IB Continuum
Table of Contents
IB Continuum at St PETER’S SCHOOL, Barcelona
The IB Continuum at St PETER’S SCHOOL offers a connected educational journey from the age of one through to university entrance. Rather than treating each programme as a separate stage, it provides one coherent learning pathway in which knowledge, skills and personal development evolve progressively over time.
This page provides an overview of that journey, from Pre-IB to the Diploma Programme (DP). From here, you can also explore dedicated pages for each programme and year, with detailed information about the curriculum, assessment, the learning experience and the practical aspects of every stage.
Why the IB Continuum makes a difference
What makes the IB Continuum distinctive is not simply that it includes three internationally recognised programmes, but that they were designed to work together as one coherent educational pathway. Rather than treating each programme as a separate educational experience, the Continuum develops shared approaches to learning, common educational principles and progressively deeper understanding from early childhood to university entrance.
Across the Primary Years Programme (PYP), Middle Years Programme (MYP) and Diploma Programme (DP), students learn through inquiry, conceptual understanding and meaningful connections between disciplines. As they grow, academic and personal expectations become increasingly demanding while the educational philosophy remains consistent, allowing each stage to build naturally on the previous one.
Why study the IB Continuum in Barcelona?
Barcelona provides an exceptional setting for international education. As an open, innovative and globally connected city, it offers students the opportunity to develop an international outlook while maintaining a strong connection to their local culture and identity.
Within this context, the IB Continuum provides an ideal educational framework for developing students who can understand different perspectives, communicate across languages and cultures, and thrive confidently in an increasingly interconnected world.
At St PETER’S SCHOOL, this is reflected in a multilingual education where English is the main language of learning, complemented by Spanish, Catalan and French. More than simply learning different languages, students develop the cognitive flexibility, intercultural understanding and communication skills needed to build meaningful connections across cultures and perspectives.
Pre-IB (Ages 1-3): building the foundations for the IB Continuum
At St PETER’S SCHOOL, every educational journey begins with strong foundations. From the age of one, children can join our Pre-IB stage, a purposefully designed learning experience that prepares them for a smooth transition into the Primary Years Programme (PYP), the first official programme of the IB Continuum.
Through play, curiosity and meaningful relationships, children develop the confidence, communication skills and independence that underpin future learning. In a carefully designed environment, they are encouraged to explore, ask questions and make sense of the world around them, while English is acquired naturally through everyday interactions and experiences.
Although Pre-IB is not part of the official IB Continuum, it is inspired by the same educational philosophy that students will encounter throughout the PYP, MYP and DP. It lays the foundations for inquiry, learner agency and a lifelong love of learning, ensuring that children enter the PYP with confidence, curiosity and a strong sense of belonging.
Primary Years Programme (PYP) (Ages 3-12): building curious, confident and independent learners
The Primary Years Programme (PYP) is the first official stage of the IB Continuum. Building on the foundations established during the early years, it encourages children to become active participants in their own learning through inquiry, conceptual understanding and meaningful real-world experiences.
At St PETER’S SCHOOL, learning is organised through transdisciplinary Units of Inquiry that help students explore significant ideas, make connections across subjects and develop a deeper understanding of the world around them. Alongside academic learning, students progressively develop the IB Approaches to Learning (ATL), strengthening their ability to think critically and creatively, communicate effectively, collaborate with others and become increasingly independent learners.
Throughout the PYP, students develop the knowledge, conceptual understanding and learning dispositions that prepare them for a successful transition into the Middle Years Programme (MYP). They leave Primary School with the confidence, curiosity and learner agency to embrace increasingly complex academic and personal challenges.
Middle Years Programme (MYP) (Ages 11–16): developing critical thinkers and responsible innovators
The Middle Years Programme (MYP) builds on the foundations of the PYP, helping students become increasingly independent, reflective and intellectually curious learners. Through concept-based and inquiry-driven learning, students deepen their understanding of academic disciplines while exploring how knowledge connects to real-world challenges.
At St PETER’S SCHOOL, learning encourages students to question assumptions, evaluate evidence and consider different perspectives. Organised around the IB Global Contexts, the curriculum helps them understand the complexity of today’s world while developing the IB Approaches to Learning (ATL), including critical thinking, collaboration, communication and self-management.
As students prepare for the Diploma Programme (DP), they progressively develop greater independence, stronger academic habits and the confidence to undertake increasingly sophisticated projects, research and interdisciplinary learning. They leave the MYP ready to engage with complex questions, make informed decisions and contribute responsibly to a rapidly changing world.
Diploma Programme (DP) (Ages 16-18): preparing students for university and beyond
The Diploma Programme (DP) is the final stage of the IB Continuum and the culmination of a coherent educational journey. It combines academic depth with intellectual curiosity, independent research and personal responsibility, preparing students to thrive at university and beyond.
At St PETER’S SCHOOL, the DP is strengthened by our PreU Excellence Framework, a programme designed to extend learning beyond the classroom. Alongside the IB Diploma, students deepen their academic profile through advanced research opportunities, develop leadership, communication and entrepreneurial skills, and build an international outlook through experiences that prepare them for an increasingly interconnected world.
Throughout the programme, students become increasingly independent learners, capable of managing demanding academic challenges while developing the confidence, resilience and ethical judgement needed for higher education and future professional life. They graduate ready not only for leading universities worldwide, but also to contribute meaningfully to society.
The St PETER'S Educational Project
A distinctive interpretation of the IB Continuum
The International Baccalaureate provides a strong educational framework. What makes every IB World School different is how that framework is interpreted and brought to life.
At St PETER’S SCHOOL, we combine the principles of the IB with our own educational vision, one that develops scientific thinking, responsible innovation, international understanding and academic excellence from the earliest years through to university entrance. Rather than viewing education as a collection of separate subjects, we help students build deep understanding, connect ideas across disciplines and develop the judgement to navigate an increasingly complex world.
Scientific Thinking from the Earliest Years
Scientific thinking is not confined to science lessons. It is a way of observing, questioning, experimenting and making evidence-informed decisions that begins in the earliest years and develops progressively throughout the entire educational journey.
As students grow, this progression is supported by dedicated learning environments, including our Lab05 for Foundation Years, our new Primary Science Lab, and specialist laboratories for Biology, Chemistry, Physics and Design Technology. Together, they form a coherent Science Continuum where curiosity evolves into increasingly sophisticated scientific inquiry.
Responsible Innovation
Technology is integrated as a tool for learning, creativity and problem solving rather than as an end in itself. Students progressively develop computational thinking, engineering design, programming and artificial intelligence while strengthening the ethical judgement and human perspective needed to use these technologies responsibly.
Futures Literacy and Human Development
Preparing students for the future means more than anticipating change. It means helping them understand complexity, evaluate evidence, imagine different possibilities and make thoughtful decisions. Throughout the Continuum, students develop resilience, adaptability, creativity and a strong sense of responsibility, preparing them not only for future careers but for meaningful participation in society.
An International Education with Strong Local Roots
Barcelona provides an exceptional setting for international education. English is the main language of learning, complemented by Spanish, Catalan and French, enabling students to become confident multilingual communicators while developing a deep understanding of both their local context and the wider world.
Academic Excellence & University Pathways
Academic achievement is the result of a coherent educational journey rather than an isolated objective. During the Diploma Programme, our PreU Excellence Framework extends learning beyond the IB curriculum through advanced academic opportunities, research, leadership experiences and personalised university preparation, helping every student build a distinctive profile for higher education and life beyond school.
Students graduate with an internationally recognised qualification that opens pathways to universities in Spain and around the world. Supported by personalised university guidance, they receive individual advice throughout the decision-making and application process, ensuring every student can pursue the pathway that best matches their interests, strengths and aspirations.
How is the IB Diploma converted for Spanish university access (EvAU)?
For students applying to Spanish public universities and some private universities, IB Diploma results can be converted into the Spanish university admission score through the UNEDasiss system. At St PETER’S SCHOOL, our University Guidance team supports students and families throughout the process, providing personalised advice and guidance at every stage.
This conversion is not required for applications to international universities, and many private universities in Spain also recognise the IB Diploma directly as part of their admissions process.
When conversion is required, IB results are first converted to a score out of 10. Depending on the autonomous community and the university, students may then obtain up to 4 additional admission points, allowing them to achieve a maximum admission score of 14.
- In Catalonia, the additional points are obtained through specific examinations for international students and the weighting of relevant IB subjects.
- In some other regions, the conversion process may allow students to obtain the full admission score directly through the established equivalence system.
The result is exceptional academic flexibility: one internationally recognised qualification that provides access to universities in Spain and around the world, supported by expert guidance from St PETER’S SCHOOL throughout the admissions process.
How do you start your journey at St PETER'S SCHOOL?
Everything starts with a conversation. The admissions process is designed to help families understand whether the school’s educational approach, values, and learning pathway are the right fit for their child.
Families are personally guided throughout the process, from the first enquiry to school visits and individual meetings. The goal is to understand, together with each family, whether St PETER’S SCHOOL is the right place for their child to grow and learn.
To learn more about the admissions process and take the next step, we invite you to visit our Admissions page:
FAQS - Frequently Asked Questions
What is the IB Continuum?
The IB Continuum is a coherent educational pathway developed by the International Baccalaureate that supports students from early childhood through to university entry. It includes the Primary Years Programme (PYP), the Middle Years Program me(MYP), and the Diploma Programme (DP), all grounded in shared principles such as inquiry-based learning, concept-based understanding, and the development of academic and human skills.
At St PETER’S SCHOOL, this pathway begins even earlier, with a Pre-IB stage from the first year of life, fully aligned with IB philosophy.
What makes the IB Continuum different from other international curricula?
Unlike curricula that focus mainly on content coverage or exam preparation, the IB places emphasis on how students learn, not only on what they learn. Through inquiry-based and concept-based learning, students develop critical thinking, ethical awareness, research skills, and the ability to connect knowledge across disciplines.
At St PETER’S SCHOOL, this coherence is reinforced across all stages, ensuring continuity and depth without methodological breaks as students progress through their education.
How does the IB build a strong academic foundation from early childhood?
The IB builds academic strength from the earliest years by prioritizing depth of understanding over premature acceleration. From a young age, students learn how to think, reason, communicate, and make sense of what they learn, laying solid foundations for long-term academic growth.
At St PETER’S SCHOOL, this approach is embedded from the Pre-IB and PYP years, with strong foundations in language, mathematics, and scientific reasoning developed through inquiry and meaningful contexts.
What are the long-term benefits of inquiry-based and concept-based learning?
This approach helps students move beyond memorization. They learn to identify patterns, make connections, and transfer understanding to new situations. Over time, this strengthens cognition, mental flexibility, and the ability to address complex problems.
Across the IB Continuum at St PETER’S SCHOOL, these skills are progressively deepened and become a key advantage at university level and beyond.
Does a strong focus on science and technology reduce attention to human skills?
No. At St PETER’S SCHOOL, science and technology are intentionally balanced with the arts and humanities. Creativity, empathy, ethical reflection, and understanding of human experience are considered essential components of a high-quality education.
Music, visual arts, literature, drama, and philosophy play a central role throughout the IB Continuum, ensuring a holistic and human-centred education.
How strong are the academic results of the IB Diploma Program at St PETER'S SCHOOL?
St PETER’S SCHOOL combines an innovative, future-oriented approach with consistently strong academic outcomes in the IB Diploma Program.
In the most recent IB examination session:
- Average score: 35.3 points out of 45
- Highest score: 43 out of 45
- 100% pass rate
- 85% of students achieved two or more points from the Core components
- 20% were awarded a bilingual diploma
- Results from a cohort of 45 students
These outcomes reflect a balance between academic rigor, conceptual understanding, and close guidance throughout the IB Continuum at St PETER’S SCHOOL
Which universities do St PETER'S SCHOOL graduates attend?
Graduates from St PETER’S SCHOOL are admitted each year to a wide range of leading universities in Spain and internationally. For example, two students were accepted at Oxford in the last cohort. A detailed list of recent university acceptances can be consulted here:
Is the IB Diploma recognised in Spain and internationally?
Yes. The IB Diploma is widely recognised by universities around the world. In Spain, it is officially accepted as a pathway to university access.
At St PETER’S SCHOOL, families are supported throughout the process when conversion is required. For international universities, and for many private universities in Spain, no conversion is needed, as the IB Diploma is accepted directly.
How does IB university access work in Spain?
When required, IB results are converted into an EvAU-equivalent score through UNEDasiss.That happens with public universities.
In Catalonia, the initial access score is calculated out of 10 points, with up to 4 additional points obtained through specific exams for international students or subject weighting. St PETER’S SCHOOL manages and supports this process, ensuring clarity and guidance for families.
Why study the IB Continuum in Barcelona at St PETER'S SCHOOL?
Barcelona offers an international and innovative educational environment. Studying the IB Continuum at St PETER’S SCHOOL combines a state-of-the-art, future-oriented educational approach with a strong focus on human development.
Beyond preparing students for a final exam, the school equips them with the thinking skills, adaptability, and judgement needed for university, professional life, and a future that is still taking shape.