Primary Years Programme Overview

Building confident, curious learners from day one

PYP at Cologne International School

At Cologne International School, our Primary Years Programme (PYP) is more than a curriculum, it’s the foundation for a lifelong love of learning. Designed for students aged 6 to 11 (Grades 1–5), this programme blends academic structure with hands-on exploration, helping children become independent thinkers, strong communicators, and caring global citizens.

We are proud to be Cologne’s first IB Continuum School. That means our students benefit from a perfect educational journey across all three IB programmes—PYP, MYP, and DP— which offers consistent values, teaching approaches, and a clear path toward future success.

What Is the PYP?

The PYP is an internationally respected framework developed by the International Baccalaureate (IB). Rather than focusing on memorization, it encourages students to ask questions, explore ideas, and build real understanding. Learning is inquiry-based, collaborative, and connected to real life.

Your child won’t just learn facts, they’ll learn how to learn, how to think critically, along with how to act with purpose.

Why Parents Choose the PYP at CIS

Well-rounded academics: Our students study language, math, science, social studies, arts, and physical education in a balanced, engaging way.

Future-ready skills: The PYP strengthens communication, resilience, and creative thinking—key to success in tomorrow’s world.

International mindset: We nurture open-minded learners who appreciate other cultures and perspectives.

Personal attention: Small class sizes and dedicated teachers help each child grow in confidence and reach their potential.

Strong start to a global education: The PYP prepares students to seamlessly continue into the IB Middle Years Programme (MYP) and Diploma Programme (DP).

How Learning Happens

Through six interdisciplinary themes—like “Who We Are” or “How the World Works”—children explore big ideas that cross subject boundaries. Each unit begins with a central question, sparking curiosity and encouraging independent thinking.

Assessment That Supports Growth

There are no standardized tests here. Instead, assessment is ongoing, practical, and meaningful. Teachers monitor each student’s progress and guide them through personal goals, reflection, and improvement. The learning journey matters more than test scores.

Want to Know More?

To learn more about the PYP at CIS or explore how it fits into our full IB Continuum, contact us or visit the IB PYP website.

Time	Monday	Tuesday	Wednesday	Thursday	Friday
08:15 - 09:45	Targeted Learning	Spanish / French / EAL	Math	The Arts	Humanities
09:45 - 10:15	Snack & Break
10:15 - 11:15	Humanities	The Arts	English	English	Personal Growth
11:15 - 12:15	Math	English	Science	Science	German / GAL
12:15 - 13:15		Science
13:15 - 13:45	Lunch & Break
13:45 - 14:15	Spanish / French / EAL	Homeroom	German / GAL	Sport	Math
14:15 - 15:15	German / GAL	Clubs	Clubs	Clubs	Clubs
15:15 - 16:45	Clubs	Cubs	Clubs	Clubs	Clubs

Time	Monday	Tuesday	Wednesday	Thursday	Friday
07:00 - 08:00	Early Supervision	Early Supervision	Early Supervision	Early Supervision	Early Supervision
08:00 - 09:30	Unit of Inquiry	Unit of Inquiry	Unit of Inquiry	Unit of Inquiry	Unit of Inquiry
09:30 - 10:00	Snack & Recess	Snack & Recess	Snack & Recess	Snack & Recess	Snack & Recess
10:00 - 10:30	Instrumental	Kung Fu	Instrumental	Tai Chi	Instrumental
10:30 - 12:00	Unit	Unit	Unit	Unit	Tai Chi + Unit
12:00 - 13:30	Lunch & Recess	Lunch & Recess	Lunch & Recess	Lunch & Recess	Lunch & Recess
13:30 - 14:30	Unit Math, German, English, Social Studies	Swimming	Library	Music	Unit
14:30 - 15:30	Spanish	Clubs	Art	Unit	Clubs
15:30 - 16:30	Spanish		Spanish	Spanish
16:30 - 18:00	Late Clubs	Late Clubs	Late Clubs	Late Clubs