Why are we PYP at WPS?

We feel the PYP provides an ideal foundation for ākonga to become successful, lifelong learners by developing their:

  • social and emotional well-being

  • independence, as they take responsibility for their own learning

  • international mindedness

  • understanding of the world and their ability to function effectively within it

  • attitudes and dispositions for learning

  • ability to take mindful, appropriate and sustainable student-initiated action

International Baccalaureate Mission Statement

The International Baccalaureate aims to develop inquiring, knowledgeable and caring young people who help to create a better and more peaceful world through intercultural understanding and respect. To this end the organization works with schools, governments and international organizations to develop challenging programmes of international education and rigorous assessment. These programmes encourage students across the world to become active, compassionate and lifelong learners who understand that other people, with their differences, can also be right.

Learner Profile

At the heart of the programme is the learner profile. We feel that nurturing these attributes promote the qualities that support our school values, vision and the IB mission statements.

https://ibo.org/benefits/learner-profile/

Empowering students by developing student agency

‘What is AGENCY in the enhanced PYP?

Student agency means learners have voice, choice and ownership over their learning.

‘Agency is present when students partner with teachers and members of the learning community to take charge of what, where, why, with whom and when they learn. This provides opportunities to demonstrate and reflect on knowledge, approaches to learning and attributes of the learner profile.

Students with agency:

  • have voice, choice and ownership; and a propensity to take action

  • influence and direct learning

  • contribute to and participate in the learning community.’

How can we support agency at home?

  • Promote problem solving. Think before we step in and solve our children’s problems for them. Are we denying them a valuable learning experience just to get things done quicker?

  • Developing a growth mindset. Let them experience the natural consequences for their actions and support them in developing the ability to embrace challenges and persist with problem solving. We are all on a learning journey!

  • Give them a voice and choice in the way the family operates. Let them participate when appropriate in decision making processes.

Students learn how to learn

Students are able to take responsibility for their own learning. They are encouraged to try different approaches to learning and to take responsibility for their own educational progress.

Our programmes help IB students:

  • ask challenging questions

  • think critically

  • develop research skills proven to help them in higher education.

IB programmes also encourage students to be active in their communities and to take their learning beyond academic study.

Implementation of the programme at WPS allows for our learners to be engaged in student directed inquiry.

They are:

  • experiencing autonomy and agency as a learner whilst

  • formulating relevant questions that they want to

  • answer to better understand their world.

  • The result? Inspired life-long learners!

What will we learn?

Please view the 2021 Programme of Inquiry to see what learning is taking place in the classroom: https://www.waiheke.school.nz/learning/programme-of-inquiry