International playgroup in Bangkok at Ascot International School
International playgroup in Bangkok at Ascot International School If you
At Ascot International School, the Primary Years (PYP) is more than just the start of formal education. It is a journey where children begin to see themselves as curious learners, creative thinkers, and members of a caring community. Our school vision is to provide a welcoming, family-like environment where every student feels safe, valued, and inspired to learn.
The Primary Years at Ascot covers students from Year 1 to Year 6. During these important years, children build the foundation for future learning and develop essential skills that prepare them for a changing world. At Ascot, we focus not only on academic knowledge but also on well-being, values, and character, so that every child can grow into a principled, resilient, and globally minded individual.
The Primary Years is the first stage of the International Baccalaureate (IB) continuum. It is designed for children aged 3 to 12, but at Ascot, the PYP formally begins in Year 1 after the Early Years programme. The aim is to nurture the natural curiosity of young learners and help them develop a love for learning.
Unlike traditional systems that rely mainly on memorisation, the PYP encourages children to ask questions, investigate, and reflect. Students do not only learn subjects like maths, science, and literacy; they learn how these subjects connect to the real world. This approach builds deeper understanding and prepares them to be active, responsible learners for life.
The IB Primary Years Programme is unique because it focuses on the whole child. At Ascot, we believe that education should meet not only academic needs but also social, emotional, and physical development.
Key features that make the IB PYP stand out at Ascot include:
At Ascot, the PYP creates an environment where every child belongs, feels confident, and is encouraged to take risks in their learning.
The IB Primary Years Programme (PYP) empowers young learners to become inquisitive thinkers, compassionate communicators, and global citizens through a dynamic and inquiry-based curriculum
Concept-based learning goes beyond facts, fostering deeper understanding and the ability to apply knowledge across subjects, empowering students to become critical thinkers and lifelong learners
The inquiry method sparks curiousity, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills as students explore real-world questions, construct knowledge, and take ownership of their learning journey
Play-based learning fosters creativity, social skills, and cognitive development as children engage in hands-on, imaginative activities that ignite their natural curiosity and love for learning
Parents often ask how the IB Primary Years Programme is different from other school systems. At Ascot, we see clear differences that help children thrive.
Traditional curriculums usually focus on textbooks, exams, and memorisation. Students often repeat facts but may not understand how learning connects to their world. In contrast, the IB PYP encourages children to explore knowledge through concepts and inquiry. Students are not only learning what something is but also why it matters and how it applies to their lives.
Another difference is the emphasis on international-mindedness. Many local or national curriculums prepare students mainly for their own country. The IB PYP at Ascot develops global awareness and respect for diversity, teaching children to value cultures, perspectives, and languages from all over the world.
The PYP also gives children more agency. Students can voice their opinions, make choices in their learning, and collaborate with teachers and peers. This approach builds confidence, independence, and responsibility.
The IB PYP framework at Ascot is built around inquiry-based learning. Teachers and students work together to pose questions, investigate, and reflect. Instead of receiving knowledge passively, students construct their own understanding through hands-on exploration.
The framework is organised through Units of Inquiry, which are interdisciplinary themes that connect different subjects. For example, a unit about “How the world works” may combine science, literacy, and art, helping students see connections between disciplines.
At Ascot, our teaching also follows these key principles:
This system allows children to become creative thinkers, problem-solvers, and lifelong learners.
One of the greatest strengths of Ascot International School is that it offers the full IB continuum. After Primary Years (Year 1–6), students move smoothly into the Middle Years Programme (MYP) from Year 7.
The skills developed in the PYP — inquiry, collaboration, reflection, and responsibility, prepare students for the more complex and challenging demands of the MYP. By the time they finish Year 6, Ascot students are confident learners who can think critically, ask meaningful questions, and engage with global issues. This makes the transition natural and successful.
Our goal is to ensure that no student feels a sudden jump in expectations. Instead, they experience a continuous journey of growth from PYP to MYP, and later to the Diploma Programme (DP) or Career-related Programme (CP).
Choosing the right school is one of the most important decisions for your child’s future. At Ascot International School, the Primary Years Programme offers more than academics, it nurtures curiosity, compassion, and confidence in every child. With a focus on well-being, international mindedness, and inquiry-based learning, Ascot gives students the foundation to succeed not only in the classroom but also in life.
🌟 Come and see how the IB Primary Years at Ascot can shape your child’s journey. Contact our admissions team today to arrange a visit and experience the Ascot difference.
International playgroup in Bangkok at Ascot International School If you
Why entering at this stage works academically and socially Choosing
Year 4 students share Christmas joy with a carol performance
