The aims of the International Baccalaureate (IB) Primary Years Program (PYP) are expressed as a series of desired attributes that characterize successful students, and these attributes are referred to as the LEARNER PROFILE. These globally minded students are:

Inquirers- Their natural curiosity has been nurtured. They have acquired the skills necessary to conduct purposeful, constructive research. They actively enjoy learning and this love of learning will be sustained throughout their lives.

Thinkers- They exercise initiative in applying thinking skills critically and creatively to make sound decisions and solve complex problems.

Communicators- They receive and express ideas and information confidently in more than one language, including the language of mathematical symbols.

Risk-takers- They approach unfamiliar situations without anxiety and have the confidence and independence of spirit to explore new roles, ideas, and strategies. They are courageous and articulate in defending those things in which they believe.

Knowledgeable- They have spent time in our schools exploring themes that have global relevance and importance. In so doing, they have acquired a critical mass of significant knowledge.

Principled- They have a sound grasp of the principles of moral reasoning. They have integrity, honesty, and a sense of fairness and justice.

Caring- They show sensitivity toward the needs and feelings of others. They have a sense of personal commitment to action and service.

Open-minded- They respect the views, values, and traditions of other individuals and cultures and are accustomed to seeking and considering a range of points of view.

Well-balanced- They understand the importance of physical and mental balance and personal well-being.

Reflective-They give thoughtful consideration to their own learning and analyze their personal strengths and weaknesses in a constructive manner.

At the heart of the International Baccalaureate Primary Years Programme (IB PYP) is a commitment to structured inquiry as a vehicle for learning. According to Nancy Cecil in The Art of Inquiry, "When children seek to ask or answer questions about things for which there are many potentially correct answers, they begin to develop an attitude of appreciation for the immensity and complexity of the natural world." At Silverthorne Elementary School, teachers at each grade level develop units of inquiry that center around the six transdisciplinary themes.

Six Transdisciplinary Themes:

1. Who we are

2. Where we are in time and place

3. How we express ourselves

4. How the world works

5. How we organize ourselves

6. Sharing the planet

These themes help guide teachers as they plan and design transdisciplinary (combining two or more subject areas) units of inquiry which make up the International Baccalaureate (IB) Program of Inquiry. Within these units, children are encouraged to ask questions, are taught how to use a variety of resources to seek answers that lead to a deeper understanding of the concepts being studied. The PYP seeks to create students who are not bounded by the physical borders of their community. Instead it works to study broad topics that can have an application in any part of our world.