Hilliard 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. The learner profile describes 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: Skills
Skills: What do we want children to be able to do?
The Primary Years Program (PYP) identifies as set of skills considered valuable, not only within the
units of inquiry but also for any teaching and learning in the classroom and in life outside the
classroom. (Making the PYP Happen, 2009) At Hilliard, these skills are developed and used by students
in all aspects of their day. As students become aware of and proficient with these skills, we see them
applying them on their own as they work together, think, plan and solve problems. The skills are
listed in the table below.
Check out examples students applying their skills in the Around Hilliard section on the next page.
Social Skills
Communication
Skills
Thinking Skills
Research Skills
Self-Management
Skills
Accepting
Responsibility
Listening
Acquisition of
Knowledge
Formulating
Questions
Gross M otor Skills
Comprehension
Observing
Application
Planning
Analysis
Collecting Data
Synthesis
Recording Data
Evaluation
Interpreting Data
Dialectical Thought
Presenting Research
Speaking
Respecting Others
Fine M otor Skills
Reading
Cooperating
Spatial Awareness
Writing
Resolving Conflict
Group Decision
M aking
Adopting a Variety
of Roles
Non-Verbal
Communication
Organization
Time M anagement
Safety
Healthy Lifestyle
Codes of Behavior
M etacognition
Informed Choices
Should you have any questions about the IB PYP at Bassett, please visit our website:
http://wlake.org/academics/global/I BPYP/ or contact IB Coordinator, Deb Wadden, at
waddend@wlake.org
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Hilliard IB PYP News
Pawsitive Tuesdays
On Pawsitive Tuesday (Jan. 12) a group of students was recognized with an awards breakfast for
exceptional effort in being inquirers and showing curiosity and cooperation during December. Check
out the display near the library to learn more! Later that morning, students were introduced to the
learner profile attribute: thinker and the IB attitude: creativity at a school-wide assembly.
Here are some things you can do at home to encourage your child to demonstrate this month’s
attribute and this attitude:
Thinker: Students will exercise initiative in applying thinking skills critically and creatively to recognize
and approach complex problems, and make reasoned, ethical decisions.
Activities for Parents:
 Encourage your child to try to think of/imagine solutions to problems independently.
 Pose different real-life problems and questions to your child.
 Ask your child questions when they are working on a problem:
1. “Do you have any ideas about how we can begin?”
2. “How can we do this differently?”
3. “I had never thought of that. Tell me more about it.”
4. “What other ways can we show that?”
Creativity Students can be encouraged to be creative and imaginative in their thinking and in their
approach to solving problems and dilemmas, with parents asking guiding questions and acting as
“sounding boards” to help them through the thought process, as needed.
Around Hilliard: students apply their SKILLS
M iss Kathy’s Pre-Schoolers use their
thinking, research & communication skills as
they develop questions about hedgehogs.
M rs. O’Neill’s 3rd graders use all their
skills to trace a group member &
calculate the area of the figure.
2nd graders practice their communication,
research and social skills as they interview
each other about their bridges.
Hilliard Mission Statement
Hilliard Elementary School educates for excellence by providing an environment that promotes
globally-minded, compassionate, lifelong learners who are knowledgeable and socially
responsible citizens.
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