Here, we’re nurturing students who aren’t passengers on the learning journey but active drivers, steering their way with curiosity and purpose.
We are a proud International Baccalaureate (IB) World School, offering all four IB programmes: the IB Primary Years Programme, the IB Middle Years Programme, the IB Career-related programme and the IB Diploma Programme.
We are the only School in all of Australia to offer all four programmes. This means your child can experience a continuum of learning unique to HVGS.
The PYP is a leader in future-focused education, leveraging research and best practices from around the world and enriched by the collective wisdom of international schools.
What is the IB Primary Years Programme (PYP)?
At its heart, the PYP is focused on the development of the whole child as an inquirer. It focuses on academic excellence and a child's intellectual, emotional, social, and physical development. From languages to humanities, mathematics to sciences, and the arts, the PYP embraces the full spectrum of learning.
At HVGS students think creatively, ask questions, and become active contributors to positive change—both at School and in the wider community.
The Primary Years Programme
Why do we use the PYP Framework as part of our teaching
We wholeheartedly embrace the PYP philosophy that every child is creative, curious, caring, and unique. It is our responsibility to nurture these qualities, empowering students to reach their full potential. Our commitment to the PYP aligns closely with our core values and holistic educational aspirarion and mission for our students.
The IB PYP promotes:
Inquiry-based Learning
The beauty of the PYP lies in its inquiry-based learning approach, which sparks curiosity and empowers students to take an active role in their education.
They become co-creators of their learning journey, engaging in open-ended inquiries and real-world investigations driven by their current knowledge and understanding and their desire to explore further.
The IB PYP promotes:
Student Agency
Student agency is central to the PYP, fostering international-mindedness. At HVGS, students engage in individual and group efforts, developing global awareness.
They collaborate to achieve shared goals, experiencing the fulfilment of serving others as caring global citizens.
The IB PYP promotes:
Academic Rigor
Central to the PYP’s approach is fostering critical thinking and problem-solving skills, which are essential for academic success and personal growth.
This emphasis on building strong foundational skills not only supports students in their future studies but also equips them with lifelong tools that remain relevant and valuable in a constantly evolving world.
Year 6 Exhibition
Year 6 students undertake a collaborative, transdisciplinary inquiry process that involves them identifying, investigating and offering solutions to real-life issues or problems.
The ideas and research our Year 6 students present and share at the Exhibition, will fascinate and inspire you. Take a look behind-the-scenes at the Exhibition below.
Go a little deeper ...
PYP Transdisciplinary Themes
The PYP at HVGS revolves around six transdisciplinary themes, which guide students’ inquiries throughout the year, alongside the NESA NSW Curriculum. These themes include:
- Who We Are
- Where We Are in Place and Time
- How We Express Ourselves
- How the World Works
- How We Organise Ourselves
- Sharing the Planet
Through these themes, our students are encouraged to explore big questions, think critically, and apply their learning meaningfully.
The IB Learner Profile
The IB Learner Profile is a framework of ten attributes designed to shape students into well-rounded individuals who excel academically, socially, and emotionally.
- Inquirers
- Knowledgeable
- Thinkers
- Communicators
- Principled
- Open-minded
- Caring
- Courageous
- Balanced
- Reflective
The IB Mission Statement
The IB Mission Statement is shared below:
The International Baccalaureate® aims to develop inquiring, knowledgeable and caring young people who help to create a better and more peaceful world through intercultural understanding and respect.
To this end the organization works with schools, governments and international organizations to develop challenging programmes of international education and rigorous assessment.
These programmes encourage students across the world to become active, compassionate and lifelong learners who understand that other people, with their differences, can also be right.
Other IB Programmes at HVGS
Hunter Valley Grammar School is the only school in Australia authorised to offer all four International Baccalaureate Programmes. This ensures a global-focused continuum of learning for all HVGS students from Preschool to Year 12.