Holly Lane 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 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: Action
Action: How do we want students to act?
In the Primary Years Program (PYP) it is believed that every student, every year, should have the
opportunity to take responsible action that is student-initiated and voluntary. As parents and teachers,
we can create an environment where there are possibilities for student-initiated action. (Making the
PYP Happen, 2009)
At Holly Lane, Wise Owl Wednesday goals and students’ learning in all subject areas connect students
to the learner profile attributes, IB attitudes and how peoples’ actions can affect outcomes in large
and small ways. Actions by students are usually small and arise from genuine concern and
commitment. Students are encouraged to consider the outcomes, accept responsibilities and determine
next steps. Adults can support students along the way by asking them questions that help them reflect
and/or plan and to realize that, sometimes, inaction is the best option. The Action Cycle visual can
help students reflect on actions and possible outcomes in their decision-making.
Action should be seen as a voluntary demonstration
of a student’s empowerment in the context of the
expectations laid down in the International
Baccalaureate Primary Years Programme.
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February 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 February 2nd, with an awards breakfast for exceptional effort
for being inquirers and showing curiosity and cooperation during January. 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 February 3, students were introduced to the learner profile attribute: thinker and the IB attitude:
creativity. Staff members and teachers in the school will nominate a student who is being a thinker
and showing creativity during February. 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.
Here are some things you can do at home to encourage your child to demonstrate this attribute and
these attitudes:
Students who are THINKERS work to solve problems independently. They can imagine many solutions to
a question or challenge. Thinkers make good decisions and can predict the outcomes of their actions.
They think creatively and critically.
How can parents help to develop students who are Thinkers at home?

Encourage your child to try to think of solutions to problems independently.

Pose different real-life problems and questions to your child.

Ask your children questions when they are working on a problem.
CREATIVITY: Encourage your child or children to be creative and imaginative in their thinking and in
their approach to problems and dilemmas.
Holly Lane Mission Statement:
The Holly Lane Community educates for
excellence promoting an inquiry-based
environment of internationally-minded
individuals who become life-long learners.
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February 8, 2016