The Exhibition is an important aspect of the International Baccalaureate Primary Years Programme (PYP). It is an opportunity for Year 6 students to showcase their knowledge, skills, attitudes and growth as learners and to share what they have learned and how they have learned, with the school community. It is seen as a rite of passage for students as they move from Prep School (PYP) to High School.

The Exhibition requires the boys to investigate a local issue using primary sources (real people, places and things) and to propose a possible solution or solutions. The boys are guided through the process of working collaboratively to design and implement a Unit of Inquiry (similar to each of the other regular Units) that focuses on a real world issue, preferably from the local area. Throughout the process, students take ownership of their learning by selecting the focus, direction and presentation of their understanding, with guidance from their teacher and mentor.

In preparation for the Exhibition, which will start at the end of Term 3 and conclude with the Exhibition evening in Term 4, the boys have been introduced to the purpose of the Exhibition and the roles that the various participants will have (teachers, mentors, students, principal, parents, community) throughout the process. Together, an Essential Agreement has been developed on how we, individually and as a class, will operate and treat each other during this Unit Of Inquiry.

As a provocation, the boys shared with the class what they are positive and passionate about so that they can see that, as inquirers, we are keen to find out more about those things that interest us in life so having an interesting focus for an inquiry will drive the inquiry further and more naturally lead to the next stage of action, which can take a variety of forms. Following on from this the boys explored some of the issues facing our world and Australia, in particular. There was a lot of collaboration and some great issues raised.

The boys are now working on deciding upon a transdisciplinary theme (one of the six studied each year) for the Exhibition Unit Of Inquiry. This preliminary work will give the boys a taste of what is to come and ensure that they are prepared and setup for success during the Exhibition.

Please visit the Year 6 Class Blog for regular updates on the Exhibition as well as all the other fantastic learning that is occurring in Year 6!

Pascal Czerwenka

Year 6 Teacher