Why Inquiry-Based Learning Matters
Inquiry-based learning puts children at the centre of their own learning journey. Instead of simply receiving information, children ask questions, explore, and construct understanding through hands-on experience.
The IB Approach
The International Baccalaureate Primary Years Programme (PYP) is built on the principle that children learn best when they are actively engaged in meaningful, relevant, and challenging learning experiences.
What This Looks Like in Practice
In an inquiry-based classroom, you might see:
- Children investigating bugs in the garden with magnifying glasses
- A group building a "hospital" in the dramatic play area after a classmate's visit to the doctor
- Students creating their own books about topics they're passionate about
Why It Works
Research consistently shows that inquiry-based approaches lead to deeper understanding, better retention, and more transferable skills. Children who learn through inquiry develop:
- Critical thinking — They learn to question, analyse, and evaluate
- Communication — They practise expressing ideas in multiple ways
- Self-management — They develop agency over their own learning
- Research skills — They learn to gather and interpret information
The key is that learning is driven by genuine curiosity, not by a prescribed sequence of activities.
