The PYP Exhibition Sets to Impress
Each year the Year 5 boys mark the end of their journey in Primary Years Programme (PYP) through an exhibition. The purpose of this final chapter is to showcase the independent learning strategies that our boys have acquired whilst learning under the inquiry framework outlined through the International Baccalaureate model of learning. The Exhibition is designed around a central idea which guides the students to investigate and deeply understand an area of interest relating to that theme. Every project is completely different and the work is entirely owned by the student. This year's central idea is "Scientific Understanding Impacts Lives" and what a showcase it promises to be, opening this Wednesday 4 November. For a better understanding of their journey please visit their website or take a moment to visit the Junior Middle School Library lower floor gallery and see it for yourself.
What are the stages of the PYP Exhibition?
The First Stage is to develop a curiosity around the theme. For our boys the theme was Science and as such, they had time with our Senior School science teachers and Design and Technology teachers, who ignited their interests. From here, the class came up with the central idea and then each boy designed their own research question in relation to this.
The Second Stage involved four weeks of intensive research about their topic, making notes, reading various sources to gather information and answering burning questions they had developed along the way. This information is then written up into a report that demonstrates their understanding. This report is anywhere between 800 and 2000 words!
The Third Stage of the process is to build a statement piece that represents their project. This can anything from models to posters, movies and art.
The Fourth Stage is the action that every student must take in response to what they have learned throughout the process. This action could involve educating the local community, writing to the local MP or changing the behaviours of people around them.
The Final Stage is the reflection and exhibition. Here students reflect upon their journey across every step and it includes more than just what they have learned about. It is a self-assessment of ATL skill development, peer assessment and group reflection.
Why is this such an important aspect of education?
PYP exhibition incorporates the essential elements of the PYP, including the values of the PYP and gives students the chance to develop and display the attributes of the IB learner profile. It provides the boys with the chance to demonstrate their skills, their knowledge and gives them a voice to make a difference in the community and/or world. Teachers and mentors act as facilitators throughout the journey encouraging the students to take responsibility for their choices.