Send us a text

Ready to peel back the layers of the International Baccalaureate and the Primary Years Programme? 

Join me as Peter Bonner, the esteemed Principal of GEMS World Academy in Dubai, pulls back the curtain on the world of education through the lens of these dynamic curricula. From his unexpected shift from city planning to the helm of a leading educational institution, Peter maps out the landscape of curriculum development, the balancing act between global standards and local tailoring, and the critical role educators play in keeping the classroom compass pointing true north.

Venture into the heart of PYP and its six fundamental themes that transcend discipline boundaries, fostering a concept-based and skill-centric approach to learning. Peter and I navigate the balance between inquiry-led exploration and structured subject lessons, shedding light on how schools like GEMS World Academy ignite student passions within the curriculum's flexible framework. With a peek into the professional development that enriches IB educators and a nod to the upcoming 2025 IB conference, this episode stitches together the day-to-day embodiment of transdisciplinary themes in a tapestry of student growth and curiosity.

As we near the close of this enriching dialogue, we witness the crescendo of the PYP journey—the PYP exhibition. Peter opens up about the transformational power of well-being in schools, particularly in post-pandemic times, and GEMS World Academy's pursuit of excellence through innovation and expansion. Every conversation with Peter is a walk through the hallways of educational evolution, where the echoes of student laughter mix with the sounds of progress. So, pull up a chair and lend an ear – your outlook on education is about to be transformed.

Send us a text