Exploring the PYP at Fairgreen International School

EXPLORING THE PYP
Matt Greenwood-PYP Principal
David Gerber-Curriculum Director
If we teach today's students as we taught yesterday, we rob
them of tomorrow.
- John Dewey

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Cluster 1, Villa C45
The Sustainable City
T: 971 4 349 9989 E: info@fairgreen.ae
The PYP at Fairgreen International School
- Introductions
- Why do we do the things we do?
- Make connections to what you already know
- Delivering the PYP at FIS
- Assessment in the PYP
2

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Introductions
3
Matt Greenwood
PYP Principal
David Gerber
Curriculum Director

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Our Challenge for the Future…

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Mission: At Fairgreen International School in Dubai, our
mission is to provide an exceptional international education
that embraces sustainability in all its forms.
Vision: Our vision is to be an exemplary learning community
that promotes purposeful and innovative solutions for a
sustainable world.

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Curriculum Model of the PYP

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English
Based on learning
continuums
-Spoken Language
-Reading
-Writing
-Vocabulary,
grammar and
punctuation
Click on the image to access the English Curriculum

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Mathematics
Based on learning
continuums
-Data Handling
-Measurement
-Pattern and
Function
-Shape and
Space
-Number

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Science

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Arts in the PYP
Arts are integral to the IB Primary Years Programme (PYP). They are a
powerful mode of communication through which students explore and
construct a sense of self and develop an understanding of the world
around them. Arts provide students with a wide range of opportunities and
means to respond to their experiences and engage with historical, social
and cultural perspectives. The students are stimulated to think and to
articulate their thoughts in new ways, and through a variety of media and
technologies. The PYP recognizes that not all learning can be supported
solely through language, and that arts as a medium of inquiry also provide
opportunities for learning, communication and expression. Learning about
and through arts is fundamental to the development of the whole child,
promoting creativity, critical thinking, problem-solving skills and social
interactions. -Making the PYP Happen (IB Publication)

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PSPE-Working together

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The Early Years Curriculum

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Trans-disciplinary Learning

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Trans-disciplinary Themes
E.g-How the World Works
Inquiry into the natural world and its laws, the interaction between
the natural world (physical and biological) and human societies;
how humans use their understanding of scientific principles; the
impact of scientific and technological
advances on society and on the environment.
Other Tran-disciplinary Themes:
Who We Are How We Organize Ourselves
Where we are in place and Time Sharing the Planet
How We Express Ourselves
“One reason we have difficulty finding sustainable solutions is in part because we are unable to see the bigger
picture.” Kathryn Paige-School of Education, University of South Australia.

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A Cycle of Inquiry in the PYP

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Inquiry and Student Agency
Is the process initiated by the students or the teacher that moves the students from their current
level of understanding to a new and deeper level of understanding. This can mean:
● exploring, wondering and questioning
● making connections between previous learning and current learning
● making predictions and acting purposefully to see what happens
● collecting data and reporting findings
● deepening understanding through the application of a concept
● making and testing theories
● researching and seeking information
● taking and defending a position
● solving problems in a variety of ways
● taking ownership of their learning

Source: Derek Wenmoth, Director, eLearning at CORE Education

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The prime objective of
assessment in the PYP is to
provide feedback on the
learning process.
It identifies what students
know, understand, can do,
and feel at different stages
in the learning process.
Teachers select assessment
strategies to support how
students learn and perform.
Teachers design
assessment instruments to
reflect the particular
learning outcomes on
which they intend to give
feedback.
Assessment in the PYP

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Assessment Within the PYP
• Pre-Assessments- Students
prior Knowledge of the future
learning
• Formative assessment-Are
they developing an
understanding of the
concepts and skills needed?
○ Assessment FOR
learning
• Summative Task-Have they
understood?
○ Assessment OF
learning
• Portfolio
• Anecdotal records
• Continuums
• Checklists
• Reflection prompts
• Authentic action

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Language Assessments
PM Benchmarks example Example video
1 (lower
grades)
Example video
2 (upper
grades)

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Language Assessments
6 traits writing example

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Mathematics Assessments
Data from Math Whizz
Developmental
Assessments
We use resources from
different math
programs to generate a
developmental
assessment
Standardized
Assessment
CAT 4 –Cognitive
Assessment

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Further Development and Communication
Areas of focus:
● ManageBac-Curriculum organization and communication tool for the
PYP
● Full Year Planning and educational experiences
● Continuity and tracking of students skills and knowledge-Educater
Further Communication:
● Newsletter posts
● Parent Teacher Conferences-October 10th-Look for notification on
School Buddies
● Future Parent Coffee Morning

Exploring the PYP at Fairgreen International School

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