Primary School - Pechersk School International (PSI Kyiv)

PRIMARY SCHOOL

At PSI, Primary School is where inquiry, creativity, and global thinking begin to take shape.

Designed for children aged 6 to 12, our Primary school' programme offers a rich and engaging learning environment built around the International Baccalaureate Primary Years Programme (PYP). Through hands-on exploration and meaningful inquiry, students develop the knowledge, skills, and confidence to understand themselves, connect with others, and make a positive impact in the world.

On the photo: 'Learner Profile' Assembly, September 2025.

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Welcome

The Primary Years at PSI are a time of incredible growth — full of wonder, questions, and discovery. Our job is to guide each child through this exciting journey by creating a safe, inclusive, and inspiring environment where they feel known, supported, and challenged,

Through the IB Primary Years Programme framework, we help students develop not only strong academic foundations, but also the confidence, empathy, and critical thinking they will need in a rapidly changing world. We are proud to walk this journey with them — and with you.

Bryan Reardon

Primary School Principal

Video: Hear from our Grade 4/5 students, 2025.

6-12 years old

Primary School

PSI is proud to be an IB World School, authorised to offer the Primary Years Programme (PYP) — a globally recognised curriculum designed for children aged 3 to 12.

At PSI, each grade level explores these themes through carefully designed Units of Inquiry that reflect both the global nature of the PYP and the unique context of learning in Ukraine.

Unit of Inquiry

Each Unit of Inquiry focuses on a central idea that drives deep thinking and understanding.

Through these units, students co-construct knowledge across subjects like science, social studies, literacy, maths, and the arts. While we aim to integrate learning as much as possible, there are also stand-alone units that offer focused, inquiry-based learning in specific disciplines.

On the image: Graphic illustration of the new Primary Years Programme organising structure.

On the image: Primary school classroom, 2025.

Learning spaces

When you step into a PSI Primary classroom, you’ll see children exploring, questioning, sharing, and taking the lead in their own learning.

Units are developmentally appropriate and interdisciplinary
Learning on display: Children’s ideas and progress are visible on the walls, in portfolios, and in everyday discussions.
Thinking made visible: Teachers and students record their ideas and conversations as part of the learning process.
Active participation: Students plan, reflect, and take action, making their learning meaningful and personal.
Living the IB values: The IB Learner Profile and key concepts are part of daily life in class—not just posters on a wall.

A Typical Day

Every day at PSI is designed to balance structured learning with exploration, play, and movement.

Our students experience a rich and varied school day that encourages inquiry, creativity, and collaboration.

On the photo: Learning in action, 2025.

Additional Information

Assessment

At PSI, we view assessment as part of the learning process, not separate from it.

It helps teachers personalise learning, helps students reflect and grow, and helps families understand their child’s progress.

Subject-Specific Knowledge

Through engaging, real-world learning experiences, students make connections between disciplines, apply skills in new contexts, and build deep, lasting understanding.

While we encourage transdisciplinary learning, we also recognise the importance of developing strong subject-specific knowledge — in areas such as:

Mathematics
Literacy
Science
Social Studies
Arts (Visual Art, Music, Drama)
Physical Education

Learning Outdoors with Outdoor Play and Learning (OPAL)

We are proud to be an OPAL (Outdoor Play and Learning) school. OPAL is a UK-developed programme that recognises the value of outdoor play as a powerful tool for learning, development, and wellbeing.

Through OPAL, our campus offers:

A variety of safe, engaging outdoor play zones
Natural materials and loose parts that spark creativity
Opportunities to take risks, solve problems, and work together
Time and space for independent, self-directed play

Learning Support

At PSI, we believe every child has the right to access high-quality learning — and to feel successful in doing so.

Our Learning Support Team provides personalised support to students who benefit from additional scaffolding in academic, emotional, or behavioural areas. This includes:

In-class support and small-group interventions
Individualised learning plans (ILPs)
Differentiated materials and approaches
Close collaboration with classroom teachers and families
Regular meetings with families to review progress and next steps

We also recognise the importance of social-emotional learning and work with our counselling team to ensure all students feel safe, connected, and empowered.

Voices of our students

Sofiia

Grade 5

I love being at PSI because we do things that most schools don’t!

We go on trips to museums, help others through charity work, and have lots of fun events. Our teachers are really kind and always help us. I also love Physical Education — we play so many different games.

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