Read Simon’s explanation of the rationale behind PYP Springboard:

“The PYP is a complex and comprehensive programme. It covers a wide range of aspects of developing thoughtful global citizens. This has the potential to provide a rich and balanced education. However it places much more demands on teachers than a more 'off the peg' curriculum.

Each school has to develop its units of inquiry to meet their school’s needs. Teachers become curriculum designers as they develop a comprehensive, interconnected and rich learning programme for all students. There is a lot to consider. Units need central ideas, and a sense of purpose, that are significant and challenging, yet accessible for young learners. They have to address the needs of all students, with their different abilities, interests, levels of English, and often also diverse cultural heritages. They need to ensure that units provide meaningful integration and authentic activities, whilst also providing coherent progression and challenge in all subjects. They have to develop resources for units to support inquiry.

This series aims to support schools in this rewarding challenge. It is designed to complement IB materials, through providing a selection of appropriate books, and a Teacher’s Manual that guides teachers through developing and reviewing their unit, with sections covering all major aspects of its planning. These provide a valuable resource to help schools implement the PYP successfully, and so that their students gain the full breadth of high quality inquiry learning.”