The PYP Exhibition, Grade 5

Parent Information

2012Exhibition Night:

Wednesday May 9th 18:00 – 19:30

What is the PYP Exhibition?

The IBO gives the following explanation:

“The exhibition:Students aged 10 to 12 who are in their final year of the programme are expected to carry out an extended, collaborative inquiry project, know as the exhibition, under the guidance of their teachers.

The exhibition represents a significant event in the life of both the school and student, synthesizing the essential elements of the programme and sharing them with the whole school community. It is an opportunity for students to exhibit the attributes of the student profile that have been developing throughout their engagement with the programme. It is a culminating experience marking the transition from the PYP to the Middle Years.”

In Grade 5 this year, the Central idea for the Exhibition Unit of Inquiry is:

Food issues have a global impact.

Within this central idea, students will identify an issue or problem and undertake research in order to initiate an action that will positively affect this issue.

Our exploration will fall under four ‘big ideas’ or inquiries:1.Equal opportunities and access to food2.Environmental issues relating to food3.Sustainability of food production for future generations4.Worldwide distribution of food

Students will present to the school community an exhibition-style project which highlights this journey and details any final findings and observations they have made.

The Exhibition is...

an inquiry that starts from a personal interest in an issue, and leads to action resulting in change

an opportunity for students to collaborate with others and develop responsibility for their own learning

an inquiry that requires students to apply their skills and learning from previous years in elementary school

a celebration of the transition from PYP to Middle School

The ProcessStudent Involvement:

discussing possible ‘real life’ issues/problems/interests posing questions to focus their inquiry collaborating with an exhibition inquiry group searching for, and collecting, relevant resources collating information and preparing for the exhibition

presentation taking action that results in positive change presenting a completed exhibition project

Students Demonstrate Their Learning and Skills

Through: group collaboration written work ongoing reflections oral presentations use of technology performance, visual arts and other media

How Can Parents Help?Parents can:Ask questions about the process and your child’s

topicCheck the Grade 5 blog regularly for updatesSupport and encourage your childHelp to locate resources – people, places, media

and information Help your child to plan his/her after-school

scheduleCelebrate with your child by attending the

Exhibition on Wednesday May 9th from 18:00.

What about Learning Logs?

Students will still receive home learning which will continue to reinforce Literacy and Math skills, and may include elements to support the Exhibition inquiry process.

In preparation for Middle School, Grade 5 home learning will be slightly different than the regular learning logs and we’ll keep you updated on this.

Teachers will guide the students when it is necessary for them to use time at home to research and prepare, however, most Exhibition work and preparation will be done in class.

How is the Exhibition Assessed?

All requirements are presented early and regularly in order to help the students as they plan and prepare

their inquiry.

Teachers assess the process and the product through student and teacher generated rubrics.

The students keep a blog journal throughout the exhibition process that shows how their thinking, inquiry and reflections are developing.

Timeline

Exhibition discussions begin in March.

Collaborative Work - March/April

Exhibition Presentation for the Lower School students: Tuesday May 8 during the

school day

Exhibition Presentation Evening for parents: Wednesday 9 May 18:00 – 19:30

Reflection

The Grade 5 teachers and group advisors help the students to plan,

research, discuss and stay on task throughout the process.

And Finally…While this is a busy time and an

intense process, it is truly a celebration of your child’s

development in the Lower School.

The students experience a wonderful sense of

accomplishment and pride upon completion of the Exhibition and we look forward to sharing this journey with you and with them.