PYP Matters

What are the PYP attitudes?

2010-03-23T09:17:00.000-07:00

The IB attitudes are characteristics we want students and adults in the Savannah Primary School community to develop. Working on these attitudes will help students and adults in our community become more internationally-minded. In addition, to learning specific concepts, knowledge and skills, the PYP believes that we should focus on these specific attitudes:

Appreciation: Being grateful for the wonder of the world and its people.

Creativity: Being imaginative in our thinking and approach to problems and dilemmas.

Enthusiasm: Enjoying learning

Respect: Having consideration of ourselves, others and the world around them

Independence: Thinking and acting by oneself. Making their own judgements based on reasoned principles and being able to defend their judgements.

Curiosity: Wanting to learn about the world, its people and cultures.

Commitment: Sticking to a task until its complete, and showing self-discipline and responsibility.

Empathy: Projecting themselves into another's situation, in order to understand his/her thoughts, reasons and emotions.

Tolerance: Feeling sensitivity towards differences and diversity in the world and being responsive to the needs of others.

Co-operation: Working together and leading or following as the situation demands.

Integrity: Having a firm sense of fairness and honestly.

Confidence: Having faith in their ability as learners, having the courage to take risks, applying what they have learned and making appropriate decisions and choices.

What is the Learner Profile?

2009-11-18T12:42:00.000-08:00

"The Learner Profile provides a long-term vision of education. It is a set of ideals that can inspire, motivate and focus the work of schools and teachers, uniting them in a common purpose." (IB learner profile booklet; http://www.ibo.org/) The Learner Profile is IB's mission statement translated into a set of learning outcomes of the 21st century. These are the values that infuse all elements of three programmes and, therefore, the culture and ethos of all IB World Schools.

Inquirers-They are eager about learning and they acquire the skills necessary to conduct purposeful, constructive research

Thinkers-They exercise initiative in applying thinking skills critically and creatively to make sound decisions and to solve complex problems

Communicators-They receive and express ideas and information confidently in more than one language, including the language of mathematical symbols

Knowledgeable-They demonstrate an understanding of themselves, others and the world.

Principled-They make good decisions about what is right and what is wrong and accept responsibility for their actions.

Open-minded-They understand and appreciate their own culture and are open to the perspectives of others.

Caring-They show sensitivity to others and have a personal commitment to service and action.

Risk-takers- They confidently approach new situations, new roles and stand up for their own beliefs.

Balanced- They use their time wisely and participate in mental and physical activities.

Reflective-They identify personal strengths and weakness and set goals for improvement.

How is IB introduced to children?

2009-11-18T12:14:00.000-08:00

The PYP framework focus on inquiry, international mindedness and interdisciplinary teaching and learning. This is done throughout the day in addition to a focused study on their unit of inquiry. Inquiry involves questioning and seeking formation. Teachers model and teach students how to ask good questions and look for answers. Students take an active part in their learning. International-mindedness begins with students understanding and appreciating their their own culture so they are able to be open-minded of others. We spend time learning about the learner profile, which defines the type of people we are working to become: Inquirers , knowledgeable, thinkers, communicators, principled, open-minded, caring, risk-takers, balanced and reflective. We also want students and staff to develop these attitudes: appreciation, commitment, confidence, cooperation, creativity, curiosity, empathy, enthusiasm, independence, integrity, respect and tolerance. Interdisciplinary teaching occurs when we study a big concept which connects many subjects. Students may learn about ecosystems and apply it to science, social studies, art, mathematics, english, PSM, P.E.

What will my child(ren) learn?

2009-11-18T11:03:00.000-08:00

Savannah Primary School uses the Cayman Islands National Curriculum. It is extensive and well balanced. It is geared to the students' physical, emotional, spiritual, academic and moral development. The curricular areas include: English, Mathematics, Science, Design and Technology, Social Studies, Visual Arts, Music, Drama, P.E, R.E and Personal, Social and Moral Learning. The IB PYP is used as a frame work to deliver the National Curriculum.

What makes IB unique?

2009-10-14T12:06:00.000-07:00

It offers a continuum of education, consisting of three programmes for students aged 3 - 19.
It has a reputation for high quality education
It encourages international-mindedness in IB students. To do this, IB believes that students must first develop an understanding of their own cultural and national identity.
It fosters a positive attitude towards learning by encouraging students to ask challenging questions, to critically reflect, to develop research skills, to learn how to learn, and to provide community service.

What is IB PYP?

2009-10-14T11:23:00.000-07:00

The International Baccalaureate Organization (IBO) is a non-profit foundation, motivated by its educational misson. Its core values include: a misson that aims to create a better world through education; partnerships that together achieve common goals by working together; participation of stakeholders; international mindedness that embraces diversity. The Primary Years Programme (PYP) is a framework for curriculum delivery for students aged 3 to 12.