The PYP Exhibition

1. The PYP Exhibition Parent Information Meeting Presented by Robin Blacker International Baccalaureate Primary Years Program Coordinator

2. Purpose • Students engage in an in-depth, collaborative inquiry. • Students become more independent with their own learning. • Students can look at an area of learning of which they have personal interest. • It gives students the opportunity to take action about a real-life issue. • Provides students with the opportunity to exhibit all attributes of the Learner Profile • Incorporates all the attributes of the Learner Profile, IB Attitudes and the Key Concepts • A celebration of the transition of the learner from primary to middle school

3. Non negotiable features Students are required to engage in a collaborative, inquiry based process that involves them in identifying,investigating and offering solutions to real-life issues or problems. Students must be involved in all stages from the planning to the final presentation. • The Exhibition event will include: • examples of written work • oral presentations • examples of technology • performances in any medium – dance, drama, film, video, mixed media.

4. How much time do students spend working on the Exhibition? • The students will be placed in groups in January 2010 • The students will begin working on their inquiries at school throughout the remainder of the semester. • The students will continue to have regular subjects during the Exhibition process, but a portion of each day will be used working on inquiries. • During Prime Time students will meet with their mentors. • The final Exhibition date will be March 22nd. The public will be invited to attend!

5. How are we assessing? Rubrics will be used to assess the inquiry process. Each rubric will assess a different aspect of the Exhibition: • The individual journal • The process of collating data, researching and analysing research • The attitudes, attributes of the learner profile and self management skills (e.g. time management) • A self-reflection which is completed by each student • The final product

6. What about homework? • The children will have homework during this time. • The children should use their time at home to research and prepare for the work in class. • Students will, on occasion, need to complete their personal interviews outside of school and with the assistance of a parent. • The majority of the work will be done in class so the Mentor can keep track of progress and to ensure that the students are self-learning.

7. Mentor Group of students Parents Teacher Roles in the Exhibition Guide Evaluate Advise Guide Evaluate Advise Facilitate Support

8. The role of the parent • Have an understanding of the Exhibition requirements. • Keep informed about the process by reading newsletters and attending meetings. • Support and encourage your children throughout the process. Encourage in-depth inquiry and respect the student ownership of the process. • Help to locate resources – people, places, media and information • Provide knowledge or areas of expertise to any of the groups. • Celebrate with the students by attending the final presentations on February 17th!

9. Your role as a teacher at Lansdowne IB World School • To be aware of the exhibition topic and approximately where we are on our timeline (fifth grade will send periodic email updates) • Sharing resources- classroom space, materials, COMPUTERS, and any knowledge that you might have of our topic • General support and encouragement • Making K-3 students aware of the fifth grade exhibition topic and the process and attending the exhibition rehearsal with your class

10. Who We Are An inquiry into: The nature of the self Beliefs and values Personal, physical, mental, social and spiritual health Human relationships including families, friends, communities and cultures Rights and responsibilities What it means to be human

16. Questions? • Please feel free to ask any questions at any time. • Contact any 5th Grade Teacher