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. 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
Knowledge: What is the Programme of Inquiry (POI?)
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.
Hilliard’s Programme of Inquiry is posted in the hall
near the library and shows the Units of Inquiry each
grade will cover.
Stars indicate the unit currently being studied.
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 Hilliard Programme of Inquiry can also be
downloaded as a pdf from the school’s website.
http://www.westlake.k12.oh.us/schools/Hilliard/Pages/
Should you have any questions about the IB PYP at
Hilliard, 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
The Big 3 and Pawsitive Tuesdays
Family involvement and support of student learning is key in the IB PYP learning environment. Hilliard 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 Hilliard’s Pawsitive Tuesday assembly we
introduced the IB attitude enthusiasm and learner profile attribute, knowledgeable.
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. Tucker and Mrs.
Foster. Each month we will concentrate on different attitudes and attributes that will be introduced at assemblies on
Pawsitive Tuesdays. Pawsitive Tuesday dates to note and remind your student to wear his/her Big 3 t-shirt (or Hilliard
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, usin g
the phone or sending an email.
When working on homework, encourage your child to explain his/her answer to you orally or by drawing a picture.
Work with your child to improve his/her listening skills. Being a good listener is an important part of
communicating with others.
 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
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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