Insights from SAIBSA: Strengthening Our PYP Lens and Leadership

Attending the SAIBSA meet on 29th November 2025 at Treamis International School was both energising and enriching. The sessions offered not just updates on the latest developments in the PYP, but also meaningful conversations on how we, as coordinators and leaders, can take this learning back to our teams and strengthen our practices.

One of the biggest highlights was the way Ms. Devika guided us through the most recent updates in the IB Primary Years Programme. Drawing from her own learning in a recent IB workshop, she unpacked the shifts with clarity and purpose. Her facilitation helped us connect policy-level changes to real-life classroom implementation—an essential step for any PYP leader.

We were also fortunate to hear from Mr. Kaisar Dopaishi, the President of SAIBSA, whose insights were thought-provoking. He deliberately brought our focus back to the heart of the PYP: student agency and action. His emphasis on placing learners at the centre reminded us that the purpose of every update, every document, and every planning cycle is ultimately to empower students to take ownership of their learning and make meaningful contributions to their world.

A significant part of the day involved hands-on tasks built around PDP (Programme Development Plan). These exercises pushed us, as coordinators, to revisit and deepen our understanding of the PYP’s foundational text, From Principles into Practice. It became a moment of professional introspection—an opportunity to realign our interpretations, clarify our confusions, and validate the practices we have been implementing in our schools.

What stood out most was how the collaborative nature of these sessions fostered fresh perspectives. Hearing how different schools approach similar challenges helped us see new possibilities, reaffirm what is working, and reconsider what might need refining.

Overall, the SAIBSA meet was more than just a professional development event—it was a reminder of our collective responsibility as PYP educators. It encouraged us to return to our schools with renewed clarity, confidence, and commitment to nurturing a culture of inquiry, agency, and continuous improvement.