THE PRIMARY SCHOOL

Al Jazeera Academy is proud to be a candidate school offering the International Baccalaureate Primary Years Programme (PYP).  This programme aims to develop inquiring, knowledgeable and caring young people who help to create a better and more peaceful world through intercultural understanding and respect.

 In the Primary Years Programme, teachers and students generate questions with which to conduct inquiry into significant topics.  Through this inquiry process, students gain essential knowledge and skills and are encouraged to engage in responsible action.  This is done in an atmosphere which encourages positive attitudes and develops a concept of internationalism.

 Units of Inquiry

 The Primary Years Programme at Al Jazeera Academy allows students to participate in transdisciplinary units each year called “Units of Inquiry (UOI)”. 

These units:

  • Build on the prior knowledge of students
  • Develop an understanding of important concepts
  • Involve the students in a wide range of activities
  • Integrate traditional subject areas whenever meaningful and appropriate
  • Develop in the students positive attitudes towards learning, the environment and other people
  • Enable students to conduct research that has both local and global significance

 Teachers at AJA work collaboratively to develop a “Programme of Inquiry (POI)” . This is developed both horizontally and vertically and is organised under six themes - or areas of knowledge - that are of lasting importance to people all over the world.  It provides learners with the opportunity to go beyond the recollection of basic facts to deeper levels of understanding while developing the skills, attitudes, concepts and knowledge needed to become internationally-minded citizens and life-long learners.

 The PYP organising themes are as follows:

 Who we are

An inquiry into the nature of the self; beliefs and values; personal, physical, mental, social and spiritual health; human relationships including families, friends, communities and cultures; rights and responsibilities; what it means to be human.

 Where we are in place and time

An inquiry into orientation in place and time; personal histories; homes and journeys; the discoveries, explorations and migrations of humankind; the relationships between and the interconnectedness of individuals and civilizations, from local and global perspectives.

 How we express ourselves

An inquiry into the ways in which we discover and express ideas, feelings, nature, culture, beliefs and values; the ways in which we reflect on, extend and enjoy our creativity; our appreciation of the aesthetic.

How the world works

An inquiry into the natural world and its laws; the interaction between the natural world (physical and biological) and human societies; how humans use their understanding of scientific principles;  the impact of scientific and technological advances on society and on the environment.

How we organize ourselves

An inquiry into the interconnectedness of human-made systems and communities;  the structure and function of organizations; societal decision-making; economic activities and their impact on humankind and the environment.

Sharing the planet

An inquiry into rights and responsibilities in the struggle to share finite resources with other people and with other living things; communities and the relationships within and between them, access to equal opportunities; peace and conflict resolution.

The Learner profile is central to our definition of an international student.  By focusing on this profile, we are working to develop the kind of person we are proud to send out into the world.

The IB Learner Profile

Thinkers                       AJA students have original ideas and can improve on the ideas of others 

Communicators            AJA students know how to share our ideas and feelings in a clear and direct way.

Caring                          AJA students are sensitive to the needs of all living things and treat others in a way in which we would like to be treated.

Reflective                   AJA students are aware that our actions and words affect others and we think about how we can improve on what we have done.

Inquirers                       AJA students ask a lot of questions and like to find out more by ourselves.

Balanced                      AJA students know that a healthy body houses a healthy mind.  We use our time wisely to work, play and rest.

Principled                     AJA students know that it is our responsibility to be honest, fair and respectful.  We always try to do what is right.

Risk-Takers                 AJA students are not afraid to try new things, even if we sometimes make mistakes.

Open-Minded              AJA students accept that people are different and respect their opinions, traditions and customs.

Knowledgeable            AJA students like to learn about many different things and use what we know to solve problems in life.