Primary Years Programme

Setting up our youngest learners to be inquirers and self-motivated in the classroom and outside world

About the Primary Years Programme (PYP)

The PYP, for students from Kindergarten to Grade 5, fosters the development of the whole child; their academic, social, emotional, physical and cultural needs. It also emphasizes our responsibility as global citizens to help others and the environment. This aligns with Leo Baeck’s vision and mission and our commitment to Tikkun Olam (repairing the world).

The PYP curriculum establishes enriching and engaging learning conditions for students by using six approaches to teaching. 

IB Approaches to Teaching:

  • Inquiry-based
  • Conceptual
  • Developed in local and global contexts
  • Focused on effective teamwork and collaboration
  • Differentiated to meet the needs of all learners
  • Informed by formative and summative assessment


These approaches are in line with best practices and current research in the field of education.

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What Makes PYP Different From Traditional Learning?

PYP teaching and learning is transdisciplinary, reflecting the nature of the real world and allowing students to make meaningful connections across units. 

From Kindergarten to Grade 5, students complete units of inquiry. These units are in-depth explorations that fall under one of six transdisciplinary themes that are based on human commonalities rather than a single subject area:

  • Who We Are
  • Where We Are in Place and Time
  • How We Express Ourselves
  • How the World Works
  • How We Organize Ourselves
  • Sharing the Planet
Learn About the Middle Years Programme

Kindergarten

Our Kindergarten program is a full day program that runs from 8:30 a.m. – 3:15 p.m. 

The Kindergarten experience focuses on socialization, play and inquiry-based learning. We value play-based approaches to learning in JK and SK as research has shown that this establishes strong learning skills that provide an essential foundation for future success as a learner.

Our maximum class size is 22 children. Our teachers are dedicated to ensuring that our students meet educational outcomes and developmental milestones. 

Junior Kindergarten

Activities are designed to support early literacy, numeracy and encourage exploration through a variety of hands-on activities. Hebrew is introduced for half an hour per day.

Senior Kindergarten

The daily schedule includes General Studies, Hebrew (1 hour per day), French, Music, Art, Physical Education, Library, and Computers

Students in Grade 1 – 5 experience a full day program that runs from 8:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.

The daily schedule includes the following subjects:

  • General Studies (including Math, Social Studies and Science)
  • Hebrew
  • French
  • Music
  • Art
  • Physical Education & Health Education
  • Library
  • Computers


Students are provided with a balanced, inquiry-based, and internationally-minded education that aims to foster their intellectual, personal, emotional, and social development as they progress through their primary years of schooling.

The programme aims to foster inquiry-based learning, international-mindedness, and the development of well-rounded, caring individuals.

Starting in Grade 1, students start receiving assessments in various forms, including formative and summative assessments, student reflections and teacher observations. It focuses on the development of skills, understanding and attitudes.

 

Inspiring Change: PYP Exhibition

The PYP culminating task is designed to be a learner-driven inquiry project that empowers students to showcase their understanding of the knowledge, skills, and attitudes they have developed. It is an opportunity for students to engage in a deep and meaningful exploration of a real-world issue or topic of their choice and take action. 

1. Purpose and Philosophy: Students are encouraged to be curious, reflective and knowledgeable about global issues and to take action to make a positive impact in their communities and the world.

2. Student-Centered Inquiry: Students take ownership of their learning by choosing a central theme or issue that matters to them and embark on a research journey to deepen their understanding. This process fosters skills such as critical thinking, research, communication and self-management.

3. Collaboration and Communication: Collaboration is a key aspect where students often work in groups to investigate their chosen topic, share ideas and support each other’s learning. Effective communication, both oral and written, is essential as students present their findings to their peers, teachers and the wider school community.

4. Action and Reflection: This initiative goes beyond research and presentation. It challenges students to take meaningful action based on their findings. This action can manifest in various forms, from raising awareness to implementing tangible solutions. Reflection is integrated throughout the process, helping students evaluate their progress and learning.

5. Authentic Audience: Students present their findings to parents, teachers, peers, and sometimes even the broader community. This experience builds confidence, public speaking skills and a sense of responsibility for their actions.

6. Celebration of Learning: Students showcase their learning journey in an exhibition at the end of year. It’s a moment to recognize and appreciate the students’ growth and achievements.

IB Learner Profile:
Fostering responsible global citizens and lifelong learners

The Learner Profile is composed of 10 attributes that are developed in IB learners. These are explicitly taught and incorporated into school culture and units of inquiry.

Inquirer
Knowledgeable
Thinker
Communicator
Principled
Open-Minded
Caring
Risk-Taker
Balanced
Reflective
Overview

Kindergarten

Our Kindergarten program is a full day program that runs from 8:30 a.m. – 3:15 p.m. 

The Kindergarten  experience focuses on socialization, play and inquiry-based learning. Our teachers are dedicated to ensuring that our students meet educational outcomes and developmental milestones. Our maximum class size is 22 children.

Junior Kindergarten

Activities are designed to support early literacy, numeracy and encourage exploration through a variety of hands-on activities. Hebrew is introduced for half an hour per day.

Senior Kindergarten

The daily schedule includes General Studies, Hebrew (1 hour per day), French, Music, Art, Physical Education, Library, and Computers

Incredible teaching & learning

We were required to undergo rigorous self-reflection and evaluation, staff training and curriculum development in line with the high standards of the International Baccalaureate Organization.

Discover more
Overview

Kindergarten

Our Kindergarten program is a full day program that runs from 8:30 a.m. – 3:15 p.m. 

The Kindergarten  experience focuses on socialization, play and inquiry-based learning. Our teachers are dedicated to ensuring that our students meet educational outcomes and developmental milestones. Our maximum class size is 22 children.

Junior Kindergarten

Activities are designed to support early literacy, numeracy and encourage exploration through a variety of hands-on activities. Hebrew is introduced for half an hour per day.

Senior Kindergarten

The daily schedule includes General Studies, Hebrew (1 hour per day), French, Music, Art, Physical Education, Library, and Computers

FAQ

Becoming an IB School

The Leo Baeck Day School became an official International Baccalaureate World School in 2011 when we were authorized to teach the IB Middle Years Programme (MYP). After seeing the incredible teaching and learning that is fostered by the MYP framework, Leo Baeck initiated the process to become authorized as an official Primary Years Programme (PYP) school, which we achieved in the summer of 2021. This process involved a 2-year candidacy stage where the school was required to undergo rigorous self-reflection and evaluation, staff training and curriculum development in line with the high standards of the International Baccalaureate Organization.

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Land Acknowledgement

The land on which The Leo Baeck Day School stands is located on the traditional territory of many nations including the Mississaugas of the Credit, the Anishnabeg, the Chippewa, the Haudenosaunee and the Wendat peoples and is now home to many diverse First Nations, Inuit and Métis peoples. Toronto is covered by Treaty 13 and is part of the Dish With One Spoon Treaty to share the land between the Anishnabeg and the Haudenosaunee nations. Read more information.

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