Principal Weekly Update 15 | Science and Curiosity in the PYP

Hello everyone,

I am Ian Barnes, the International Principal at Concordia Ningbo.

This week, there's been a special buzz in the air as we got ready for our Science Fair today.

At Concordia International School Ningbo, we view science and the scientific method as a natural extension of the PYP approach. In the IB Primary Years Programme, science is embedded across units of inquiry—encouraging children to wonder, explore, and make sense of the world around them.

From observing how plants grow in kindergarten to experimenting with circuits or building models in primary, our students are constantly encouraged to think critically and creatively.

The PYP nurtures the same habits of mind that sit at the heart of scientific discovery:

· Wonder about how the world works

· Careful observation of patterns and details

· Curiosity-driven questions that lead to deeper thinking

· And the determination to explore, test, and try again—even when the answers aren’t obvious

Our students also develop scientific thinking through the Specified Concepts that guide PYP learning. Concepts like Function (“What does it do?”), Causation (“Why does it happen?”), and Change (“How does it evolve over time?”) help structure investigations and promote deep, transferable understanding.

This Friday’s Science Fair is a chance for students to share what they’ve investigated and created. It’s a celebration of learning, experimentation, and the joy of asking, “What happens if…?”

We’re excited to welcome you to see their thinking in action—and we hope you leave inspired by their questions, creativity, and confidence.

Have a great weekend!