The Six Transdisciplinary Themes of Global Significance
International Baccalaureate learning aims to transcend traditional boundaries between subject areas in the Primary Years Programme (PYP).
This week, we are continuing our series about what encompasses an IB education with an article on transdisciplinary learning and transdisciplinary themes!
Transdisciplinary is a big word that describes the holistic learning experience at Morganton Day School, which allows students to engage with concepts and learn new skills across subject matters instead of within a silo. Subjects are distinct, but connections are recognized.
IB learning aims to transcend traditional boundaries between subject areas in the Primary Years Programme, by encouraging students to explore six transdisciplinary themes of global significance:
Who We Are
Where we are in Place and Time
How We Express Ourselves
How the World Works
How we Organize Ourselves
Sharing the Planet
The IB programme provides a detailed and developmentally appropriate curriculum framework that is broad, balanced, conceptual, and connected. Each year, students focus on these six transdisciplinary themes that promote conceptual learning, focus on powerful organizing ideas that are relevant across subject areas, and help students integrate learning. The importance of making connections and learning about the world in ways that reach beyond the scope of individual subjects is emphasized as each theme is explored. Students have authentic opportunities to connect their learning to the world around them.
When learning is transdisciplinary, the subject areas are no longer distinguishable. Everything blends perfectly together to create a unified end-product, like ingredients in a cake. All subject areas support the theme under investigation. Whether students are in Art, Spanish, Music, PE, or Technology, classroom themes and learning all work together to support the Unit of Inquiry.
These transdisciplinary themes are worth exploring regardless of where the PYP students are in the world and have global significance for all students in all cultures. By exploring these themes each year, students develop depth in conceptual knowledge and better understand the interconnectedness of their world, other people, and facts and theories across the globe.
