Welcome to the 2011-2012 school year!International Baccalaureate
The Primary Years Programme (PYP) is designed for learners aged 3-12 and is implemented in every SLLIS elementary school. The two cornerstones of the PYP are constructivist learning and holistic units of study. This means that instead of studying traditional subjects like math and science, PYP students explore concepts and questions in integrated units.
Teachers design inquiry-based units that incorporate all areas of study and encourage students to imagine, investigate and invent possibilities. These units are designed to meet and exceed Grade Level Expectations (GLEs), MO State Standards and NCLB requirements. As a result, students in every SLLIS elementary school develops the ability to understand other cultures and practice problem-solving skills while increasing their capacities in mathematics, literacy, science and technology.
SLLIS is the first school (public, private or parochial) in the state of Missouri to implement the IB Primary Years Programme model in a language immersion environment. There are currently only 129 elementary schools in the US who have completed the rigorous three-year accreditation process to implement the Primary Years Programme. By aligning the SLLIS curriculum with IB world standards from its inception, our school community has become part of a prestigious, elite international education network.
As the SLLIS network grows, the secondary schools will continue to offer the IB curriculum through the Middle Years Programme and Diploma Programme, ultimately preparing our students to receive both the Missouri state diploma and the International Baccalaureate diploma.
“IB students are terrific learners.They’re inquisitive and don’t just
question what they’re learning, but why.”
-Martha Piper, former president of the University of British Columbia