Curriculum Guide · Ages 5–11

What Is the International Primary Curriculum (IPC)?

How the IPC teaches through themed units, what its learning goals are, how progress is assessed and how to judge whether it suits your child.

Read time: 7 min

The Short Answer

The IPC is a primary curriculum for children aged 5 to 11, used by international schools in more than 90 countries.
Learning is organized into themed units that combine subjects such as science, history, geography and the arts, instead of teaching each subject separately.
It has three kinds of learning goals: subject goals, personal goals and international goals.
Each unit follows the same learning process, from an Entry Point that sparks interest to an Exit Point that celebrates what children have learned.
It is a curriculum, not a qualification. The IPC covers primary school only, so your child will move on to another program, such as the IB MYP, IGCSE or an American middle school.

What Is the IPC?

The International Primary Curriculum (IPC) is a thematic, creative curriculum for children aged 5 to 11. It was developed in the late 1990s by international school educators and launched in 2000. It sets clear goals for academic learning and also for personal and international development, so children grow in knowledge, in character and in their understanding of the wider world.

The IPC is used in schools across more than 90 countries, which makes it a familiar choice for international schools with students from many backgrounds.

Key Features of the IPC

What makes the IPC distinctive

Thematic learning: Each unit has a theme, and several subjects are taught through it. A unit on a theme such as water, for example, might bring in science, geography, history and art.
International mindedness: Children learn about their own culture and about other cultures and perspectives, so they see themselves as part of a global community.
Personal development: The curriculum develops qualities such as adaptability, communication, cooperation, resilience and respect, next to academic knowledge.
Inquiry and creativity: Children ask questions, investigate and present their findings in creative ways.

Structure of the IPC

The IPC is organized into units that typically last a few weeks, each built around a theme. Three stages, called mileposts, group the age range: ages 5 to 6, ages 7 to 9 and ages 10 to 11. Every unit works toward three kinds of learning goals.

The three types of learning goals

Subject goals: What children should know, understand and be able to do in subjects such as language arts, mathematics, science, history, geography, art, music, physical education, health and wellbeing, and technology and computing.
Personal goals: Personal qualities such as adaptability, communication, cooperation, resilience and respect, which children develop and reflect on over time.
International goals: Understanding other cultures and traditions, global issues and how our actions affect others.

How the IPC Is Delivered

An integrated curriculum. Subjects are connected within each theme, helping children see how areas of knowledge relate to one another.
Inquiry-based learning. Children are encouraged to ask questions, investigate and explore ideas in depth.
A shared learning process. A unit begins with an Entry Point that engages children's interest, builds knowledge and skills through activities, and ends with an Exit Point where children reflect on and celebrate their learning.

Assessment in the IPC

Primary schools using the IPC generally assess through everyday work rather than formal exams. Teachers combine observation, classwork and projects to see whether children are meeting the learning goals. Some schools also keep portfolios of children's work, and children are encouraged to reflect on their own learning. Because schools adapt the IPC, ask how progress is assessed and reported to parents at the school you are considering.

Why Consider the IPC?

Benefits and trade-offs

Holistic development: The IPC supports the whole child, combining academic progress with personal and social growth.
Global perspective: Learning about different cultures suits international families and children who have lived in more than one country.
Engagement: Themed, project-based learning keeps many children curious and motivated.
Not a standalone pathway: The IPC ends at age 11, so check how the school prepares children for the next stage and which program they will join.
Varies by school: Schools often adapt the IPC and combine it with other frameworks, so what your child experiences depends on the school.

IPC, IB PYP or British Primary?

How primary programmes compare

All of these can be a strong start. The best choice is usually the one that matches the program your child will follow at secondary school.

IPC: Themed units with subject, personal and international goals for ages 5 to 11.
IB Primary Years Programme (PYP): An inquiry-based IB programme for ages 3 to 12, leading into the IB MYP and Diploma. See the PYP guide.
British primary: Structured key stages leading to IGCSE and A-Levels. See the British primary guide and the British curriculum guide.
American elementary: Kindergarten to Grade 5 with a core of English, mathematics, science and social studies. See the American curriculum guide.

The Role of Parents

Be involved. Many IPC schools invite parents to share in projects, discussions and events linked to the current theme.
Support learning at home. Read books related to the theme, explore different cultures together and ask your child what they have found out.
Talk about the Exit Point. Asking your child to explain what they learned in a unit builds reflection and confidence.

Questions to Ask an IPC School

How does the school use the IPC, and does it combine it with other programs?
What units will my child study, and how are subjects like mathematics and language taught?
How is progress assessed, and how is it reported to parents?
How does the school prepare children for secondary school, and which program do they move on to?
How can parents get involved in their child's learning?
How does the school help children develop a global perspective?

Is the IPC Right for Your Child?

The IPC suits children who enjoy projects, questions and creative work, and families who value a global outlook. It also works well for children who may move schools, because themed units and shared goals are easy to follow wherever the school is.

If you prefer a strongly subject-based approach in the primary years, or want to follow one program from age 3 to 18 such as the IB, ask the school how it handles these points. Younger children may also start with the EYFS, and for help comparing schools you can read Choosing the Right International School in Tianjin.

Frequently Asked Questions About the IPC

What does IPC stand for?: IPC stands for International Primary Curriculum, a thematic curriculum for children aged 5 to 11 used by international schools around the world.
What ages does the IPC cover?: The IPC covers ages 5 to 11 and is grouped into three stages for ages 5 to 6, 7 to 9 and 10 to 11.
How is the IPC different from the IB PYP?: Both are inquiry-based primary programmes, but the PYP is part of the IB continuum and covers ages 3 to 12, leading into the MYP and Diploma. The IPC covers ages 5 to 11 and is a stand-alone primary curriculum.
Does the IPC teach mathematics and languages?: Yes. It sets learning goals for subjects such as language arts and mathematics, although schools may teach some subjects separately alongside the themed units.
How is progress assessed in the IPC?: Teachers assess through observation, classwork and projects, and some schools use portfolios and self-reflection. Ask each school how it assesses and reports progress.
Is the IPC a qualification?: No. The IPC is a curriculum framework, not an examination. Qualifications such as IGCSEs, AP or the IB Diploma come later at secondary school.
Can my child move from an IPC school to a secondary school with another curriculum?: Yes. Many children move on to the IB MYP, IGCSE or an American middle school. Ask the school how it prepares children for the transition.
Is the IPC recognized worldwide?: It is used by international schools in more than 90 countries, which makes it familiar to many schools, although it is a primary curriculum and not a university entry qualification.
Which schools in Tianjin offer the IPC?: Ask each school which primary curriculum it follows, as schools sometimes adapt or combine programmes. Our school profiles list the curriculum for each school.