Early Years Programme (EYP) (Playgroup–UKG)

Curiosity, Creativity, Connection from Day One

The Universal Baccalaureate (UBacc) Early Years Programme (Playgroup to UKG) provides a holistic, play-based, and inquiry-led learning experience for young children. Instead of separating subjects into isolated areas, the programme connects knowledge, skills, and values across nine key areas of learning. This approach encourages children to explore, ask questions, and develop a broad understanding of the world around them while building important life skills in a natural and engaging way.

Programme Philosophy

The Universal Baccalaureate Early Years Programme (EYP), designed for children from Playgroup to UKG, is based on the world’s leading early childhood education practices. It combines proven methods from globally respected systems, including Finland’s play-based learning, Reggio Emilia’s child-led exploration, Montessori’s focus on independence, HighScope’s active learning approach, IB-PYP Early Years’ inquiry-based learning, and Waldorf’s emphasis on creativity and imagination. This carefully designed approach supports the balanced development of your child’s thinking, emotional well-being, physical abilities, and creative expression. EYP helps children build a strong foundation for lifelong learning while nurturing curiosity, confidence, and a love for discovery.

EYP is inspired by the world’s leading early childhood education frameworks and global best practices.

Finland (play and phenomenon-based learning)

Reggio Emilia (child-led exploration, environment as the third teacher)

Montessori (independence and practical life)

HighScope (active participatory learning)

Universal Baccalaureate (UBacc) Student Profile

As UBacc Students, We Strive to Be…

Principled and Responsible

We uphold integrity, honesty, fairness, and justice in all that we do. We honour the dignity and rights of every individual, taking full ownership of our actions and their impact.

Caring and Compassionate

We lead with empathy, kindness, and respect, recognising the value of every life. We commit ourselves to service, creating positive change in our communities and contributing to the betterment of the world.

Open-Minded and Culturally Aware

We embrace the richness of our own cultures and histories while respecting and learning from the traditions of others. We welcome new viewpoints with humility and grow through every encounter with the unfamiliar.

Clear and Confident Communicators

We articulate our thoughts with clarity, creativity, and purpose in more than one language and through many forms of expression. We listen with empathy, valuing diverse perspectives and building understanding through meaningful dialogue.

Critical and Creative Thinkers

We challenge ideas with discernment and imagination, crafting solutions that are both innovative and responsible. We act with initiative, guided by reason and anchored in unwavering ethical principles.

Knowledge Seekers Across Disciplines

We pursue wisdom beyond boundaries, exploring ideas that connect cultures, sciences, and the arts. We engage wholeheartedly with issues of local relevance and global significance, seeking understanding that transforms both thought and action.

Curious and Lifelong Learners

We ignite our curiosity, cultivating the art of inquiry, deep research, and meaningful discovery. We embrace learning as both a personal and shared adventure, nurturing a passion for knowledge that grows richer and deeper throughout our lives.

Courageous and Resilient

We meet uncertainty with courage, exploring bold ideas and pioneering solutions. We remain steadfast and resourceful in the face of challenges, transforming adversity into growth.

Balanced and Well-Rounded

We cultivate harmony between mind, body, and spirit, striving for holistic well-being. We recognise our deep interconnection with people, nature, and the planet we share.

Reflective and Self-Aware

We pause to reflect on our thoughts, actions, and experiences, drawing wisdom from each.

We embrace our strengths, work on our limitations, and commit to constant personal growth and purposeful living.

Why Early Childhood Education Matters Most in UBacc

Early childhood represents the most formative period of human development. Research in neuroscience and developmental psychology shows that 90% of brain development occurs before the age of six, laying the foundation for a child’s intellectual, emotional, social, and physical growth. Between the age of 3 and 6, children’s brains are highly receptive, their curiosity boundless, and their potential limitless. The Universal Baccalaureate (UBacc) Framework recognizes early childhood education as the gateway to holistic human development and as the bedrock for future academic and personal success. Unlike traditional approaches that emphasize early formal instruction, the UBacc Early Years Programme values play, inquiry, creativity, and care as the most natural and effective pathways to learning.The UBacc Early Years Programme (EYP) is designed to ensure every child develops the skills, confidence, and values to thrive in a rapidly changing world.

Approach in the EYP

Open and free play

The greatest emphasis in our EYP classrooms is play and social emotional learning. Children should be supported, nurtured, and encouraged through open/free play. Teachers will constantly look for teachable moments through play and will use their student’s interest to develop their classroom centers, activities, and curriculum. By giving the students the tools to navigate their new social experiences this allows for each child to form friendships, navigate tricky situations like sharing, waiting their turn or speaking up for themselves in a large group. We know from many years of experience that this feeds into the rest of their learning. Students build the skills to play independently and in a group which allows them to make deeper, more meaningful connections to other academics and play-based learning.

A student centred approach

The EYP begins with a clear belief: students are active agents of their own learning. They are partners in the learning process, taking responsibility, making choices, and reflecting on their progress. Relationships form the heart of the programme, creating a vibrant learning community where students feel valued, empowered, and connected.

EYP students learn through inquiry, reflection, and meaningful action, developing the knowledge, skills, and attributes of the UBacc Student Profile to make a positive difference in their own lives, their communities, and the wider world.

Learning in the EYP

Nurturing

Every child is recognised as capable, curious, and full of potential, connected to the real world beyond the classroom.

Engaging

Inquiry-driven, concept-based learning experiences encourage deep engagement and understanding.

Challenging

Encouraging children to think deeply, take initiative, and take pride in their understanding.

Inquiry-Based Learning Principles in the UBacc Early Years Programme

Commitment to Professional Growth
Educators model inquiry by continuously reflecting on and improving their teaching practices. They study how children learn as an essential part of their professional development, ensuring teaching remains responsive and effective.
Valuing Students as Capable Inquirers
Every child is seen as naturally curious and capable of questioning, investigating, and discovering. The programme encourages meaningful learning experiences that spark and sustain conceptual exploration.
Purposeful Whole-Class Experiences
Whole-class activities are thoughtfully designed to promote instruction, collaboration, and deep reflection. Educators use prompts, tools, and strategies that support children’s thinking and help them reflect on their own learning processes.
Open-Minded Inquiry Process
Inquiry is approached with flexibility and curiosity. Conceptual understanding serves as a foundation for sustained, meaningful investigations rather than isolated facts.
Learning through Real-World Contexts
Real-world experiences, such as field trips and primary sources, are integral to the learning process. These experiences create opportunities for deliberate connections across different areas of learning, making education relevant and engaging.
Hands-On and Experiential Learning
Children learn most effectively through sensory-rich, hands-on experiences. The programme provides opportunities to develop skills through authentic activities that connect learning to real life.
Stimuli for Inquiry
Learning materials, engaging activities, and field trips serve as starting points for inquiry. Educators design routines, questions, and strategies that encourage children to apply their thinking across different contexts.
Flexible Learning Spaces and Collaboration
Learning environments are thoughtfully arranged to promote independence, creativity, and teamwork. Flexible groupings and diverse strategies personalize learning to meet each child’s needs.
Extending Learning through Inquiry
Children are challenged with open-ended questions and complex problems. Their prior knowledge is used as a springboard for further discovery, with time given for wonder, exploration, theory-building, and revision.
Feedback and Assessment
Ongoing, meaningful feedback helps children understand their progress. Learning outcomes are assessed against clear success criteria, supporting continuous growth and reflection.
Collaborative Learning Culture
The programme values both individual contributions and group collaboration. Children are encouraged to conduct research, share perspectives, and reflect together, fostering a culture of shared learning and mutual respect.

Our Promise

At UBacc, we promise to give your child the very best start to their educational journey. The Early Years Programme (Playgroup to UKG) brings together the world’s most respected early childhood practices, blending play, inquiry, creativity, and independence in a safe and nurturing environment. We are committed to creating a safe, nurturing, and inspiring environment where every child is seen as capable and curious. Our dedicated and highly trained educators guide each child with care, helping them build confidence, resilience, and a lifelong love of learning. With EYP, we ensure that each child receives not just an excellent education, but a joyful foundation for life and lifelong learning.

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