Just another school project? The PYP Exhibition at the MET

The Primary Year’s Programme (PYP) is the International Baccalaureate Organization's curriculum framework for learners from 3 to 12 years old. The framework is inquiry based and promotes the development of the whole child, empowering students to develop knowledge, understanding, skills and attributes through 6 transdisciplinary units of learning each year. The transdisciplinary units allow for meaningful connections between subjects and real-world contexts. The Exhibition is the culminating project that celebrates all that students have learned throughout their time in the PYP. In 5th grade at the MET, students undertake an inquiry under the transdisciplinary theme “Sharing the Planet” that challenges and highlights their growth in the PYP. According to 5th grade teacher, Tevia Tovares, “students get to show off all their skills and learning. It's a fantastic celebration and display of their capabilities and their knowledge.”

This year, students started exploring the UN Sustainable Development Goals in October and by December had chosen an issue they were passionate about to guide their inquiry. Issues ranged from climate change to gender equality in sports, and animal testing to the effects of war. Though these topics may seem heavy for 10-year-olds, students demonstrated depth in their knowledge and understanding after several months of research. Students also demonstrated growth in the skills defined by the IBO as being essential to success in life: research, thinking, self-management, communication and social skills. 5th grader, Andres Alarcon’s communication skills grew because... “I had to interview people, had to ask people for signatures [for a petition], talk to people I didn’t even know.”

The exhibition is a very collaborative experience even though students undertake individual inquiries. Students all have a mentor to guide them from within the school community and students with similar issues often work together organically or with a shared mentor. One of the 5th grade teachers, Melanie Curtis, said a highlight of the experience this year was “getting to help students from other classes, not only my own students”. It is this sense of collaboration that became apparent when students put together a culminating exhibit of their learning to share with the community. Students led guided tours through the shared exhibit, which included written essays, artistic expressions, and evidence of the learning process and action. They confidently shared their own learning and highlighted their peers’ as well.

Ultimately, one of the exhibition’s key goals is for all students to make meaningful connections with the world and take action. After several months of research, students found ways to put their learning into action; they volunteered their time, spread awareness through speeches, puppet shows, and authoring books, and coordinated campaigns and donations related to their chosen issue. Juan Salvador, a 5th grade student, said “I felt that what I was doing was really important, that I could have a big impact on the world.” The exhibition isn’t just another school project, it has the power to make a lasting difference to students and the world around them.

Learn more about our Primary Years Programme here and watch our PYP Exhibition video here.