PYP

Fernan's Primary Years Programme (PYP)
The Elementary Stage of the International Baccalaureate

Fernan Elementary is proud to be in the candidate phase of the International Baccalaureate (IB) Primary Years Programme (PYP). This program works to develop the whole child and builds within students the passion for learning.

* Develop an understanding of important concepts
* Conduct research that has local and global significance
* Acquire a range of essential skills
* Develop positive attitudes towards learning, the environment, and other people
* Have the opportunity for involvement in responsible action

The Learner Profile includes ten important characteristics that teach students to become lifelong, global learners.

· Inquirers have acquired the skills necessary to conduct purposeful, constructive research.
· Thinkers use their thinking skills to critically and creatively make sound decisions and solve problems.
· Communicators receive and express ideas and information confidently in more than one language, including the language of mathematical symbols.
· Risk-takers have the confidence and independent spirit to explore new roles, ideas and strategies.
· Knowledgeable learners have spent time exploring themes which have global relevance and importance.
· Principled learners have integrity, honesty and a sense of fairness and justice.
· Caring learners show sensitivity towards the needs and feelings of others.
· Open-minded learners respect the views, values and traditions of other individuals and cultures.
· Well-balanced learners understand the importance of physical and mental balance and personal well-being.
· Reflective learners give thoughtful consideration to their own learning.

There are eight key concepts and related questions interwoven in the curriculum. Each concept has a major significance (regardless of time or place) that helps drive the Units of Inquiry.

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 thing?
Perspective: What are the points of view?
Responsibility: What is our responsibility?
Reflection: How do we know?

Organizing Themes The Units taught throughout the year at Fernan will be organized into these six themes:

Who We Are
Where We are in Place and Time
How We Express Ourselves
How the World Works
How We Organize Ourselves
Sharing the Planet

Throughout the school year we will be providing you with short "information bites" about the Primary Years Programme to build understanding of this exciting new program. A parent information night will be held in the near future.

This link will take you to the IB World site on the WWW to find out more about the programme and explore on your own until our next information night.