What does learning look like?

The PYP exhibition is the culmination of learning throughout the primary school years. The focus of our exhibition unit this year has been social inequities in the world and the need for action to be taken.

The process unfolded something like this…

• A powerful provocation to get the learners thinking and feeling what inequity means. 
• Tuning in activities to pique interest and create tension.
• An all-day conference with a choice of speakers on social justice issues.
• Students chose their areas of interest and were divided into groups of 2-4.
• Each group was assigned a mentor to help them on their journeys of inquiry.
• Questions were formulated and research began.
• Lots of reading, searching, synthesising and organising information.
• Some groups interacted with primary sources via Skype or in person.
• Students took action by fundraising, visiting organisations, creating awareness.
• Exploration of the topic through a choice of creative expression workshops in art, music, drama, web design, animation or poetry.
• Students created movies to express the essence of their learning.
• The process was recorded through journals, blogging, time-lines, recounts and reflections.
• Groups considered how best to present and display their learning.
• Stands were set up in readiness for the exhibition….

…which brings us to today! There was a buzz of excitement in the school as students set up their stands and put the final touches on their presentations. Tomorrow parents, guests and students from lower grades will visit the stands, where students will proudly share their learning.

Vodpod videos no longer available.

The exhibition itself is not the point… It’s been a wonderful, meaningful collaboration between teachers and learners. It’s hugely rewarding to see the thinking and learning that has taken place. And we already have ideas for how to make it even better next year…