Lower School

Beyond the core subjects of English, Social Studies, Science, Mathematics and Religion, all students receive instruction in the following disciplines:

• Language Acquisition (Spanish)
• Technology*
• Music
• Art
• Library
• Physical Education

Our Lower School utilizes an eight-day rotating schedule. The frequency with which students take each "special" over that eight-day period follows:

• Spanish: seven days for all students
• Technology: two days for all students
• Music: three days for all students
• Art: two days for all students
• Library: two days for students in Pre-K through 2; one day for students in 3 through 5
• Physical Education: two days for all students

Notre Dame Lower School is an Apple Distinguished School and is recognized for innovation, leadership, and educational excellence. All Lower School students receive an iPad to utilize in school and at home.

Each of the classes at Notre Dame Lower School follows the IB Program of Inquiry to shape their curriculum. Themes include: who we are; how we express ourselves; how the world works; how we organize ourselves; and sharing the planet. View the lower school POI here.

How does the Primary Years Program at Notre Dame make a difference?

The Primary Years Programme (PYP) of the International Baccalaureate (IB) develops 21st-century thinkers by fostering critical skills, attitudes, and approaches that prepare students for an ever-changing world. Here are key ways the PYP accomplishes this:

1. Inquiry-Based Learning
The PYP centers on inquiry as the primary pedagogical approach. Students explore real-world concepts and problems, encouraging curiosity, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills essential for the 21st century.

2. Transdisciplinary Approach
Through the six transdisciplinary themes, the PYP connects learning across subject areas, promoting holistic understanding. This encourages students to think broadly and make connections between disciplines.

3. Focus on Key Competencies
The PYP develops approaches to learning (ATL), such as:

• Thinking skills: Critical and creative thinking, reflection, and analysis.
• Research skills: Inquiry, data collection, and evaluation of information.
• Social skills: Collaboration, empathy, and conflict resolution.
• Self-management skills: Organization, resilience, and mindfulness.
• Communication skills: Effective oral, written, and visual communication.

4. International-Mindedness
The PYP fosters a global perspective through the Learner Profile, which emphasizes attributes like being open-minded, knowledgeable, and principled. These qualities encourage students to engage with diverse perspectives and challenges.

5. Action-Oriented Learning
The PYP encourages students to take meaningful action based on their learning. This might include community projects, advocacy, or environmental initiatives, helping students develop agency and leadership skills.

6. Collaboration and Teamwork
Group projects, discussions, and collaborative tasks build the ability to work with others, a critical skill in modern workplaces.

7. Adaptability and Innovation
Through exploring multiple solutions to problems and embracing diverse perspectives, students become adaptable and innovative thinkers, ready to navigate complex challenges.

8. Use of Technology
The PYP integrates technology as a tool for research, collaboration, and communication, preparing students to use digital resources responsibly and effectively.

9. Reflection and Metacognition
Reflection is a core component of the PYP. Students are encouraged to think about their own thinking, evaluate their learning, and set goals for improvement, fostering lifelong learning habits.

10. Teacher as Facilitator
PYP educators guide rather than dictate learning, creating a supportive environment where students develop independence and ownership of their education.

By combining these elements, the PYP cultivates learners who are not just academically skilled but also emotionally intelligent, socially aware, and ready to thrive in a dynamic and interconnected world.

For more information or questions on the Notre Dame’s PYP Programme please contact Paul Frank  pfrank@ndpma.org

Transdisciplinary learning is a cornerstone of the Notre Dame Prep International Baccalaureate (IB) Primary Years Programme (PYP), as it encourages students to explore issues that go beyond the boundaries of traditional subjects. This approach integrates knowledge, concepts, and skills from various disciplines, allowing students to understand complex ideas holistically. In the PYP, transdisciplinary learning is guided by themes that promote inquiry into real-world issues, fostering connections between what students learn and their everyday lives. This method nurtures critical thinking, collaboration, and problem-solving skills, empowering students to see the interconnectedness of the world and to develop a deeper understanding of how they can apply their learning in meaningful ways. By addressing topics through a transdisciplinary lens, students are encouraged to take ownership of their learning and become lifelong learners who are able to adapt to the complexities of the 21st century.

In the IB Primary Years Programme (PYP), units of inquiry serve as the main organizational structure for teaching and learning, and they are designed to connect conceptual understanding across multiple subjects. These units are organized around transdisciplinary themes, which are broad, real-world ideas that cut across traditional subject boundaries. Here's how they intertwine conceptual learning through all subjects:

 Units of inquiry are built around transdisciplinary themes (e.g., Who We Are, How the World Works). These themes allow students to explore concepts that are not confined to one subject but apply to multiple areas, such as science, language, math, social studies, and the arts. For example, a unit on Sharing the Planet may include studying ecosystems (science), graphing data about biodiversity (math), reading about environmental issues (language), and learning about the impact of human activity on natural resources (social studies).

For farther information or questions please contact the PYP IB Coordinator pfrank@ndpma.org.