The Programme of Inquiry is the backbone of learning at Intiwasi. It is how we organize what your children investigate, how they think, and who they are becoming.
At Intiwasi, learning is not broken into isolated subjects. Everything connects through big ideas that matter in the real world. The POI is the structure that makes that connection possible.
The Framework
Every unit of learning falls under one of these big themes that connect all areas of the curriculum.
Quienes Somos
An inquiry into the nature of the self; beliefs and values; personal, physical, mental, social and spiritual health; human relationships.
Como Nos Organizamos
An inquiry into the interconnectedness of human-made systems and communities; the structure and function of organizations.
Como Nos Expresamos
An inquiry into the ways in which we discover and express ideas, feelings, nature, culture, beliefs and values.
Como Funciona el Mundo
An inquiry into the natural world and its laws; the interaction between the natural world and human societies.
Compartiendo el Planeta
An inquiry into rights and responsibilities in the struggle to share finite resources with other people and living things.
Donde Estamos en el Tiempo y el Espacio
An inquiry into orientation in place and time; personal histories; homes and journeys; discoveries and migrations.
Step by Step
Each unit is built from several elements. Follow this guide to understand what is learned, why, and how.
Tema Transdisciplinario
This is the big global idea that connects different areas of learning. Instead of teaching isolated subjects, the theme allows everything to relate within one meaningful idea.
Sharing the Planet — Students investigate water, natural resources, animals and their habitats, human impact on the environment.
Idea Central
This is the main understanding we want students to build. Not a topic or a list of facts — it is a statement that helps understand why what they are learning matters.
"Water is essential to life." This leads to investigating who needs water, where it comes from, how it circulates, and what responsibility we have.
Lineas de Indagacion
These are the specific research paths. They break the central idea into smaller, manageable aspects for deeper exploration.
Conceptos Clave
These are the thinking lenses that guide inquiry. They help students look beyond facts and develop deep, transferable understanding.
Enfoques del Aprendizaje (ATLs)
These are the skills students develop to learn more independently. Not just what they know, but how they investigate, think, and organize themselves.
Perfil del Estudiante
These are the values and attitudes we aim to develop. Learning in the PYP is not only about knowledge — it is about forming responsible, reflective people.
A PYP unit does not just answer: "What will children learn?"
It also answers: What will they understand, how will they think, what skills will they develop, and what kind of people do we want to help them become?
Thinking Lenses
These thinking lenses guide the questions students ask during each unit.
What is it like?
Explores characteristics, structure, and form.
How does it work?
Investigates purpose, role, and how things operate.
Why does it happen?
Searches for reasons, origins, and causes.
How is it changing?
Examines transformation, evolution, and change over time.
How is it related?
Identifies links between ideas, systems, people, and contexts.
How do we see it?
Considers different viewpoints, cultures, and ways of understanding.
What should we do?
Reflects on our obligations to ourselves, others, and the planet.
Explore by Grade
Select your child's level to see the units they are investigating this year.
"Understanding myself and others helps me build better relationships."
"Communities are diverse and organized, with individuals playing important roles."
"Feelings and emotions can be expressed using colors."
"Ecosystems are made up of living organisms that interact and adapt."
"A cycle is a series of changes an organism goes through throughout its life."
"People have special places that help them feel safe and connected."
"Friendships can enrich our lives and require nurturing in order to develop."
"Communities are made up of various elements that work together."
"People express their feelings and ideas in many ways."
"People interact with the universe to understand patterns and life on Earth."
"Pollination plays a vital role in the ecosystem, fostering interdependence."
"People belong to places that have meaning and history."
"Each family has a structure that supports its members."
"Communities thrive through collaboration and celebrating cultural diversity."
"The expression of identities and values creates a world full of diversity."
"Movement causes change."
"The trash we produce and how we respond affects our environment."
"People use maps and globes to explore communities and the world."
"Our choices shape who we are and how we relate to others."
"Communities thrive through collaboration, organization, and decision-making."
"Traditions are passed on from one generation to another and they are diverse."
"Forces of earth and celestial bodies have an impact on earth."
"Water is essential to life."
"People move, settle, and create stories to understand their place in the world."
"Our physical, emotional, and social choices shape who we are and how we grow."
"Leaders guide communities to collaborate, stay organized, and make decisions."
"Celebrations are a way of expression."
"Like an onion, the earth is made of different layers."
"Living beings coexist in the same ecosystem and adapt to their habitats."
"People and places change over time and leave traces of their history."
"Our understanding of heroes helps us explore our own identity, values, and potential."
"Community organizations and activists work to ignite change."
"The Arts and innovations can be powerful tools for creative self-expression."
"The impact of industrialization."
"How we use natural resources has an impact on our planet."
"People use maps, stories, and observations to understand where they are."
"Culture and societies are influenced by community and personal choices."
"Inventions change the way things are and can impact lives."
"The natural elements affect how we feel and express ourselves."
"Rocks and minerals are essential to humans."
"Energy may be converted, transferred, and used to support human progress."
"Exploration leads to discoveries, opportunities, and new understandings."
"Leaders influence individual beliefs."
"Individual identities and shared experiences shape our understanding."
"Life experiences influence expression."
"Migration throughout time has influenced societies today."
"Change occurs when ideas and values are in conflict."
"Perspective drives our appreciation for and understanding of beliefs and values."
"We cannot have rights without responsibilities."
"Communities are organized systems that rely on collaboration and leadership."
"Social media is a powerful tool that can influence society."
"Human evolution is the lengthy process of change."
"Resources are limited and future demands need to be met."
"The discovery of agriculture gave birth to early civilizations."
Beyond Knowledge
The POI does not just seek knowledge — it builds people with values and life skills.
Inquirer
Indagador
Knowledgeable
Informado
Thinker
Pensador
Communicator
Buen comunicador
Principled
Integro
Open-minded
De mentalidad abierta
Caring
Solidario
Risk-taker
Audaz
Balanced
Equilibrado
Reflective
Reflexivo
Habilidades de Pensamiento
Compare, analyze, evaluate, create solutions and make decisions.
Habilidades de Investigacion
Observe, collect data, record information and seek sources.
Habilidades de Comunicacion
Express ideas, listen, present conclusions and share.
Habilidades Sociales
Collaborate, negotiate, resolve conflicts and work in teams.
Habilidades de Autogestion
Organize, follow a plan, meet goals and reflect.
FAQ
It means subjects are not taught in isolation. In a unit about "water," children might do science (water cycle), math (measuring volumes), writing (reports), and art (water painting) — all connected to the same central idea.
The POI is the central structure of the IB PYP (Primary Years Programme). The 6 transdisciplinary themes, key concepts, and inquiry-based approach are pillars of the IB curriculum. Intiwasi implements this philosophy adapted to our bilingual, multicultural community.
Children do learn math, language, science, and other subjects — but these are integrated within POI units when possible, and also taught separately when needed. The POI is the framework that gives meaning and context to learning.
Key concepts (like "causation," "connection," or "responsibility") are thinking lenses that guide children's questions. Instead of memorizing facts, they learn to think critically and transfer what they know to new situations.
Ask your child what they are investigating and what they discovered. Ask open-ended questions like "why do you think that happens?" or "how is it connected to...?" The most valuable thing you can do is foster curiosity and celebrate the process of discovery, not just the result.
Each unit lasts approximately 5-6 weeks. During the school year, students go through all 6 transdisciplinary theme units, each exploring a different aspect of the world around them.
They are skills children develop to learn independently: critical thinking, research, communication, teamwork, and organization. They are as important as academic content because they prepare children to learn throughout their lives.
