March 4, 2025
By Ria Uiterloo
Embracing Change: Transitioning to a PYP School
In an era of rapid educational transformation, schools must continually adapt to meet the evolving needs of students. One such transformation is currently underway at the St. Dominic Schools, where the foundation-based education (FBE) framework is being expanded through the implementation of the International Baccalaureate (IB) Primary Years Programme (PYP). This shift is not about replacing the existing structure but rather enhancing it with an approach that fosters inquiry, critical thinking, and global readiness. By integrating the PYP within the FBE framework, the school aims to provide a more holistic educational experience that better supports students’ overall development while aligning with established educational guidelines.
As an organization, Foundation Catholic Education St. Maarten is committed to continuously assessing the needs of children and their development. We strive to enhance education in alignment with global developments. To delve deeper into this significant shift, I spoke with the foundation’s Innovation Coordinator, Malcolm Davis.
Why Transition to PYP?
Foundation-Based Education (FBE) was initially rooted in the concept of experiential learning, emphasizing subject integration and student-led learning. Professor Ferre Laevers’ experiential-based learning approach highlights the importance of student engagement, exploration, and active participation in their own learning journey. However, in practice, FBE was not implemented as originally envisioned. Instead of fostering a student-centered approach, many classrooms remained teacher-centered, with limited facilitation of student inquiry.
The PYP approach explicitly outlines the necessity of student agency, where students are at the heart of the learning process. It shifts the role of teachers from direct instructors to facilitators of inquiry-based learning. By embedding structured yet flexible methodologies, PYP ensures that students are actively involved in making connections across disciplines and applying their knowledge in meaningful ways.
This transition is not just about academic achievement but about preparing students for a complex and ever-changing world. The PYP methodology helps students develop curiosity, independence, and the ability to apply their learning in various contexts—skills that are essential in today’s interconnected society.
Current Status of the Transformation
At present, the school is in the early stages of expanding its educational approach through the introduction of the PYP framework. Before formally applying for IB candidacy, the leadership and teaching staff are immersing themselves in the philosophy and methodology of PYP. A deep understanding of the programme’s structure, objectives, and implications is essential to ensure a smooth and sustainable integration.
The immediate focus for this academic year is to draft a concrete roadmap outlining the phases of this shift in approach. This includes comprehensive professional development for teachers, fostering parental understanding of the PYP framework, and ensuring that all stakeholders are aligned with the transition goals. According to the Innovation Coordinator, the gradual implementation of this enhanced approach is expected to take three to four years, with a full plan finalized by the end of the current school year.
Challenges and Milestones
Due to the Covid pandemic and changes in management, the school has not yet reached significant milestones in the transition process. However, key discussions and preparations are taking place. Team engagement is a priority, as teachers must shift from traditional instructional roles to becoming facilitators of student-led inquiry. Additionally, parental involvement is critical—creating awareness and understanding among families ensures a smoother adoption of new educational practices.
Some of the anticipated challenges include staff turnover, the need for proper documentation to maintain institutional knowledge, and ensuring that the program aligns with the school’s unique needs. To address these, the school is documenting key learnings from each phase of the transition and establishing a dedicated IB coordinator to oversee the implementation of the program.
Alignment with Pre-IB Curriculum
A strong foundation in the early years is essential for students progressing through the IB continuum, including the Middle Years Programme (MYP) and Diploma Programme (DP). The pre-IB curriculum at the school already emphasizes the development of the ‘whole child,’ incorporating emotional intelligence, leadership, and civic engagement. However, PYP refines this approach by embedding structured inquiry and concept-based learning into everyday classroom activities.
Unlike FBE, where subject matter is often taught in isolation, PYP fosters deeper connections between disciplines, encouraging students to see the broader implications of what they learn. This shift not only enhances academic outcomes but also nurtures students’ ability to take ownership of their education.
Vision for a Future PYP School
Looking ahead, the goal is to establish a thriving IB learning environment where teachers, parents, and students share a unified understanding of the PYP philosophy. This means fostering a school culture where collaboration is intentional and systematic, ensuring that subject areas are seamlessly integrated rather than taught as isolated units.
The school envisions classrooms that are dynamic, student-centered, and inquiry driven. Lessons will be enriched with hands-on projects, student-led discussions, and real-world problem-solving activities. In five to ten years, the school aims to be a leading example of a well-implemented IB institution, where graduates emerge as confident, critical thinkers ready to take on global challenges.
Mr. Davis elaborates in the interview on the key differences between FBE and PYP:
“One of the most significant shifts in moving from FBE to PYP is the role of the teacher. In foundation-based education as originally envisioned, teachers should act as facilitators, guiding students through experiential learning rather than being the primary source of knowledge. However, in practice, many classrooms remained teacher-centered, limiting the intended student-led inquiry. In PYP, however, teachers act as facilitators, guiding students to discover knowledge through exploration and inquiry.” Another critical difference lies in assessment. Whereas FBE had originally envisioned a more holistic approach to assessment, it has instead become reliant on standardized testing and memorization due to legal requirements. In contrast, PYP employs a more holistic approach, assessing students through portfolios, reflections, and performance-based evaluations that measure critical thinking and application of knowledge.”
He explains that classroom practices will shift towards:
- Inquiry-Based Learning: Encouraging students to work on meaningful, real-world challenges.
- Interdisciplinary Connections: Making learning more relevant by linking subjects through overarching themes.
- Student Agency: Empowering students to take an active role in their learning journey.
- Ensuring Effective Transition: The school is actively taking steps to ensure a smooth transition to PYP.
Action items include:
- Documenting learnings and implementation plan each school year to maintain continuity despite staff turnover.
- Appointing a dedicated IB coordinator at the school in the near future to oversee program implementation.
- Organizing visits to established IB schools, such as those in Curaçao and Anguilla, to learn from their experiences.
- Engaging with an IB development manager from the U.S. to gain expertise in change management for IB programs.
- Developing a detailed roadmap for implementation by the end of the current school year.
- Conducting workshops and training to ensure teachers fully understand and apply IB program concepts effectively.
According to the Innovation Coordinator, the transition to PYP is an exciting and ambitious endeavor for the school, requiring careful planning, training, and collaboration among all stakeholders. While the process is still in its infancy, the commitment to fostering a more engaging and globally relevant educational experience is clear.
With a well-defined roadmap and a shared vision, the school is poised to embrace the IB philosophy and create a future-ready learning environment. As this transformation unfolds, it will be crucial to continue refining strategies, addressing challenges, and celebrating milestones—ensuring that every student benefits from a world-class education that prepares them for success beyond the classroom.
Soon, we will continue to share updates on the school’s progress toward becoming a fully accredited PYP institution. This journey represents a significant step in shaping an educational environment that nurtures curiosity, critical thinking, and a global perspective. Stay tuned for more insights into this exciting transition!