The IB Continuum
One philosophy, from a child's first question to their final diploma.
At Healthy Mind, a child can begin at age three and leave with an International Baccalaureate Diploma without ever leaving the idea that shaped them. Three programmes form one continuous education: that real understanding is built through inquiry, and that courageous thinkers, leaders and global citizens are grown deliberately, year on year. Below is the full continuum, set out in detail.
Inside the Healthy Mind Curriculum
I Ages 3–12 · Years K–5 · 10 years
Primary Years Programme
Foundation for lifelong learning
The Primary Years Programme develops the whole child as an inquirer, in the classroom and well beyond it. Through a student-centred approach, young learners become caring, active participants in a lifelong journey of learning.
Framework & philosophy
The PYP framework begins with the premise that students are agents of their own learning and partners in the learning process. It prioritises people and their relationships to build a strong learning community. Through six transdisciplinary themes, students explore concepts of local and global significance, drawing on knowledge and skills from six subject areas alongside a set of transdisciplinary skills.
Signature components
- Six transdisciplinary themes that cross traditional subject boundaries
- An inquiry-based approach that builds genuine critical thinking
- Multilingual education that supports mother-tongue development
- Conceptual understanding through key and related concepts
- The student-led Exhibition, a culminating demonstration of deep learning
- Assessment practices that support and inform learning
Areas of study
- Language Arts & Literature
- Mathematics
- Science & Technology
- Social Studies
- The Arts
- Physical, Social & Personal Education
What it develops
- Foundational academic skills across every discipline
- Critical thinking and early research methods
- Intercultural understanding and global awareness
- Confident communication and collaboration
II Ages 11–16 · Years 6–10 · 5 years
Middle Years Programme
Connecting learning to the world
The Middle Years Programme is a challenging framework that encourages students to make practical connections between their studies and the real world. It builds the skills for communication, intercultural understanding and global engagement that define young people becoming leaders.
Academic rigour & balance
The MYP comprises eight subject groups, giving early adolescents a broad and balanced education. It emphasises intellectual challenge, encouraging students to connect traditional subjects with the real world, and to develop the critical and reflective thinking that prepares them for success in further study and in life beyond the classroom.
Signature components
- Eight subject groups providing a broad, balanced education
- Global contexts that give meaning to learning and study
- Key and related concepts that drive deeper inquiry
- Approaches to Learning (ATL) skills across five categories
- The Personal Project, a culminating independent study in the final year
Areas of study
- Language & Literature
- Language Acquisition
- Individuals & Societies
- Sciences
- Mathematics
- Arts
- Physical & Health Education
- Design
What it develops
- Research and analytical capability
- Academic writing and communication excellence
- Problem-solving and critical thinking
- Readiness for advanced academic study
III Ages 16–19 · Years 11–12 · 2 years
Diploma Programme
Gateway to the world's leading universities
The Diploma Programme is a rigorous, two-year pre-university course for students aged 16 to 19. Broad-based and balanced, it develops students who are knowledgeable and inquiring, and equally caring, open-minded and able to evaluate a genuine range of perspectives.
Core components
The DP is built on six subject groups and the DP core: Theory of Knowledge (TOK), Creativity, Activity, Service (CAS) and the Extended Essay. Through the core, students reflect on the nature of knowledge, carry out independent research and undertake projects that often involve community service. These three elements sit at the heart of the DP and challenge students to apply their knowledge and skills.
Signature components
- Six academic areas ensuring breadth and depth of study
- The Extended Essay, a 4,000-word piece of independent research
- Theory of Knowledge, examining how we know what we know
- Creativity, Activity, Service, promoting experiential learning
- Internal and external assessment that secures academic rigour
- Recognition by leading universities worldwide
Areas of study
- Group 1 · Studies in Language & Literature
- Group 2 · Language Acquisition
- Group 3 · Individuals & Societies
- Group 4 · Sciences
- Group 5 · Mathematics
- Group 6 · The Arts
What it develops
- A competitive advantage in university admissions
- Advanced research and analytical capability
- Intellectual rigour and academic excellence
- Readiness for leadership in global contexts