The PYP Exhibition Parent Information Session Thursday 11

The PYP Exhibition Parent Information Session Thursday 11 th March 2010

What are the aims of this session? l To provide you with information about the Exhibition. l To suggest ways that you can help your child during the Exhibition. l To answer any questions that you have.

What is the PYP Exhibition? The Exhibition is: l an in-depth collaborative inquiry l an inquiry that starts from personal interests and passions, but extends into real world local and global issues (This issue matters to me and affects my life, my community and my world) l an inquiry that requires students to apply their learning from previous years

What is the purpose of the PYP Exhibition? The PYP exhibition has a number of key purposes. It… l l l gives students the opportunity to demonstrate independence and responsibility; allows students to apply their learning of previous years and to reflect upon their journey through the PYP; provides an authentic process for assessing students; allows students to demonstrate how they can take action; unites the students, teachers and parents in a collaborative experience; celebrates the transition from the PYP to the MYP.

What are the essential elements of the PYP Exhibition? l Concepts l Skills l Attitudes l Action l Knowledge

Concepts: At the core of the curriculum is a series of key concepts, which have relevance within and beyond subject areas. 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?

l SK ILL S l l E UD l l TIT l social research communication thinking self-management AT l S Skills, Attitudes and Action l l l l ACTION l l to enhance learning to provide service l l appreciation commitment confidence cooperation creativity curiosity empathy enthusiasm independence integrity respect tolerance

Knowledge: This element is developed through inquiries into six transdisciplinary themes of global significance, supported by six subject areas. Who we are Sharing the planet Where we are in place and time Six transdisciplinary themes structure student inquiry How we express ourselves How we organize ourselves How the world works

How will the Exhibition be organised? The Exhibition will last for eight weeks in total:

What will the Exhibition look like? Each group’s part of the Exhibition will comprise three components: written, visual and expressive. Visual Written Expressive

How much time do students spend working on the Exhibition? l The students will spend their regular unit lessons (8 weeks) working on their inquiries from March 23 rd until May 29 th. l The students will still have other lessons during the Exhibition time.

What about homework? l l l Students will have less ‘other’ homework during this time. Some homework in Maths will be given each week. Students should use their time at home to research and prepare for the work in class. They will not always be given specific tasks, but will be expected to plan their use of time themselves.

The role of adults Mentor Student or Group Parents Teacher

How can parents help? Support l Encourage l Ask questions l Listen l Provide assistance with access to resources (e. g. an expert to interview) l Don’t do the work for them l Attend the celebration! l

How will the Exhibition be assessed? “Exhibitions are the best way to measure learning because they put the kids right in the midst of their learning” Dennis Littky. We will assess the process more than the product. During the eight weeks the essential elements of the PYP will be assessed: l l l Concepts Skills (social, communication, self-management) Attitudes and Learner Profile Knowledge Action

Who will assess the work? l l l Children will self assess using rubrics. The class teacher will also use rubrics to assess. Mentors will provide feedback to the teachers. There will not be one final ‘grade’ at the end.

Something for us all to remember… ü ü As with any inquiry there will be times when it seems that students are not being very productive. Sometimes there will be a lot of discussion and thought but this will not result in anything that can be seen. Students (and adults) need time and space to wonder about things and consider their plans. This is why we place so much emphasis on the journals. They will show the process that the students go through and their understanding of concepts and application of skills (e. g. problem solving).

Exhibition Presentation Dates We invite you to your child’s exhibition presentation on Thursday May 13 th 2010 09: 00 -11: 30 Visual section Primary School Friday May 14 th 2010 09: 15 -12: 15 Expressive section at Middle School

Questions? l Please feel free to ask any questions