Speak Academy Begins its Journey as an IB PYP Candidate School

Celebrating a New Chapter in International Education

We are delighted to announce a significant milestone in the evolution of Speak Academy: we are now officially a Candidate School offering the International Baccalaureate (IB) Primary Years Programme (PYP). This recognition marks the start of an exciting and transformative journey for our school, our students, and our wider community.

The Significance of Becoming an IB Candidate School

Joining the ranks of IB candidate schools is a noteworthy achievement, bringing us closer to being part of a global network dedicated to delivering high-quality, internationally minded education. It demonstrates our ongoing commitment to continuous improvement, innovative teaching and learning, and our belief in nurturing curious, compassionate, and capable young learners.

The Official Statement

Speak Academy is a Candidate School* for the PYP. This school is pursuing authorization as an IB World School. These are schools that share a common philosophy—a commitment to high quality, challenging, international education that Speak Academy believes is important for our students.

*Only schools authorized by the IB Organization can offer any of its four academic programmes: the Primary Years Programme (PYP), the Middle Years Programme (MYP), the Diploma Programme (DP), or the Career-related Programme (CP).  Candidate status gives no guarantee that authorization will be granted. For further information about the IB and its programmes, visit www.ibo.org

What Does It Mean to Be an IB Candidate School?

Entering candidacy is the first formal step in a rigorous and rewarding process toward becoming an authorized IB World School. Over the coming year—and potentially beyond—Speak Academy will work closely with the IB organization to align our practices with the philosophy and standards of the Primary Years Programme.

This journey involves thoughtful reflection, planning, and development across all areas of school life. Our teachers and leadership team will engage in professional development, collaborate on curriculum design, and refine our teaching approaches to ensure they meet IB expectations. Importantly, this process is not just about meeting requirements—it is about embracing a mindset that places students at the center of their learning experience.

Understanding the IB Primary Years Programme

The IB PYP is designed for children aged 3 to 12 and focuses on the development of the whole child. It encourages students to become active, caring, lifelong learners who demonstrate respect for themselves and others, and who are prepared to engage with the world around them.

At its core, the PYP is inquiry-based. Students are not simply given information to memorize—they are encouraged to ask questions, explore ideas, and construct their own understanding. Learning is organized around transdisciplinary themes that connect subjects and reflect real-world issues, helping students see the relevance of their education beyond the classroom.

The programme also emphasizes the development of key skills such as critical thinking, communication, collaboration, and self-management. These are essential competencies that support success not only in school but in life.

What Will Change at Speak Academy?

As we embark on this journey, our community may start to notice gradual changes in how learning is structured and delivered. These changes will be thoughtfully introduced, always prioritizing the best interests of our students.

• A stronger focus on inquiry-based learning: Lessons will increasingly encourage students to explore, question, and investigate topics in depth.

• Greater emphasis on student agency: Students will have more opportunities to take ownership of their learning, make choices, and reflect on their progress.

• Interdisciplinary connections: Subjects will be integrated in meaningful ways, helping students understand how knowledge connects across different areas.

• Development of the IB Learner Profile: We will actively foster attributes such as being open-minded, principled, reflective, and caring.

While these changes represent growth and evolution, our core values and commitment to a supportive, nurturing learning environment will remain unchanged.

A Journey of Learning for Our Teachers and Community

Becoming an IB World School is not just a transformation for students—it is also a significant professional journey for our educators. Our teachers will participate in IB training and collaborate closely to design engaging, meaningful learning experiences.

This is an opportunity to strengthen our teaching practices, deepen our understanding of how children learn best, and build a culture of collaboration and reflection. The process will also involve ongoing dialogue with parents and the wider community, as we believe education is most effective when it is a shared effort.

We are committed to keeping you informed and involved throughout this journey. There will be opportunities to learn more about the PYP, ask questions, and see how it is being implemented in our classrooms.

Joining a Global Community

One of the most exciting aspects of becoming an IB candidate school is the opportunity to join a truly global network. IB World Schools are located in over 150 countries, all united by a shared philosophy and commitment to international-mindedness.

For Speak Academy, this means our students will be part of a broader learning community that values diversity, intercultural understanding, and global awareness. It opens the door to new perspectives, ideas, and opportunities for collaboration.

We are especially excited about connecting with and learning from other IB schools in Slovakia. As we begin this journey, we look forward to building relationships, sharing experiences, and growing together with schools that are already part of the IB community. Their guidance and insights will be invaluable as we work toward authorization.

Looking Ahead

The candidacy phase is just the beginning. Over the coming year, we will continue to develop our programme, refine our practices, and prepare for the authorization process. While candidate status does not guarantee authorization, we are fully committed to meeting the high standards set by the IB.

This journey reflects our vision for the future of Speak Academy—a future where our students are not only academically successful but also confident, compassionate, and equipped to navigate an ever-changing world.

A Shared Milestone

We would like to thank our entire community—students, parents, teachers, and staff—for being part of this exciting moment. Your support, trust, and engagement are essential as we take this important step forward.

We are incredibly proud to begin our journey into the world of IB and excited about what lies ahead. Together, we are building something truly meaningful: a learning environment that prepares our students not just for school, but for life.

Stay tuned for more updates as we continue this journey—we look forward to sharing each step with you.