International curriculum (IPC / IMYC / IEYC): A parent's guide

Curriculum guide

International curriculum

The International Curriculum is a family of programmes — IEYC (early years), IPC (primary) and IMYC (middle years) — developed in the UK by Fieldwork Education. It's thematic and inquiry-based, often paired with a national curriculum or IB stream for the senior years rather than running stand-alone.

Ages 2–5

IEYC (Early Years)

Play-based early years with a focus on wellbeing, awe and wonder, and early exploration through eight learning strands.

Ages 5–11

IPC (Primary)

Thematic units of work organised around big questions ("Time Travellers", "Treasure"). Each unit hits subject-specific learning goals (history, science, art) tied to the theme.

Ages 11–14

IMYC (Middle Years)

Concept-driven middle-years units carrying the IPC ethos forward through age 14. Most schools then move to IGCSE, IB MYP or the American model for exam-tracked years.

International (IPC)

How it fits with other curricula

Schools typically run IPC/IMYC alongside another curriculum — often British, American or Australian — using IPC's thematic units to drive cross-subject learning while the host curriculum handles formal assessment. Few schools rely on IPC for senior secondary; most switch to IGCSE, AP or IB at that stage.

Is International (IPC) right for your child?

It tends to suit families who…

•Value inquiry, themes and international-mindedness
•Want a thematic primary paired with a strong secondary
•Are likely to move between IPC-adopting schools

It may be less ideal if…

•You want a single curriculum from primary to university
•You're worried about assessment being teacher-led rather than externally examined

Common questions

FAQs about the International (IPC) curriculum

Is IPC a recognised qualification? +

IPC and IMYC aren't externally examined qualifications — they're curriculum frameworks. The recognised qualification at the end of school will be whatever pathway the school continues with (IGCSE, AP, IB, etc.).

Will my child be at a disadvantage moving to a non-IPC school? +

No — IPC covers the same subject knowledge as most national primary curricula, just packaged thematically. Transitions between IPC schools and others (British, American, IB primary) are routine.

Understanding international school curricula