IB Primary Years Programme - Ashwood Glen Private School in Burlington Canada

Future-focused learning

Confidence, character, and critical thinking

The IB Primary Years Programme (PYP) at Ashwood Glen equips students in Grades 1–6 with the academic foundation, critical thinking skills, and international perspective to thrive in a rapidly changing world.

Students engage deeply in core subjects—language, math, science, and social studies—while learning to analyze, reflect, and problem-solve with purpose.

Specialist instruction in French, Visual and Performing Arts, Physical Education, and STEAM expands each student’s ability to communicate, create, and lead with confidence.

Guided by the IB Learner Profile, students also develop attributes such as caring, open-mindedness, and integrity—learning to act with empathy and responsibility in their community and the wider world.

The journey culminates in the Grade 6 PYP Exhibition, a capstone experience that showcases independence, leadership, and meaningful action—fully preparing students for success in the Middle Years Programme (MYP) and beyond.

Back to ib Programs Overview

Big futures begin with small voices asking bold questions.

IB PYP – Grades 1-6

The IB framework for lifelong, future-ready learning

Through six transdisciplinary themes, our IB Kindergarten students explore big ideas that help them understand themselves, others, and the rapidly changing world they’ll grow into.

These themes are woven across all subjects — language, math, science, and the arts—creating real-world learning and meaningful connections that build confidence, critical thinking, and future-ready skills from the start.

Who we are

Students explore identity, feelings, and relationships to better understand themselves and others.

Where we are in place and time

Young learners discover family history, traditions, and how people live around the world.

How we express ourselves

Through art, music, and storytelling, children express their ideas, emotions, and creativity.

How the world works

Students explore nature, materials, and simple scientific concepts through play and observation.

How we organize ourselves

Students learn about daily routines, roles, and how communities work together.

Sharing the planet

Students begin to understand fairness, taking care of the environment, and living in harmony with others.

Fast facts – IB Primary Years Programme (PYP)

Future-ready thinking
Students develop inquiry-led problem-solving, critical thinking, and adaptable skills for an evolving world.

Academic excellence
Students experience a framework where literacy, math, science, and the arts connect across subjects.

Citizenship
Students learn to act with initiative and responsibility, contributing positively to their local and global communities.

Character development
Students cultivate ethical judgment, resilience, and responsibility—preparing to lead with integrity.

Specialized teachers
play-based learning fosters curiosity, creativity.

Immersive experiences
Students participate in hands-on learning, field trips, and projects, guiding discovery and inspiring adventures.

JK to Grade 8

The Ashwood Glen IB Continuum

Admissions Book a tour

IB Kindergarten
(PYP)

JK & SK

Through play and inquiry, IB Kindergarten inspires young minds to explore, question, and grow every day.

Primary Years Programme (PYP)

Grades 1-6

IB Primary Years Programme sparks curiosity, builds character, and empowers students to think critically and lead with confidence.

Middle Years Programme (MYP)

Grades 7-8

IB Middle Years Programme develops analytical thinking, interdisciplinary skills, and intellectual independence for high school and lifelong success.

A showcase of curiosity, creativity, and leadership.

The IB Exhibition is a defining milestone of the Primary Years Programme (PYP) and one of the most powerful demonstrations of community action at Ashwood Glen.

Students explore real-world issues they are passionate about, connect their learning across subjects, and take meaningful action — with many projects aligned to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

For parents, the Exhibition is more than a showcase — it’s a moment to see students think critically, act with empathy, and step forward as changemakers.

It highlights how Ashwood Glen students are not only prepared for today — they are future-ready leaders, equipped to shape a better, more connected world.