As much as we’re similar, we’re also unique.

So many things determine who we are – family, surroundings, upbringing, education, beliefs, life circumstances. All these intricate topics form Who We Are – the first unit of inquiry within the Primary Years Programme (PYP) framework.

Who We Are is an exploration of the nature of self. Students investigate topics like identity, beliefs, health and wellbeing, relationships, human rights, responsibilities, and what it means to be human. A summative assessment in front of parents and peers marks the end of the six-week-long learning cycle.

How PYP Learning Establishes Connections

Within PYP, subjects aren’t looked at in isolation. Students establish connections and try to find ways in which the knowledge they’ve acquired applies to real situations in their lives.

Here are a few examples that will give you a better understanding of the idea.

Grade 1 focused on the Changes Within Living Memory topic of discussion in history. As a part of this inquiry, they looked at how toys, homes, and transportation have changed through the centuries.

To make the learning more interactive, our first graders completed numerous projects and went on a couple of school trips connected to the theme.

They repaired old toys, giving them new life and a new purpose. They went to a tram depot, taking a look at some of the older models and enjoying a ride in one of the newest trams to be used as a part of Sofia’s public transit system.

Finally, the British School of Sofia (BSS) Grade 1 visited the Regional History Museum – Sofia. There, they saw authentic toys that children enjoyed in the 19^th and early 20^th centuries. The museum also houses one of the first Mercedes-Benz models imported into Bulgaria as part of a royal family order.

Needless to say, such experiences put abstract topics in perspective and show the students how humankind has evolved with the help of science, technology, and innovation.

More Examples of Trans-Disciplinary Learning

Grade 3 students took their Who We Are inquiry in a different direction.

As a part of the science learning programme, students focused on organs and their functions. To incorporate the trans-disciplinary element, they also explored habits and lifestyle choices that contribute to organs being healthy.

Fourth graders took a look at their home country – geography, tourism, history, society. To put things in context, they also did a comparison between their own country and their host country, where they reside right now.

Grade 6 put emphasis on communities, how they’re formed, and how our understanding shapes the way we perceive others. So, what does the topic look like through the lens of different subjects? In English, students looked at news articles and biographies. In humanities, they worked on locating countries on a map and exploring key topographic features.

It's easy to understand the trans-disciplinary nature of the International Baccalaureate (IB) PYP by looking at these examples. Each unit of inquiry connects subjects, puts emphasis on real-world applications, encourages a proactive approach towards learning, and makes learning holistic.

IB PYP at BSS: The Best Way to Enhance Student Engagement

The British School of Sofia (BSS) is a licensed PYP school since the start of the 2025/2026 academic year.

This means we have fulfilled all criteria to offer quality education within the International Baccalaureate framework.

To receive authorisation, a school goes through a rigorous process. The IB looks at essentials like school philosophy, commitment to inquiry-based and student-centred learning, leadership and governance, teaching practices, curriculum framework, the availability of professional development opportunities, resources, and environment.

If you’d like to find out more about PYP and the benefits children experience by partaking in the programme check out the following guide.

Are you interested in the British School of Sofia? Would you like to learn more about our values, educational philosophy, and established academic practices? Get in touch with our admissions team to have all your questions answered.