Bassett IB PYP News
What are the Essential Elements of the IB PYP?
IB = International Baccalaureate PYP = Primary Years Programme
The International Baccalaureate Primary Years Programme (IB PYP) is an educational framework that
focuses on the development of the whole child as an inquirer. In September’s newsletter, the learner
profile was defined as the IB Mission Statement in student learning objectives. The development of the
learner profile attributes in students is supported and nurtured through the 5 Essential Elements of the
PYP: Knowledge, Concepts, Attitudes, Skills and Action. These 5 Essential Elements, developed
throughout the IB PYP curriculum, help students develop into IB learners who have the attributes of the
learner profile: Caring ◊ Balanced ◊ Risk-takers ◊ Inquirers ◊ Thinkers ◊ Knowledgeable ◊
Communicators ◊ Open-minded ◊ Principled ◊ Reflective
Please read on to learn about the Essential Element: Attitudes
Attitudes: What can we show?
In order to become an internationally-minded person, one who sees and strives to understand many
perspectives and situations, the IB PYP encourages students to develop personal attitudes toward
learning, people and the environment. The attitudes should be explained and modelled in a variety of
settings by adults and peers so that students can become aware of the cause and effect relationship
between their actions and the reactions they experience in the world.
Should you have any questions about the IB PYP at Bassett, please visit our website:
http://wlake.org/academics/global/IBPYP/, IB’s Parent Information page or contact IB Coordinator,
Deb Wadden, at waddend@wlake.org
We encourage students to
demonstrate, or show, the IB
attitudes toward people, the
environment and toward learning
in varied situations. Students are
encouraged to reflect on the ways
having these attitudes can
influence relationships, decisions
and learning.
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Bassett IB PYP News
Totally Awesome Tuesdays
A group of students was recognized on Nov. 10 with an awards breakfast for exceptional effort in being
communicators and showing independence and respect during October. Check out display in the office
window to read about these students. On Nov. 11, in conjunction with Veterans Day, we introduced the
learner profile attribute: reflective and the IB attitude: appreciation.
Adults in the school will each nominate a student who is reflective and/or shows appreciation during
November. Students who have been nominated by a staff member will be invited, with their families,
to a bagel breakfast hosted by Mr. Sanfilippo and Mrs. Erdman. A note on a green ½ sheet of paper will
go home the Friday before the breakfast to notify nominated students.
Here are some things you can do at home to encourage your child to demonstrate this attribute and
attitude:
Reflective: Students will give thoughtful consideration to their learning and experience. They are able to
assess and understand their strengths and limitations in order to support their learning and personal
development. Activities for Parents:

Spend some time reviewing your child’s report card with them. They should have the opportunity
to look at this document and consider it as well. Discuss it with them and truly consider their
thoughts and their strengths and areas for improvement.
 Use the travel time at the end of vacations and activities to reflect on the significance of the
activity.
 Encourage your child to create a reflection journal or scrapbook about important events.
Appreciation: Encourage your child to appreciate the wonder and beauty of the world and its people as
well as the positive things that happen to them and to others.
Around Bassett
4th grade students in Miss Burke’s class
collaborate on presentations using
Google Slides
Kindergarten students work on
cooperation and following
directions with Mr. O’Doherty
2nd graders in Mrs. Lozada and Miss
Copa’s class make observations in the
school garden
Bassett Mission Statement
Bassett Elementary School is a child-centered community empowered to develop responsible,
compassionate, globally-minded citizens who are lifelong inquirers dedicated to achieving
academic excellence.
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