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: Knowledge
The school’s Programme of Inquiry (POI) contains the curriculum for each grade level, K-4. Grade level content is presented through inter-disciplinary Units of Inquiry in which students investigate a conceptually-based central idea using the knowledge they have gained. Students, with teacher support, work independently and collaboratively to build understanding and apply their knowledge in authentic situations.
Bassett’s Programme of Inquiry is posted in the front hall of the school and shows the Units of
Inquiry each grade will cover.
Stars indicate the unit currently being studied.
Checkmarks indicate completed units.
Though units may be taught in different order in each grade level, all grades complete 6 units of inquiry by the end of the school year.
The Bassett Programme of Inquiry can also be downloaded as a pdf from the school’s website. http://www.westlake.k12.oh.us/schools/bassett/Pages/
Should you have any questions about the IB PYP at
Bassett, please visit our website: http://wlake.org/academics/global/IBPYP/ or contact IB Coordinator, Deb Wadden, at waddend@wlake.org
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Family involvement and support of student learning is key in the IB PYP learning environment. Bassett staff and families can work together to help our students develop an understanding and the good habits of the Big 3: Be
Respectful, Be Responsible and Be Safe by promoting positive behaviors. At Bassett’s Totally Awesome Tuesday assembly we introduced the IB attitude enthusiasm and learner profile attribute, knowledgeable . Ask your child about the WHS band appearance (see photo, below) and check out the video on the Bassett PTA Facebook page.
Adults in the school will each nominate a student who exemplifies a highlighted attitude or attribute during the month. Students who have been nominated by a staff member for showing independence and respect or being a communicator will be invited, with their families, will be invited to a bagel breakfast hosted by Mrs. Erdman and Mr.
Sanfilippo. Each month we will concentrate on different attitudes and attributes that will be introduced at assemblies on Totally Awesome Tuesdays. Totally Awesome Tuesday dates to note and remind your student to wear his/her Big 3 t-shirt (or Bassett spirit wear) are:
10/6/15 11/10/15 12/1/15 1/12/16 2/2/16 3/1/16 4/12/16 5/3/16
On October 6, we will introduce Communicator, Independence & Respect . Here are some ways you can encourage build understanding of these words at home:
Communicator: Students will understand and express ideas and information confidently and creatively in more than one language and in a variety of modes of communication. They work effectively and willingly in collaboration with others.
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Encourage your child to stay in touch with relatives and friends who live in other countries by writing letters, using the phone or sending an email.
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When working on homework, encourage your child to explain his/her answer to you orally or by drawing a picture.
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Work with your child to improve his/her listening skills. Being a good listener is an important part of communicating with others.
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Enjoy and share communication through art, music, culture and athletics
Respect: Students respect themselves, others and the world around them
 Take opportunities to model and recognize respectful behavior in your children and in others, including selfrespect
Independence: Students think & act independently, making their own judgements and defending their actions
 Encourage students to think and act based on their own values and understandings and to make decisions thoughtfully.
 Recognize and discuss positive examples of independent actions in your children and others
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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