The Five Essential
Elements of Curriculum
The five essential elements (concepts,
knowledge, skills, attitudes and action) are
incorporated into this framework, so that
students are given the opportunity to:
• Gain knowledge that is relevant and of
global significance
• Develop an understanding of concepts,
which allows them to make
connections throughout their learning
• Acquire transdisciplinary and
disciplinary skills
• Develop attitudes that will lead to
international mindedness
• Take action as a consequence of their
learning
1. Skills
The construction of meaning and,
therefore understanding, is complemented
by the students acquiring and applying a
range of skills. These include:
• Social skills
• Communication skills
• Research skills
• Self-management skills
• Thinking skills
2. Knowledge
The PYP recognises that it would be
inappropriate to define any narrow, fixed
body of knowledge as the essential content,
which every student should know. Instead,
six transdisciplinary themes or areas of
knowledge (as discussed previously),
under which units of work are placed,
ensure a balanced approach to teaching
and learning within and across year levels.
Content is chosen on the basis that
it will be: significant, challenging, relevant
and engaging.
3. Attitudes
It is important to acknowledge that
concepts, skills and knowledge alone
do not make an internationally-minded
person. It is vital that we also articulate
and model positive attitudes towards
people, the environment and learning.
In demonstrating these attitudes, we
are enhancing the development of the
attributes outlined in the IB Learner
Profile.
Twelve attitudes are defined by the PYP.
These are:
• Appreciation
• Empathy
• Commitment
• Enthusiasm
• Confidence
• Independence
• Cooperation
• Integrity
• Creativity
• Respect
• Curiosity
• Tolerance
These attitudes form the basis of what our
community values. They are the learner
profile in action.
4. Action
In today’s world, it is important that our
students see and value the importance
of thoughtful and appropriate action.
We need to provide students with
opportunities to reflect, choose and act
on issues of importance and relevance to
them.
5. Concepts
There are eight key concepts:
• Form: What is it like?
• Connection: How is it connected
to other things?
• Function: How does it work?
• Perspective: What are the points
of view?
• Causation: Why is it like it is?
• Responsibility: What is our
responsibility?
• Change: How is it changing?
• Reflection: How will we know?
Teachers and students use key questions
to structure their units of inquiry. Through
planning, teaching and assessment, the
five essential elements of curriculum come
together meaningfully. Through the PYP,
the requirements of the New Zealand
Curriculum in English, Mathematics
and Science can be addressed whilst
still maintaining the IB philosophy and
learning.
