Southlands Elementary School

International Baccalaureate World School Primary Years Program World_School_Tri_2_Colour.png (PNG Image, 494 × 485 pixels) http://www.ibo.org/myib/digitaltoolkit/files/logos/World_Schoo...

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IB Mission Statement

The International Baccalaureate aims to develop inquiring, knowledgeable, and caring young people who help to create a better and more peaceful world through intercultural understanding and respect.

The IB programmes encourage students across the world to become active, compassionate, and lifelong learners who understand that other people, with their differences, can also be right.

What is a PYP Education?

• educational framework that focuses on

inquiry-based learning

(asking questions and searching for answers) • encourages a learning process that emphasizes

natural curiosity

and

making connections

• students are taught to understand that learning is about asking questions and seeking answers, which may lead to new, more complex questions!

• •

local curriculum

is organized into the PYP framework

transdisciplinary approach

when appropriate) to learning (integrating subjects

Who is the PYP for?

•

inclusive

education – all children in the school are part of the PYP, regardless of their learning needs •addresses academic, social, and emotional

well-being

of every child •encourages students to develop

independence

take

responsibility

for their own learning and

What is a typical PYP day?

• some direct instruction in reading, writing, and math • units of inquiry, with a main focus on science, social studies, fine arts, and/or health and careers • French language instruction twice a week • on-going assessment and reflection, by teachers and students (no external IB exams) • group-work and individual work • daily physical activity

PYP Learner Profile

• aim of the PYP is to develop

internationally minded students

who help to create a better and more peaceful world • traits of the

learner profile inquirers knowledgeable thinkers communicators principled

are:

open-minded caring risk-takers balanced reflective

PYP Written Curriculum

knowledge

: significant, relevant content

concepts

: powerful ideas that have subject significance but also connect to other curricular areas

skills

: transdiciplinary capabilities students need to succeed in a changing, challenging world

attitudes

: expressions of fundamental values, beliefs, and feelings about learning, the environment and people

action

: demonstrations of deeper learning through responsible action

Knowledge:

(Transdisciplinary Themes) • units of inquiry are planned under six transdisciplinary themes, which repeat each year:

Who we are Where we are in place and time How we express ourselves How the world works How we organize ourselves How We Share the planet

Key Concepts:

• concepts shape the units of inquiry and give them direction and purpose:

form

: What is it like?

function

: How does it work?

causation

: Why is it like it is?

change

: How is it changing?

connection

: How is it connected to other things?

perspective

: What are the points of view?

responsibility

: What is our responsibility?

reflection

: How do we know?

Concept-based Learning:

• instructional focus is on

concepts

rather than themes or topics, and is expressed through a central idea: Rather than: Memorize and locate the rivers, bodies of water, and mountains in British Columbia. Inquire into: Geographic features may determine where humans settle.

Rather than: Research bear facts: types of bears, what they eat and where they live.

Inquire into: Animal habitats are affected by human behaviour.

Skills:

(Approaches to Learning) • students are given opportunities to develop transdisciplinary skills needed for academic and personal success:

thinking skills social skills communication skills self-management skills research skills

Attitudes:

• students are encouraged to develop the following attitudes towards people, the environment, and learning:

appreciation commitment confidence cooperation creativity curiosity empathy enthusiasm independence integrity respect tolerance

Action:

• something students choose to do as a result of their experiences, because it is important to them • students, staff, and families are encouraged to use a cyclical process, called the

Action Cycle

• by reflecting on learning, social situations, and behavioral issues, students can make a choice and take action

For more information:

Southlands School website : http://go.vsb.bc.ca/schools/southlands World_School_Tri_2_Colour.png (PNG Image, 494 × 485 pixels) http://www.ibo.org/myib/digitaltoolkit/files/logos/World_Schoo...

IB website : http://www.ibo.org/pyp 1 of 1 2014-10-21, 8:54 AM