Abroad International School
Programme of Inquiry

Where We Are In
Place and TimeHow We Express
Ourselves

How The WorldWorks

How We Organize
Ourselves

Sharing ThePlanet

An inquiry into orientation in place
and time; personal histories; homes
and journeys; the discoveries,
explorations and migrations ofhumankind; the relationships
between and the interconnectednessof individuals and civilizations, fromlocal and global perspectives.

An inquiry into the ways in which we
discover and express ideas, feelings,
nature, culture, beliefs and values;
the ways in which we reflect on,extend and enjoy our creativity; ourappreciation of the aesthetic.

An inquiry into the natural world andits laws; the interaction between thenatural world (physical and biological) and human societies; howhumans use their understanding of
scientific principles; the impact ofscientific and technological advanceson society and on the environment.

An inquiry into the interconnected ness of human-made systems andcommunities; the structure andfunction of organizations; societal
decision making; economic activities
and their impact on humankind andthe environment..

An inquiry into rights and responsi bilities in the struggle to share finite
resources with other people and withother living things; communities andthe relationships within and between
them; access to equal opportunities;
peace and conflict resolution..

Central idea
Family relationships contribute to shaping
our identity.
Key concepts: form, responsibility,reflection
Related concepts: similarities anddifferences, belonging, roles
Lines of inquiry• Diversity of families• Responsibilities within the family• How families influence who we become

Central idea
Through play we express our feelings andideas and come to new understandings.
Key concepts: function, connection,perspective
Related concepts: imagination, creativity,communicationLines of inquiry• Communicating through play
• Imaginative use of materials• The role of toys in play

Central idea
The Earth’s natural cycles influence theactivity of living things.
Key concepts: causation, change,connection
Related concepts: cycles, interaction,patternLines of inquiry• Natural cycles (eg night and day,weather patterns, seasons)• The actions people take in response toEarth’s natural cycles• Patterns of behaviour in living thingsrelated to Earth’s natural cycles

Central idea
People’s relationships with each other canhave an impact on well-being.
Key concepts: function, connection,responsibility
Related concepts: cooperation, friendship,balanceLines of inquiry• How we develop relationships• How relationships aﬀect us• Roles and behaviours within
relationships

Central idea
Stories can engage their audience andcommunicate meaning.
Key concepts: form, connection,perspective
Related concepts: communication,characterization, expression
Lines of inquiry• How to construct an eﬀective story• What stories can convey• How stories are created and shared• Feelings and emotions that stories evoke

Central idea
Materials behave and interact in certainways, which determine how people usethem.
Key concepts: function, causation, change
Related concepts: behaviour, prediction,
innovationLines of inquiry• Behaviour of materials• Changing properties of materials• Manipulation and application ofmaterials to new purposes

Central idea
Many products go through a process ofchange before they are consumed or used.
Key concepts: change, connection,
responsibility
Related concepts: components, process,choiceLines of inquiry• Origins of products• Changes products go through• Distribution of products• How people select the products they use

Central idea
Central idea
Celebrations and traditions are expressions All living things go through a process ofchange.
of shared beliefs and values.
Key concepts: form, connection, perspective Key concepts: causation, change,connection
Related concepts: beliefs, values,belonging, culture
Related concepts: cycles, transformation,Lines of inquiry
similarities and differences• Why people celebrate
Lines of inquiry• Features of traditions and celebrations• Patterns of growth• Symbolic representations of celebrations• How living things change over theirand traditions
lifetime• What meaning people assign to• Factors that can influence life cycles
celebrations and traditions

Central idea
Communities make efforts to createtransportation systems that meet theirneeds.
Key concepts: form, function, change
Related concepts: network, technology,
sustainability
Lines of inquiry• Features of transportation systems• Decisions involved in usingtransportation• How systems of transportation respondto changing needsWho We Are
An inquiry into the nature of the self;
beliefs and values; personal, physical,mental, social and spiritual health;human relationships including
families, friends, communities andcultures; rights and responsibilities;
what it means to be human.

Age
3-4

Age
4-5

Age
5-6

Central idea
Awareness of our characteristics, abilities
and interests informs our learning anddevelopment.
Key concepts: form, perspective, reflection
Related concepts: identity, similarities anddifferences
Lines of inquiry• Physical, social and emotional
characteristics• Similarities and diﬀerences between
ourselves and others• Personal abilities and interests

Central idea
Homes reflect cultural influences and localconditions.
Key concepts: form, connection,perspective
Related concepts: culture, needs,
ownership, locality
Lines of inquiry• What constitutes a home
• How homes reflect family values• How homes reflect local culture• Factors that determine where people
live

Central idea
Animals and people interact in different
ways in different contexts.
Key concepts: connection, perspective,responsibility
Related concepts: characteristics,
relationships, needs
Lines of inquiry• The diﬀerent roles animals play inpeople’s lives• Suitability of particular animals for
specific functions• Our responsibility for the well-being ofanimals