The Success of the PYP

Over the last few weeks I have had a number of reasons to stand back and wonder at the growth of our boys as learners and to reflect on the positive impact of the PYP (Primary Years Programme of the International Baccalaureate). The two significant moments for me were the Student-led Conferences and the first few weeks of the Year 6 PYP Exhibition unit of inquiry.

The Student-led Conferences are a really unique opportunity to see boys taking the lead in a reflective process as they share their learning with mum and dad. For me it is one of the most illuminating experiences of the year. It provides a window into what the boys are thinking about and how they feel they are developing in their learning. The opportunity to speak with mum and dad (trusted and caring figures in their life) within their natural learning environment brings a certain vulnerability tinged with great excitement. This year the Student-led Conferences were a joy to watch. As I wandered around I saw boys speaking knowledgeably about what they have been learning about, boys speaking reflectively about their strengths and areas for future growth, boys sharing enthusiastically the joy of their classroom and other learning spaces, and boys and parents enjoying the chance to communicate about learning together. These moments highlight the growth of our boys as learners and the strong impact that the PYP is having on the learning at Lindfield.

The second experience that has filled me with excitement about our boys’ learning has been the early stages of the Year 6 PYP Exhibition unit of inquiry. The Exhibition is a chance for students to showcase what they have learned and how they have learned throughout their time in Primary School and our boys are taking this opportunity with both hands. It has been encouraging to work alongside the boys as they have discussed ideas and collaborated with one another to decide on the focus of the unit and to settle on their groups. Whilst last year was a tremendous success, there is a noticeable difference in the way this years’ Year 6 class is approaching the task. There is an air of confidence about the boys as they have started planning their inquiries. They appear more confident with their social skills, their research skills and their thinking skills. The quality of the learning conversations that are taking place is very high and should lead to some tremendous work being displayed at the Exhibition on Tuesday 21 October.

Both of these experiences have confirmed for me the value of the PYP. Our boys are not only learning the basic skills that are the prerequisites for future learning, they are also developing as learners which will equip them to face future situations with a greater level of confidence and self assuredness.

NAPLAN

This week our Year 3 and 5 boys received their NAPLAN results. I am pleased to report that the overall results have been very encouraging with our school average being well above the national average across the board. Whilst it is difficult to compare year to year because of the difference in our cohorts (and the fact that our cohort size is quite small) areas of particular growth this year appear to be Reading and Numeracy in Years 3 and 5.

Over the coming months we will spend considerable time analyzing the results and using the data to plan specific, both individual and school-wide, interventions to ensure our boys are receiving the best possible teaching and learning in these important areas of the curriculum. A more detailed summary of the results will be presented at next term’s P&F Meeting.

Chinese Day

As you would be aware, this semester we shifted our focus from French to Mandarin and the results to date have been extremely encouraging. This week’s Chinese Day, which celebrated the Chinese Mid-Autumn Festival, capped off what has been a great introduction to learning Mandarin and about the Chinese culture. Whilst the day provided a number of highlights the two that seemed to capture the boys’ interest most were the Lion Dance and the Chinese lunch.

The Lion Dance was simply breathtaking! The combination of the drama of the lion’s movements and the sound of the drums had the boys (and teachers) absolutely captivated. Following the performance a number of the boys we lucky enough to learn some basic steps of the lion dance and have a go at performing.

The day was capped off perfectly with many of our boys taking the opportunity to order a Chinese lunch prepared by Mr Simon Chan, a former Lindfield parent (and current Stanmore parent). A number of the boys were overheard stating that ‘it was the best meal they had ever had’.

All in all Chinese Day was a tremendous success and has provided great momentum for the remainder of the year in Mandarin lessons.

Fathers Day Breakfast

Last week’s Fathers Day Breakfast was a fantastic event with more than 100 dads in attendance. A break in the wet weather provided a nice morning that allowed the event to be held outdoors. It was great to have so many dads at school to enjoy spending time with one another and their sons. As I mentioned at the breakfast, dads and other male role models play such an important part in the lives of young boys. The interest that dads show in their son’s learning goes a long way to influencing their perspective on school. Thankfully we have an extremely supportive parent body! Special thanks go to the Year 5 Mums who organized and catered for the event.

Year 6 Dance Performance with Roseville College

Over the last few weeks our Year 6 boys have been preparing to join the Year 6 girls from Roseville College for a performance of the Mexican Waltz at the Roseville College Concert. On Monday night the concert was held and the boys were absolutely brilliant as they rose to the occasion and stole the show (or at least shared the spotlight with the Roseville Year 6 girls). The whole experience has proven to be a very rewarding experience for all involved, even if they won’t admit it. I know that the Year 6 teachers and girls from Roseville College were extremely grateful to the boys for their involvement.