At St. Cecelia Catholic School, the Primary Years Programme (PYP) provides a student-centered, inquiry-based approach to learning for children in the elementary years. As an International Baccalaureate (IB) World School, St. Cecelia integrates the PYP framework with its Catholic mission, fostering academic excellence, spiritual growth, service, and global-mindedness. Students are encouraged to ask questions, think critically, make meaningful connections across disciplines, and act as compassionate members of their local and global communities. Through transdisciplinary learning experiences, students develop the knowledge, skills, and dispositions needed to become lifelong learners who embody the values of both the IB Learner Profile and the Gospel. The PYP is organized around six transdisciplinary themes that help students explore important concepts and understand their place in God’s world.
St. Cecelia Catholic School Primary Years Programme (PYP) Programme of Inquiry(POI)
The POI is the framework that organizes learning through six transdisciplinary themes. Rather than studying subjects in isolation, students investigate important ideas that connect across disciplines and relate to real-world experiences. Through inquiry, students develop conceptual understanding, critical-thinking skills, and the attributes of the IB Learner Profile.
- Who We Are
An inquiry into identity, beliefs, values, relationships, health, and well-being.
Possible Catholic Connections
- Catholic identity and faith formation
- Understanding our God-given gifts and talents
- Building positive relationships
- Developing the IB Learner Profile attributes
- Personal responsibility and character development
- Where We Are in Place and Time
An inquiry into personal histories, journeys, discoveries, civilizations, and human migrations.
Possible Catholic Connections
- Church history and saints
- Family heritage and traditions
- Local community and Florida history
- Global cultures and Catholic countries
- Historical events that shaped our world
- How We Express Ourselves
An inquiry into communication, creativity, culture, and self-expression.
Possible Catholic Connections
- Art, music, drama, and liturgy
- Storytelling and literature
- Prayer and worship
- Cultural celebrations
- Digital citizenship and communication
- How the World Works
An inquiry into the natural world, scientific principles, and technological advances.
Possible Catholic Connections
- Stewardship of God’s creation
- Scientific investigation and discovery
- Environmental awareness
- Engineering and design thinking
- Technology and innovation
- How We Organize Ourselves
An inquiry into systems, communities, organizations, and economic activities.
Possible Catholic Connections
- School and parish communities
- Leadership and service
- Government and civic responsibility
- Responsible decision-making
- Community organizations and ministries
- Sharing the Planet
An inquiry into rights, responsibilities, resources, and peaceful coexistence.
Possible Catholic Connections
- Catholic Social Teaching
- Environmental stewardship
- Service-learning projects
- Social justice and compassion
- Global citizenship and humanitarian action
