We are very fortunate to have the Primary Years Programme (PYP) in the Junior School. Designed for students aged 3-12, the International Baccalaureate (IB) PYP provides the knowledge, concepts, skills, personal attributes and the capacity to take action, empowering our young students to learn about themselves and ways that they can contribute to the world around them.
As we complete our own evaluation of the programme through the PYP ‘Self Study’, we are reminded about the rich pedagogy that exists in this approach. Learning through inquiry, a child’s investigations across and beyond subject areas build knowledge and understanding as they explore global, local and relevant ‘big picture’ questions. The move to Inquiry-Based Learning methods has been supported by NESA, (NSW Education Standards Authority). Recommendations to adopt this approach have been highlighted in recent changes to the NSW curriculum. This approach has been embedded in our School for a number of years. Its success is evidenced by our experienced Junior School educators, who design and deliver quality learning programmes and deep thinking, action-focused and self-aware students as a result.
Learning in the PYP is underpinned by six transdisciplinary themes, each selected for their relevance to the real world. Young learners explore the commonalities of human experience by investigating these themes through a programme of inquiry. These themes exist throughout the Junior School Kindergarten to Year 6.
Who we are
Inquiry into the nature of the self; beliefs and values; person, physical, mental, social and spiritual health; and human relationships.
Where we are in place and time
Inquiry into our orientation in place and time; personal histories; the discoveries and explorations of humankind; and the interconnectedness of individuals and civilizations.
How we express ourselves
Inquiry into the ways in which we discover and express ideas, feelings, nature, culture, beliefs and values.
How the world works
Inquiry into the natural world and its laws, the interaction between the natural world and human societies; the impact of scientific and technological advances on society and on the environment.
How we organise ourselves
Inquiry into the interconnectedness of human-made systems and communities; the structure and function of organizations; and their impact on humankind and the environment.
Sharing the planet
Inquiry into rights and responsibilities in the struggle to share finite resources with other people and other living things; access to equal opportunities; and peace and conflict resolution.
Parent Involvement in the PYP Self Study
The Self Study continues to provide the Junior School with excellent feedback allowing for critical analysis to ensure areas of improvement are targeted and developments continue to take place. Part of the evaluation is an invitation to parents to give their insights and feedback. This partnership is crucial to ensure your voices are heard allowing for our whole community to engage in the process. Further to this, an information session, via Zoom, will take place Tuesday 1 June at 5.00pm (Week 7)
Celebrations of Learning
We have enjoyed the opportunity for parents to visit our classrooms to celebrate the learning that is taking place. Our Celebrations of Learning are opportunities for parents, friends, grandparents to visit classrooms, engage with their children, who will eagerly provide an insight into their daily activities and experiences. Please pop the dates in your diary and come in for a visit. The dates can be found at the bottom of this weeks article.
Debating
Our team of Year 6 debaters continue to make us proud. Under the expert guidance of Mrs Karen Wallace, our Year 6 students enter the competition each week with confidence and increasing skills. Thank you for your hard work in representing our school so well. We look forward to watching the competition continue across the term.
Upcoming Events in the Junior School
Wednesday, 26 May – Drums/Guitar Instrumental Concert – IGC (6.00pm)
Thursday, 27 May – Assembly (Year 3 to Year 6) Hosted by 6C
Monday 31 May – Year 3 Celebration of Learning (11.50am)
Tuesday, 1 June – Cantilena Singers performing at the Wollongong Eisteddfod
Wednesday, 2 June – Year 3 Japanese Excursion
Wednesday, 2 June – Year 1 Celebration of Learning (2.15pm – 2.55pm)
Wednesday, 2 June – Brass/Woodwind Instrumental Concert – IGC (6.00pm)
Thursday, 3 June – TIGS Open Day