More Than a Circus Act: Juggling International Baccalaureate Curriculum and Local Compliance in Government Primary Schools

• In Event: 72.029 - College and Career Readiness: Preparation, Effects, and Matching

Abstract

The aim of this research study was to evaluate the impact of the International Baccalaureate Primary Years Programme (PYP) implementation on student outcomes, pedagogical practice and school culture in thirteen Victorian Government PYP primary schools. The study also sought in-depth understandings of what influences schools to implement the PYP, to what extent the perceived benefits of PYP implementation are realized in practice and the emergent challenges and enablers associated with the introduction of the Australian National Curriculum. Challenges shared across the schools included juggling the IB curriculum framework with the compliance requirements of the State Department of Education around curriculum, assessment, reporting and resourcing; staff recruitment and retention, funding for professional development of teachers, and ensuring that parents understand PYP.

Author

• Annette E. Gough, RMIT University