DES Primary School is the first school in Athens that combines the Theory of Multiple Intelligences, with the prestigious International Baccalaureate Primary Years Programme (IB PYP), which aims to prepare year 1-6 students to be active participants in a lifelong journey of learning.
The Primary Years Programme is committed to inquiry-based learning and at the center of the curriculum are five essential elements: knowledge, concepts, skills, attitudes, and action.
The goal of the programme is to develop internationally minded pupils who will help create a better and more peaceful world. IB learners strive to be Inquirers, Thinkers, Communicators, Risk-takers, Knowledgeable, Principled, Caring, Open-minded, Balanced, Reflective
Within the PYP, learning is best done when it is authentic, relevant to the ‘real’ world, and transdisciplinary where learning is not confined within the boundaries of traditional subject areas but is supported and enriched by them. Students engage in learning experiences through an inquiry process that develops critical thinking skills, enhances fluency and confidence, and encourages curiosity.
“The PYP prepares the children for the future by challenging them to think for themselves and take responsibility for their learning."
In order to conduct purposeful inquiry and to be well prepared for further education and life outside school, pupils need to master a range of skills, such as thinking skills, social skills, communication skills, research skills, self-management skills.
There is also a focus on the development of personal attitudes towards people, the environment, and learning. Pupils should demonstrate appreciation, commitment, confidence, cooperation, creativity, curiosity, empathy, enthusiasm, independence, integrity, respect, and tolerance.
“A type of education that will create citizens of the world that will become the leaders of tomorrow!"