International Baccalaureate Primary Years Programme Overview

Building confident, curious learners from day one.

IB Primary Years Programme

The IB Primary Years Programme (PYP) is more than a curriculum—it’s a transformative framework for young learners. Designed for students from grade 1 to grade 5, the PYP fosters a spirit of inquiry through a transdisciplinary approach, encouraging children to make connections between their studies and the real world. It focuses on the development of the whole child as an inquirer, both in the classroom and beyond, nurturing caring, lifelong learners who are prepared for the future.

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.

Why Parents Choose the PYP at CIS

  • Well-rounded academics: 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: The programme nurtures 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?

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To learn more about the IB Primary Years Programme,  visit the IB PYP website.

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Amazon Jungle

Throughout February, 2024, 25 of our CIS students embarked on a long journey to the Amazon Jungle in Iquitos, Peru. Students worked hard the previous months to raise funds to be able to create their community service project with the local communities of El Chino in the Tahuayo Region of the Amazon basin. Once there, our 25 students, along with our three teachers and the guides at the lodge they stayed in, participated in a whole day community service project where students built two complete Primary School classrooms. Our students built 20 desks and 20 chairs from scratch with the help of the local community and finished the day by putting the new furniture inside the classrooms. Thanks to this initiative, the students were able to fill up two classrooms that are now providing full day education to the children of the community. At CIS, one of our pillars of excellent education is understanding the privilege that comes with being an IB student and an international school student, and the importance of being global citizens. With this, comes the responsibility of being stewards of the communities that inhabit this world and the importance of giving back and being change makers!
Time Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday
08:15 - 09:45Targeted LearningSpanish / French / EALMathThe ArtsHumanities
09:45 - 10:15Snack & Break
10:15 - 11:15HumanitiesThe ArtsEnglishEnglishPersonal Growth
11:15 - 12:15MathEnglishScienceScienceGerman / GAL
12:15 - 13:15Science
13:15 - 13:45Lunch & Break
13:45 - 14:15Spanish / French / EALHomeroomGerman / GALSportMath
14:15 - 15:15German / GALClubsClubsClubsClubs
15:15 - 16:45ClubsCubsClubsClubsClubs
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IB Primary Years Programme (PYP)
IB Middle Years Programme (MYP)
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IB DiplomaYears Programme (DP)
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