IB Primary Years Programme
IB Primary Years Programme

IB Primary Years Programme

Students aged 6 to 11 step into our Primary school in Salem ready to ask big questions, test ideas and grow as confident readers, thinkers and friends.
 
Through IB PYP inquiry, real-world projects and daily reflection, they link subjects, build strong skills and start to own their choices in class, at home and in the wider community. They explore culture, lead group projects, share ideas aloud and learn how to care for themselves, others and the planet.

Our curriculum

Through the IB PYP at The Indian Public School - Salem, children build strong maths, inquiry and language skills in English, Hindi or Tamil. Art, music, drama, PE and design tech help them discover talents, think creatively and apply learning to real life.

English

Strengthening communication through real-world reading and writing

Students build confident skills in listening, speaking, reading, viewing, presenting and writing. They explore a wide range of texts - stories, poems, non-fiction and digital media - that connect to their everyday experiences and questions.

Through discussions, presentations and creative writing, they practise expressing opinions, structuring ideas and using rich vocabulary. As they read for meaning and compare different viewpoints, they develop critical thinking and clear communication skills they can apply across every subject.

English

Mathematics

Building logical thinking through hands-on problem-solving
 
Students deepen their understanding of number, patterns, measurement, data handling and geometry by working with concrete materials and visual models. They ask questions, look for patterns and test ideas so that mathematics feels practical and meaningful, not just a set of rules to memorise.

Through problem-solving tasks, investigations and collaborative challenges, learners explain their reasoning, choose strategies and check their own work. They see how maths supports everyday decisions - from estimating and measuring to interpreting graphs - and grow in confidence as flexible, accurate problem-solvers.

Mathematics

Units of inquiry

Exploring big ideas that connect learning to life

In IB PYP units of inquiry, students explore central ideas that link language, maths, science, the arts and more. They question, research, experiment and share findings in creative ways.

Each unit leads to real-world action, from small classroom changes to community projects, so students understand how and why their learning matters.

Units of inquiry

Arts

Supporting self-expression through visual creativity

Students experiment with colour, line, shape and texture to express their ideas and feelings. They explore drawing, painting, collage and simple 3D work, turning everyday materials into personal creations.

As they try new techniques and respond to different artworks, learners practise observation, fine motor skills and visual storytelling. They learn to talk about their choices, appreciate diverse styles and grow the confidence to see themselves as creative thinkers.

Arts

Music

Finding rhythm, voice and confidence through sound

Through singing, movement and simple instruments, students discover rhythm, melody and pattern in music. They listen closely, copy and create musical phrases and work together to keep a steady beat.

Learners explore music from different cultures and time periods, noticing how sound can tell stories and express emotions. As they perform and compose in groups, they build focus, memory, co-ordination and the confidence to share their musical ideas with others.

Music

Drama

Growing confidence through performance and play

Students step into different roles to explore characters, situations and emotions. Through games, improvisation and short performances, they use their voices, bodies and expressions to bring stories to life.

Working in small groups, learners plan scenes, listen to each other’s ideas and give simple feedback. This builds communication, empathy and resilience, helping them speak up, take creative risks and feel comfortable on stage and in everyday interactions.

Drama

Physical Education

Building healthy bodies and active minds

Students stay active while developing balance, co-ordination, strength and flexibility through age-appropriate games and activities. They practise fundamental movement skills such as running, jumping, throwing and catching in a safe, supportive setting.

Team games and simple sports challenges teach learners how to co-operate, follow rules and handle both winning and losing with respect. Along the way, they discover the link between regular exercise, well-being and healthy lifestyle choices that they can carry beyond school.

Physical Education

Design technology (DTTE)

Designing real-world solutions through creativity and technology

Students move from ideas to real products by planning, making and testing. They learn to sketch designs, choose suitable materials and use simple tools safely to create practical solutions to everyday problems.

Through this design cycle, learners think critically about what works well and what can be improved. They reflect on feedback, make adjustments and see how creativity, perseverance and clear planning help them turn imaginative concepts into useful, well-made outcomes.

Design technology (DTTE)

Additional languages (Hindi / Tamil)

Expanding horizons through multilingual learning

By learning Hindi or Tamil as an additional language, students gain the confidence to listen, speak, read and write in more than one language. They practise everyday conversations, build core vocabulary and explore simple texts that reflect their lives and interests.

As they compare languages and cultures, learners develop curiosity, respect and international-mindedness. They begin to see how communicating in multiple languages opens doors to new relationships, perspectives and opportunities in their local and global communities.

Additional languages (Hindi / Tamil)

A typical day at The Indian Public School - Salem IB Primary Years Programme

Every day in the IB PYP at The Indian Public School - Salem is engaging, balanced and focused on the whole child. Timetables vary across Grades 1 - 5, but here’s how students learn, inquire and grow together through a typical day.

Core learning pillars

IB PYP students at The Indian Public School - Salem build strong academics, multilingual skills and life competencies through inquiry led learning. Continuous feedback, English plus Hindi or Tamil and global opportunities grow confident, internationally minded learners.

  • Academic achievement

    Academic achievement

    Enjoy personalised learning that makes progress visible in every lesson.

  • Life competencies

    Life competencies

    Develop IB PYP life skills through inquiry, reflection and meaningful student leadership.

  • Multilingualism

    Multilingualism

    Grow multilingual skills, deepening English and adding Tamil or Hindi through stories.

  • International opportunities

    International opportunities

    Experience global learning through ILOS programmes, exchanges and field trips every unit.

Outbound learning

Outbound learning

Students in the IB Primary Years Programme step out of class to museums, zoos, universities, banks and eco-camps, turning each unit into real-world discovery. On every trip they ask questions, meet experts and travel without parents, growing skills for life, confidence and independence.

Grahithaa V.S

I began my schooling at TIPS in KG2, and I like my school very much. The ambience of the school is warm and welcoming, and I get to learn many new things every day.

Grahithaa V.S, 3C Grade Student

When to enrol?

Experience a warm, responsive admissions journey at our IB school in Salem, with clear steps from first enquiry to your child’s first day in class. Our admissions team is on hand to answer questions, arrange personalised school visits and help your family feel at home in our community.

Enquire now

Discover, grow and thrive at TIPS - Salem - the city’s only certified IB school - with our international, inquiry-based IB Primary Years Programme. Enroll today.

Enquire now