Since January, 2006 Waiheke Primary School has been a candidate school implementing the International Baccalaureate Organisation (IBO) Primary Years Programme (PYP). At the centre of our programme is a commitment to structured inquiry as an ideal vehicle for learning. The PYP provides a framework that combines the best research and practice from a range of national systems offering a comprehensive inquiry-based approach to teaching and learning.

Teachers and students are guided by a series of basic questions as they design cross-curricular units for exploration and study: Who are we? Where are we in place and time? How do we express ourselves? How does the world work? How do we organise ourselves? How should we share our planet? Together these questions elicit ideas of local and global significance and reveal worldwide concerns. The PYP incorporates five essential elements: concepts, skills, attitudes, actions and knowledge by means of:

• A process-led, inquiry based curriculum that encourages students to ask questions and seek answers about the world around them
• Broad, trans-disciplinary units of inquiry based on a framework that is an expression and extension of three inter-related questions: What do we want to learn? How best will we learn? How will we know what we have learnt?
• A programme of inquiry that reflects international perspectives and includes content of local, national and global importance
• An integration of Science as means of exploring how the world works, Social Studies as a way of examining and understanding how human beings live and interact with each other and the earth, Health to consider the well-being of ourselves and others, and Technology to achieve understanding, capability and awareness of technological processes
• A further integration where it is meaningful of other curriculum areas, in particular English, Mathematics and the Arts in order to reinforce concepts and help students make greater connections
• Learning opportunities outside of the classroom through field trips and from guest speakers
• Collaboration and communication between year level teaching teams to ensure varied and quality teaching and learning programmes as well as continuity and coverage of the New Zealand curriculum
  

We aim to develop the intellectual, emotional, social and physical potential of each child in a secure and stimulating environment through the use of a meaningful and thoughtful teaching and learning programme.

We expect to seek authorisation from the International Baccalaureate within the next two years.

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What are we aiming for?

The aims of the IBPYP are expressed as a series of desired attributes and dispositions that characterise successful students and life-long learners. These globally-minded young people are:

Inquirers

They develop their natural curiosity. They acquire the skills necessary to conduct inquiry and research and show independence in learning. They actively enjoy learning and this love of learning will be sustained throughout their lives.

Knowledgeable

They explore concepts, ideas and issues that have local and global significance.
In so doing, they acquire in-depth knowledge and develop understanding across a broad and balanced range of disciplines.

Thinkers

They exercise initiative in applying thinking skills critically and creatively to recognize and approach complex problems, and make reasoned, ethical decisions.

Communicators

They understand and express ideas and information confidently and creatively in more than one language and in a variety of modes of communication. They work effectively and willingly in collaboration with others.

Principled

They act with integrity and honesty, with a strong sense of fairness, justice and respect for the dignity of the individual, groups and communities. They take responsibility for their own actions and the consequences that accompany them.

Open-minded

They understand and appreciate their own cultures and personal histories, and are open to the perspectives, values and traditions of other individuals and communities. They are accustomed to seeking and evaluating a range of points of view, and are willing to grow from the experience.

Caring

They show empathy, compassion and respect towards the needs and feelings of others. They have a personal commitment to service, and act to make a positive difference to the lives of others and to the environment.

Risk-takers

They approach unfamiliar situations and uncertainty with courage and forethought, and have the independence of spirit to explore new roles, ideas and strategies. They are brave and articulate in defending their beliefs.

Balanced

They understand the importance of intellectual, physical and emotional balance to achieve personal well-being for themselves and others.

Reflective

They give thoughtful consideration to their own learning and experience. They are able to assess and understand their strengths and limitations in order to support their learning and personal development.

What if we want to know more?

Talk to the Principal or PYP Coordinator at Waiheke Primary School
Check out the IBO website: http://www.ibo.org/programmes/index.cfm
Download a guide to PYP from: http://www.ibo.org/programmes/documents/schools_guide_pyp.pdf

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