Understanding the IB PYP Learner Profile

One of the most important parts of the International Baccalaureate Primary Years Programme (IBPYP) is the learner profile. It’s a set of ten attributes that guide how students grow as people and learners. The goal of the learner profile is to help children develop the values, skills, and attitudes they need to thrive, not only in school, but in life. It also creates a shared language between teachers, parents, and students. The aim is to develop students who are:

• Inquirers
   
• Knowledgeable
   
• Thinkers
   
• Communicators
   
• Principled
   
• Open-minded
   
• Caring
   
• Risk-takers
   
• Balanced
   
• Reflective
   

These attributes are not taught in isolation. Instead, they are woven into everything part of the school day. All teachers intentionally plan ways to develop the attributes through our units of inquiry and through social opportunities. We celebrate children’s growth in the attributes through our community meetings and morning news program. We believe that developing the learner profile gives children concrete ways to understand how their actions and choices impact themselves and others.

For example:

• When a child is an inquirer, they learn to be curious and ask great questions which are skills that fuel a love of learning.
   
• By being principled, they learn honesty, fairness, and responsibility.
   
• As communicators, they practice expressing themselves clearly and listening to others.
   
• Through being open-minded and caring, they learn respect and empathy, building the foundation for positive relationships.
   

How families can support the learner profile

Parents play an important role in reinforcing the learner profile at home. We’ll be sharing more specific strategies as the year progresses, but here are some general ways you can support. 

• Notice and name the attributes when you see them (e.g., “You showed you were a risk-taker when you tried that new food!”).
   
• Encourage reflection by asking, “How did you show caring today?” or “What could you do differently next time?”
   
• Celebrate effort as much as achievement, reminding your child that growing these skills takes practice.
• Ask your child what the attribute of the month is and how they are working to develop that attribute