1. IB- PYP Presentation
September 11, 2014

2. What is our Philosophy? Pinkerton’s Guiding Purpose:
“We empower learners to become inquirers and compassionate individuals who make innovative contributions to our global society.”
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.
To this end the organization works with schools, governments and international organizations to develop challenging programs of international education and rigorous assessment.
These programs encourage students across the world to become active, compassionate and lifelong learners who understand that other people, with their differences, can also be right.

3. What is International Baccalaureate (IB)?
The IB philosophy focuses on the development of the whole child: academic, social, physical and emotional. It focuses on the Learner Profile, encouraging young people to become inquirers, thinkers, communicators, risk-takers, knowledgeable, principled, caring, open-minded, balanced and reflective. Through the inquiry based approach to teaching and learning, the curriculum addresses three inter- related questions:
What do we want to learn?
How best will we learn?
How will we know what we have learned?

4. What is Primary Years Program (PYP)?
Promotes the construction of knowledge
Promotes inquiry as a pedagogical approach
Creates a concept driven program
Strikes a balance between the trans-disciplinary program of inquiry and traditional disciplines
Promotes international-mindedness
Requires formative and summative assessment

5. 5 Essential Elements
The 5 essential elements work together to create a successful inquiry-based curriculum.
1. Knowledge- What we want the learners to know.
2. Concepts- What we want the learners to understand.
3. Skills- What we want the learners to be able to do.
4. Attitude- What we want the learners to feel, value and demonstrate.
5. Actions- How we want the learners to act.

6. Knowledge
The PYP Program at Pinkerton allows learners to participate in transdisciplinary units each year, called units of inquiry.
Each of these units:
Is significant, relevant and challenging
Builds on prior knowledge
Involves learners in a range of learning activities
Requires learners to engage in positive action
Integrates diverse subject areas whenever meaningful and appropriate

7. Concepts
The PYP encourages learners to use 8 key concepts to help guide the inquiry.
Form- What is it like?
Function- How does it work?
Change- How is it changing?
Causation- Why is it like it is?
Connection- How is it connected ot other things?
Perspective- What are points of view?
Responsibility- What is our responsibility?
Reflection- How do we know?
By focusing on these concepts, learners develop higher order thinking skills and better questioning techniques.

8. Transdisciplinary Skills
The PYP views the development of these skill as essential for the success of the learner.
Social Skills
Research Skills
Thinking Skills
Communication Skills
Self- management Skills
Development of these skills is incorporated throughout the units of inquiry.
*Fifth Grade Exhibition is a culmination of the PYP learning.

9. Attitudes Appreciation Creativity Enthusiasm Integrity Commitment
What do we want learners to value?
The PYP encourages a set of attitudes in it’s learners, including:
Appreciation
Creativity
Enthusiasm
Integrity
Commitment
Respect
Curiosity
Confidence
Empathy
Independence
Tolerance
Cooperation

10. Action
The PYP seeks to develop positive attitudes and action towards others and their community. Learners are actively engaged in learning about issues and themes of universal significance.
Learners take socially responsible action.

11. How can Parents Support PYP?
Make the Learner Profile part of your life.
Model the appropriate behaviors.
Maintain regular contact with Pinkerton and your child’s teacher.
Encourage your child to take ACTION.
Encourage your child to ask questions and help him/her find the answers.
Support your child’s first language.
Volunteer!
Encourage internationalism.
Read with your child.

12. Next Steps
This year Pinkerton Elementary is a candidate school* for the Primary Years Program. We are pursuing authorization as an IB World School. These are schools that share a common philosophy--- a commitment to high quality, challenging, international education that Pinkerton believes is important for our learners.
*Only schools authorized by the International Baccalaureate (IB) as IB World Schools can offer any of its three academic programs: the IB Primary Years Program (PYP), the IB Middle Years Program (MYP), or the IB Diploma Program. Candidate status gives no guarantee that authorization will be granted.