Year 6 PYP Exhibition Information Session 2015

Keynote Presentation What is the ‘PYP Exhibition’? What expectations are there? What is the students’ role? What is your role as a parent? What is the role of a mentor and the librarian? Important dates PYP Exhibition

WHAT IS THE EXHIBITION? It is a requirement of the PYP that students in their final year of elementary school engage in an exhibition where all their skills, knowledge, understanding of concepts and ability to take “action” are used in a Unit of Inquiry. The exhibition is a student’s demonstration of all areas of the programme coming together in a celebration of work.  

What is the PYP Exhibition? An inquiry that starts from personal interest and passions, but extends into real world issues. An inquiry that requires students to apply their learning from previous years and to reflect upon their PYP journey. To provide students the opportunity to explore multiple perspectives and to demonstrate independence and responsibility for own learning by incorporating the essential elements of the PYP. To demonstrate how students can take action as a result of learning. To celebrate the transition from PYP to MYP. PYP Exhibition

The Exhibition must lead to meaningful Action

Other features include: Students will attempt to show an understanding of the Key Concepts: form, function, causation, change, connection, perspective, responsibility, reflection. Throughout the inquiry, students will be guided in showing the Transdisciplinary Skills from all 5 areas: social, research, self management, communication, thinking. Students must show positive Attitudes: appreciation, commitment, confidence, cooperation, creativity, confidence, curiosity, empathy, enthusiasm, independence, integrity, respect, tolerance. PYP Exhibition

What are the BIG Expectations? Within each action group, the following aspects need to be included: PYP Exhibition

• Examples of written work (Exhibition Journal & Exhibition display board)

• Oral presentations

• Examples of the use of technology (where appropriate) • Performances in any medium - dance, drama, film, video, music, mixed media

What is the role of the student? • With teacher support, carry out an open-ended or guided inquiry into a real-life issue or problem. Students are the main players in the exhibition process. • To demonstrate their learning and the development of the attributes of the IBO learner profile. • Be academically honest when referring to their sources of information. • Reflect on the components of and processes involved in the Exhibition. • Carry out self and peer assessment. IBO Exhibition Guidelines PYP Exhibition

The role of the Student (ctd) Co-operation as they work in groups Developing the central idea Developing topics and identifying issues Conducting interviews and writing reports Observing time lines Taking responsibility for the tasks Maintaining an updated log book Attend and record mentor meetings Determining the appropriate Action Communicating their findings during the Exhibition celebration

What is your role as a parent? To have an understanding of the purpose and requirements of the PYP Exhibition To support and encourage students and teachers through the process of inquiry so that they may take real and authentic action. To keep informed about the Exhibition by reading newsletters, attending meetings, checking school website and Exhibition Updates, and by talking with your son/daughter and other Y6 students. PYP Exhibition

continued . . . To help your child to access resources - people, places, media and information To provide expert subject knowledge where applicable To encourage independent inquiry and respect student ownership of the process Ensure that your child writes notes from written material and does not just copy out the work. To celebrate with your son/daughter by attending the staging of the Exhibition. Parents should provide ongoing feedback to the teachers on the progress of their children’s journey in the inquiry (Time Line) IBO Exhibition Guidelines PYP Exhibition

The role of Mentor and Librarian. Teachers will be invited to volunteer to act as a mentor for the Y6 PYP Exhibition. Each action group will be assigned a mentor

Action group mentors will . . . Hold regular meetings with their ‘action group’ Be supportive and encouraging Offer advice on locating and using resources Pose questions and help interpret sophisticated/difficult information Facilitate interviews, telephone calls, any electronic communication

Give time management advice Document all mentor meetings by commenting on the Meeting Record Sheet Celebrate achievements and successes with the action group to provide expert subject knowledge where applicable Celebrate with the action group by attending the exhibition

Assessment On-going Process leading to the end product By teacher, team, mentors and self-assessment Action component PYP Exhibition

Something for us all to remember… As with any inquiry there will be times when it seems that students are not being very productive. Sometimes there will be 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. Considerable emphasis is placed on the Exhibition Journal. Students will show their understanding of concepts, the process and the application of skills (e.g. problem solving) in their Journal PYP Exhibition

Important Dates Second Term: Deciding on the transdisciplinary theme for exhibition May: Introduction to the PYP Exhibition. Rest of June: Tuning in activities continued, brainstorming central idea, topics and concept questions July: Central Idea finalized. Brainstorm topics. Planning and research starts Term 3: Form groups according to topics. Research continues October: Getting ready for the Exhibition – report writing, deciding on Action, display boards etc. November 19: The PYP Exhibition Celebration

Questions? Please direct your ‘burning questions’ to a member of the Year 6 Exhibition team; Mr. Lekoko, Mr. Sifani, Mrs. de Jager, Mrs Wilson, and Mentors

Theme for 2015 Topic Theme Natural Disasters – How the world works What are the issues related to this topic?