Holly Lane IB PYP News
Commitment to Inquiry & Construction of Meaning
IB = International Baccalaureate PYP = Primary Years Programme
Since its inception, the PYP has been infused with a spirit of inquiry. “What do we want students to
understand and be able to do?” It is believed in the PYP that meaning and understanding are
undermined by an emphasis on coverage; and that students will become more enduringly skillful when
the learning is authentic and in context. The PYP curriculum emphasizes the active construction of
meaning so that students’ learning will be purposeful. (Making the PYP Happen, 2007)
What is Inquiry?
An extensive study of literature, when combined with practical experience, has led the PYP to the
position it now holds, which is one of commitment to structured, purposeful inquiry that engages
students actively in their own learning. In the PYP it is believed that this is the way in which students
learn best – that students should be invited to investigate significant issues by:
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Formulating their own questions
Designing their own inquiries
Assessing the various means available to support their inquiries
Researching, Experimenting, Observing and Analyzing
Inquiry, as the leading pedagogical approach of the PYP, is recognized as allowing students to be
actively involved in their own learning and to take responsibility for that learning. Inquiry allows each
student’s understanding of the world to develop in a manner and at rate that is unique to that student.
(Making the PYP Happen, 2007)
 Exploring, wondering
and questioning
 Making connections
 Making predictions
 Collecting data
 Reporting findings
 Using prior knowledge
 Acting purposefully
 Taking and defending
a position
 Solving problems
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April 8, 2016
Should you have any questions about the IB
PYP at Holly Lane, please visit our website:
http://www.westlake.k12.oh.us/academics/g
lobal/IBPYP/Pages or contact IB Coordinator,
Dameon Headings, at headings@wlake.org
Holly Lane IB PYP News
Top Notch Tuesday
A group of students were recognized on April 5th, with an awards breakfast for exceptional effort for
being open-minded and showing tolerance during March. Check out the “Top Notch Tuesday” display
beside the front office and read about why these students were selected by teachers and staff at Holly
Lane Elementary. Congratulations to those students and parents for modeling our learner profile
attributes and attitudes.
Wise Owl Wednesday
On April 6th, students were introduced to the learner profile attribute: principled and the IB attitude:
integrity. Staff members and teachers in the school will nominate a student who is being principled
and showing integrity during April. Students who have been nominated by a staff member will be
invited, with their families, to a bagel breakfast hosted by Mrs. Verdone and Mrs. Foster. Parent
letters will be sent home 3-5 days in advance so that all members of the child’s family are able to
make arrangements to celebrate and show support for our Holly Lane students.
PRINCIPLED - Students act with integrity and honesty, with a strong sense of fairness, justice and
respect for dignity of the individual, groups and communities. You take responsibility for your actions
and the consequences that accompany them.
Activities for parents:
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Involve your child in deciding on the rules for a game or activity and then ensure that they stick
to the ones that have been decided upon.
Encourage your child to play games that involves teams. Discuss with your child the qualities of
a team player. What sort of person would they want on their team?
When your child wins a game, insist that he/she is a well-mannered winner. They might want
to thank their opponent or shake hands with them if that is appropriate.
INTEGRITY - Being honest and demonstrating a considered sense of fairness.
Holly Lane Mission Statement:
The Holly Lane Community educates for excellence
promoting an inquiry-based environment of internationallyminded individuals who become life-long learners.
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April 8, 2016