It's official. Southlands Elementary School has been certified as an International Baccalaureate Primary Years Programme (PYP) World School.

The new PYP at Southlands will serve students aged 5 to 12 and will focus on the development of the whole child as an inquirer, both in the classroom and in the world outside. The school's framework will be guided by six interdisciplinary themes of global significance, incorporating interdisciplinary skills along with a powerful emphasis on inquiry. To learn more about the program, click here.

The school's principal Kim Nemeth says the school is awash in excitement. 

"Congratulations to the staff, students and families for working so hard to support this programme's development," she says. "Your dedication to the IB learning philosophy and your vision of Southlands as an IB World School has helped make us a recognized outstanding school."  

Southlands Elementary and VSB staff said they want to acknowledge the partnership and support of the Musqueam Nation, the staff of Creative Minds Early Learning Society, the University of British Columbia Department for Indigenous Education and the generosity of the North Foundation. All of these groups have contributed significantly to the successful certification of the International Baccalaureate program at Southlands.