By Vincent Lehane, PYP Coordinator at SCIS Hongqiao
At Shanghai Community International School (SCIS), our Grade 5 students complete the Primary Years Programme (PYP) Exhibition (PYPx), an in-depth student-led inquiry to demonstrate their understanding of an issue or opportunity they have chosen to explore.
The PYP Exhibition Process of Learning
At the start of the process, students are partnered with a teacher at SCIS and complete a Curiosity Conversation. This is a structured conversation to narrow down the students’ ideas for their Exhibition. Students begin with three big ideas and determine the direction of the inquiry. Grade 5 homeroom teachers use data from this conversation to form the PYPx groups that include students with similar curiosities which honor each member’s ideas and area of interest.
Curiosity Conversations – Reflective Questions
Once groups are formed, the Grade 5 students begin the six-week process of researching, documenting, thinking, and collaborating to complete their inquiry. Students are mentored by another PYP teacher at SCIS and encouraged to ask thoughtful questions, investigate diverse perspectives, and seek solutions to authentic problems. Through extensive research, they deepen their understanding of these complex issues and continue developing essential skills in critical thinking, information literacy, and communication skills. Finally, once they have gathered and analyzed their information the PYPx groups present their Exhibition to the SCIS community.
On the day of the Exhibition, there are three important components; the Opening Ceremony, Presentations, and Interactive Experiences. The PYP Exhibition opening ceremony serves as a collaborative platform, bringing together students and teachers to celebrate the students' inquiry journeys and showcase their learning to the school community. This is followed by formal presentations, where students present their work, and interactive experiences, where students interact with their audience, answer questions and engage in conversations about their inquiry.
Alongside academic growth, students develop essential research skills, communication, and critical thinking, establishing a strong foundation for success in the MYP and beyond. As they reflect on their PYP journey and anticipate the challenges and opportunities of the MYP, students embrace the process of inquiry, intercultural understanding, and global citizenship that underpins the IB framework.
This shows the powerful effect when students are given a voice, choice, and ownership over their learning and take meaningful action related to their chosen issue.
The PYP Exhibition is an important component of learning at SCIS as it provides our students the opportunity to:
Celebrate Inquiry-Based Learning: Provides students an opportunity to engage in authentic inquiry and investigation into real-world issues or topics of personal interest.
Promote Independent Learning: Students take ownership of their learning, working independently or in small groups to plan, manage, and design their projects.
Develop Collaborative Skills: Encourages collaboration and teamwork as students collaborate with peers, teachers, mentors, and community members to explore their chosen topic, gather information, and present their findings.
Encourage Personal Growth: Allows students to develop a deeper understanding of themselves, their interests, strengths, and areas for growth.
Create Internationally Minded Students: Focuses on globally significant issues, encouraging students to consider their roles as responsible and informed global citizens.
The PYP Exhibition embodies the essence of inquiry-based learning, promoting the development of academic skills alongside personal growth and global citizenship. It is a pivotal moment in students' educational journey, empowering them to explore, collaborate, and make a difference. It is what makes our students IB students.
Scroll 👉 to see more
SCIS. Creating Lifelong Learners.
