Whole school

International Primary Curriculum (IPC)

19-02-2026

Choosing the right curriculum can feel like a big decision for families.

International Primary Curriculum (IPC): Everything you need to know 

Choosing the right curriculum can feel like a big decision for families. Beyond academic results, many parents want an approach that helps their child grow in confidence, communication, and independence. This is why the International Primary Curriculum (IPC) has become a popular choice among families. By combining strong academic learning with the development of important life skills and global awareness, IPC supports children in becoming capable, well-rounded learners, both in school and beyond. 

 

What is the International Primary Curriculum (IPC)? 

The International Primary Curriculum (IPC) is a globally recognised curriculum developed by Fieldwork Education in the UK and used by schools in more than 90 countries worldwide. It is designed to make learning meaningful, relevant, and connected to the world around children. 

Rather than teaching subjects in isolation, IPC integrates areas such as Science, History, Geography, and Art through shared themes and guiding questions. This approach helps children make connections across subjects and develop a deeper understanding of what they are learning. 

Aligned with the National Curriculum for England and enriched with a strong international perspective, IPC is well suited to schools with diverse student communities. It supports strong academic foundations while nurturing global awareness and cultural understanding.

How the International Primary Curriculum (IPC) Works at Tenby Schools Setia Eco Park 

IPC learning is organised into carefully planned units that follow a clear and engaging journey. Each stage plays a specific role in supporting children’s understanding and development. 

Stage 1: Entry Point | Sparking Curiosity 

Each IPC unit begins with an engaging Entry Point to capture students’ interest. At Tenby Schools Setia Eco Park, this may include a themed classroom setup, a hands-on activity, storytelling, role-play, or an outdoor experience. These experiences help students become excited about the topic and encourage them to ask questions. 

Stage 2: Knowledge Harvest | Understanding what students already know 

Teachers then carry out a Knowledge Harvest to explore students’ prior knowledge and ideas. Through discussions, drawings, or simple activities, teachers understand what students already know and what they are curious about, allowing lessons to be planned around their needs and interests. 

Stage 3: Research and Recording | Deepening learning through experience 

Students take part in a range of Research and Recording activities, where learning is developed through investigation, exploration, and hands-on tasks. At Tenby Schools Setia Eco Park, this may include group work, creative projects, experiments, field observations, or outdoor learning through our Nature School programme. 

Stage 4: Exit Point | Reflecting and sharing learning 

Each unit concludes with an Exit Point, often through a learning assembly or exhibition at Tenby, where students share what they have learned with parents and the wider school community. This opportunity allows students to reflect on their learning, build confidence, and celebrate their progress together. 

Whole schoolParent Pain Point: “Will my child see the purpose behind what they learn in school?” 

 

At Tenby Schools Setia Eco Park, learning through the International Primary Curriculum (IPC) is designed to help students understand not just what they are learning, but why it matters. IPC learning extends beyond textbooks and classrooms, allowing students to explore topics in real and meaningful ways. 

Each IPC unit is carefully planned to bring learning to life through relevant experiences. Guest speakers connected to the learning theme are regularly invited into school, giving students first-hand exposure to real-world expertise. For example, professionals such as a NASA-affiliated satellite engineer have spoken to students about space and technology, while the Porsche team has shared insights on road safety and real-life applications of engineering concepts. 

“When the Porsche team came, I started noticing road safety things outside of school too. It made our lesson feel useful.” - Joseph, Year 6 student 

Learning also extends beyond the school campus. Students take part in termly educational trips linked directly to their IPC units, allowing them to apply classroom learning in authentic settings. These include visits to institutions such as Monash University, where students engage in advanced STEM-related experiences connected to their studies. 

 

Are there any exams for International Primary Curriculum (IPC)? 

IPC itself does not include standardised examinations. Instead, it focuses on developing strong academic understanding alongside key skills such as thinking, communication, and collaboration. 

At Tenby Schools Setia Eco Park, students’ progress is supported through regular assessments, including annual GL Assessments, which provide an objective measure of academic development over time. These assessments cover key areas such as English, Mathematics, and Science, helping to build a clear picture of each student’s learning progress. 

The insights from GL Assessments allow teachers to identify strengths, highlight areas for improvement, and tailor teaching approaches to better support individual learning needs. For students, this means receiving timely support and appropriate challenge, ensuring they remain confident and well-prepared as learning expectations increase. This approach is reflected in our most recent results, where students achieved outcomes 10% above the global average, performing strongly even when compared with other international schools in the region. 

The long-term benefits of an IPC education 

The International Primary Curriculum (IPC) is designed to prepare students for long-term success, not just immediate academic progress. By focusing on meaningful understanding rather than memorisation, IPC helps students develop the ability to think critically, ask questions, and apply their learning across different contexts. 

As students progress through school, the skills developed through IPC — such as communication, collaboration, and problem-solving — become increasingly important. Students learn to approach challenges with confidence, take ownership of their learning, and adapt as expectations grow. 

With its strong emphasis on international-mindedness, IPC also helps students develop global awareness and an understanding of different perspectives. Together, these experiences support a smooth transition into future stages of education and prepare students to thrive in an ever-changing world. 

 

Conclusion: Learning That Grows With the Child 

Choosing the right curriculum is about more than academic outcomes alone. It is about finding an approach that supports how children learn, think, and grow over time. The International Primary Curriculum (IPC) at Tenby Schools Setia Eco Park offers a balanced and purposeful learning experience — one that combines strong academic foundations with real-world relevance, skill development, and global awareness. 

Through engaging thematic learning, meaningful assessment, and carefully designed experiences both in and beyond the classroom, IPC helps students understand the purpose behind what they learn and apply it with confidence. Supported by dedicated teachers and clear progress tracking, students are guided steadily as they develop into curious, capable, and confident learners. 

Often, the best way to understand a curriculum is to see it in action. Families are welcome to visit Tenby Schools Setia Eco Park, walk through our learning spaces, and experience how IPC supports children as they learn, grow, and gain confidence each day. 

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