Primary Years Program (PYP)

Fostering Agency and Action in the Primary Years Program

At International Scholars Academy, the Primary Years Program (PYP) empowers students to take ownership of their learning and to make a meaningful impact on their community. Our commitment to student agency and action ensures that every child sees themselves as a capable, caring, and responsible global citizen.

In the PYP, action is a natural extension of learning—it arises authentically from classroom inquiries, daily routines, and meaningful conversations. Whether a student chooses to raise awareness about a global issue, improve a classroom routine, demonstrate empathy toward a peer, or propose a solution to a real-world challenge, PYP action reinforces the idea that every learner can create positive change. These actions can be personal, local, or global, and they help students develop as thoughtful, principled, and active members of their community.

Throughout a variety of multi-level grade clubs, students are given opportunities to explore their interests—such as Kindness, Charity, Cooking, Crochet, Gaming, Drama, Dance, Science/STEM, Art, Crafts, and Global Awareness—and collaborate on meaningful projects. These mixed-age clubs allow older students to mentor younger learners, fostering leadership, empathy, and teamwork. While teachers act as facilitators, students drive the planning, decision-making, and implementation of their ideas. For example, the Kindness Club recently designed and decorated a door for our cleaning crew to show appreciation for their hard work and dedication. Experiences like this help students understand that thoughtful actions, big or small, can make a powerful difference.

PYP action is also embedded throughout the curriculum and within each Unit of Inquiry. As students explore concepts, issues, and perspectives, they are encouraged to reflect on what they have learned and identify opportunities to take meaningful actions, whether by advocating, creating, improving, or supporting others. This consistent integration ensures that action is not an isolated event but a daily mindset and practice.

The PYP Exhibition is the culminating experience of the primary years, enabling fifth graders to engage in in-depth inquiries into real-world issues that inspire them. Supported by mentors, our 5th grade students research, analyze, and take action through service, advocacy, or innovative solutions. The Exhibition highlights their growth as principled, reflective, and compassionate learners ready to contribute positively to the world around them.

At International Scholars Academy, action is more than a component of the PYP—it is woven into the fabric of our school. Our students learn that their voices matter; their choices influence their community, and their actions help build a more caring, peaceful, and connected world.

IB Middle Years Program (MYP)

Service as Action (SA) is a core pillar of the IB Middle Years Program (MYP) at the International Scholars Academy (ISA). It encourages students to extend their learning beyond the classroom by engaging in meaningful acts of service that strengthen character, build empathy, and promote global citizenship.

At ISA, Service as Action is woven into both academic and student life. Scholars apply their knowledge and skills to real-world issues, exploring how they can contribute positively to their communities. Each experience follows a cycle of Inquiry, Action, and Reflection, allowing students to connect the IB Learner Profile traits and Islamic values—such as compassion, integrity, and Amanah (responsibility and trust), to authentic service experiences.

All MYP students participate in service opportunities throughout the year and document their learning through reflection. Students are expected to earn a minimum of 18 service points annually, with those who go above and beyond (25+ points) recognized with the Distinguished Service Award.

Rooted in the IB mission “to create a better and more peaceful world,” Service as Action at ISA inspires students to think critically, act compassionately, and lead with purpose, locally and globally.

IB Diploma CAS Program

The IB Diploma CAS Program provides students with the opportunity to engage in Creativity, Activity, and Service. CAS in the DP also requires students to be involved in a range of experiences through at least one or more CAS Projects. A CAS Project should be purposeful, linked to personal challenges, and include planning, thoughtful, reflective of personal learning and important outcomes for the student. A CAS project at ISA or extending beyond the school can be an individual or a group project. IB DP students are to initiate activities, and CAS Advisors will collaborate with students to help further and develop CAS projects and sustained involvement in Creative, Active, and Service-Learning activities and projects for ISA students.