Primary Years Programme (PYP)
New parent inquiry into the International Baccalaureate Primary Years Programme
On Tuesdsay 25 March, a group of 16 brave parents joined me for a crash course in all things PYP. It was an interactive session and I thank all parents for their enthusiastic and collaborative participation.
The learning started out with a pre-assessment; what do you already know about the PYP? Some facts and figures were then shared. There are currently 3,733 schools in 147 countries offering one or more of the IB programmes, with 92 schools offering the PYP in Australia.
Participants actively worked with the learner profile constructing meaning through collaboratively answering the following question: What qualities do you want your son/sons to have by the end of their schooling? Group feedback demonstrated very strong alignment with the IB learner profile and the PYP attitudes.
The essential elements of the programme (knowledge, concepts, approaches to learning/skills, attitudes and action) were briefly explored and our session ended with a post assessment; what do you know about the PYP now?
Here is some of the feedback, which was shared through two stars (for things participants liked/gained from the session) and a wish (for further learning):
- Practical approach to learning to relate to real life
- The integration of values into all learning
- The process that goes into building the curriculum - the value of inquiry
- Very informative and something to take home and work on
- Greater understanding of the PYP - further confidence that Scotch is the best place for our son.
A lot of the wishes reflected on a focus to learn more about units of inquiry. Stand by for a session in June related to this.
Many thanks to all who were able to attend.
Kathy Derrick
Deputy Head of Junior School - Curriculum
