child.
Strong Foundations
English and Mathematics are taught with clear progression, purposeful practice and meaningful application.
Science & Social Studies
Students explore people, places, systems and the natural world through authentic, connected inquiries.
Languages
Hindi, Kannada, French and Spanish help children communicate across cultures and value different perspectives.
The Arts
Visual art, music, movement, dance and drama develop creativity, expression, confidence and collaboration.
Physical Education
Movement, teamwork and healthy choices build physical confidence, resilience and lifelong wellbeing.
Digital Learning
Technology is used purposefully to research, create, communicate and extend learning—not simply to consume.
Assessment that moves
learning forward.
Assessment is woven into everyday learning. Teachers identify what each child understands, provide timely feedback and adjust the next learning experience. Students learn to recognise quality, use feedback and explain their own progress.
A powerful culmination
of the Primary
journey.
In their final year of the PYP, Grade 5 students undertake a sustained, collaborative inquiry into an issue or opportunity that matters to them. They research deeply, work with mentors, take meaningful action and share their learning with the community—demonstrating the knowledge, skills, agency and character developed throughout Primary School.
A community where every child
can belong.
Children learn best when they feel safe, valued and understood. Homeroom and specialist teachers work with families and student-support colleagues to respond to individual strengths and needs.
English-language support
Targeted support helps multilingual learners develop confidence across speaking, listening, reading and writing.
Learning support
Appropriate support and challenge help students access learning and make progress.
Wellbeing
Relationships, self-awareness and responsible choices are developed throughout school life.
Family partnership
Regular communication gives families a clear view of learning, growth and next steps.
WHAT PARENTS OFTEN ASK
Understanding the PYP
Does inquiry replace explicit teaching?
No. Teachers explicitly teach essential knowledge and skills. Inquiry gives children meaningful opportunities to use them, make connections and build deeper understanding.
Will my child develop strong academic foundations?
Yes. Literacy, numeracy and subject knowledge are planned progressively and assessed carefully, alongside thinking, communication, research and self-management skills.
How will I know how my child is progressing?
Families receive evidence from a range of sources, including student work, teacher observations, assessment tasks, conferences, reflections and reports.
How does PYP prepare students for Grade 6?
Students leave Primary with strong foundations, independence, organisation and the confidence to learn across subjects— supporting a purposeful transition into Candor's Cambridge Lower Secondary programme.
Picture your child at Candor.
Visit our campus, meet our educators and discover how the PYP helps children become curious, capable and compassionate learners.
