By Nik Higgins · Co-founder & CEO
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.
The learning pathway
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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.
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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.
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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.
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.
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