What does it take to get a child excited about learning? How can traditional academic disciplines be transformed in a way that fosters curiosity and turns a child into a person committed to the acquisition of knowledge throughout their lifetime? 

The International Baccalaureate (IB) Primary Years Programme (PYP) has the answers to these important questions.

PYP focuses on whole child development through transdisciplinary, inquiry-based learning. Instead of teaching academic subjects in isolation, it integrates various disciplines through six conceptual themes that connect the knowledge acquired at school to real-life situations.

This programme has a very specific framework that deviates from what traditional academic educational institutions focus on. Because of the very distinctive way in which teaching and learning happen, ongoing professional development is a requirement for schools that are licensed to offer International Baccalaureate programmes.

In October 2025, the British School of Sofia (BSS) organised a workshop for the teachers who will be responsible for the implementation of the PYP programme within our primary school settings. BSS is a fully licensed PYP school, providing young learners with opportunities meant to create an optimal, highly beneficial experience. 

Building Your IB Programme: Primary Years is an excellent workshop choice for teachers who are just getting acquainted with PYP. It puts emphasis on essentials like:

• Strategies that encourage international-mindedness and lifelong learning
• IB approaches to teaching and learning
• The inquiry-based learning environment
• The way these elements can be implemented within their classroom settings

The learning experience is both theory and practice-based, giving all participating teachers a better understanding of the IB mission and the methodology used to bring this mission to reality.

Collaborative work and the completion of a project within the context of the workshop additionally strengthened understanding and allowed all participating teachers to feel more connected to the PYP values, core principles, and landmark practices.

The completion of the workshop prepares educators to create a culture aligned with the PYP framework. It also simplifies the introduction of the theme-based curriculum in a way that makes IB education more accessible, actionable, and purposeful. A learning opportunity like this enables teachers to better guide their students, developing their curiosity and facilitating both academic and personal successes in the long run.