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: Concepts
Concepts: What do we want children to understand?
The Primary Years Program (PYP) identifies 8 concepts that are considered “key” because they are
applicable across the curriculum. Within the context of these concepts, important ideas can be
categorized and better understood. The PYP Key Concepts and related questions help teachers and
students consider ways of thinking and learning about the world and can serve as starting points for
inquiries. (Making the PYP Happen, 2009)
Should you have any questions about the IB PYP at Holly Lane, please visit our website:
www.westlake.k12.oh.us/academics/global/IBPYP/Pages/ or contact IB Coordinator, Dameon
Headings, at headings@wlake.org
The key concepts and related
questions, shown to the right,
provide context through which
students can explore and deepen
their understanding of all subject
areas. Each unit of inquiry explores
content through 3 key concepts,
with all of them being covered each
school year. As students understand
the key concepts in different
contexts, they can begin to apply
them to new facts and topics to help
make connections to what they
already know and expand their
knowledge.
1
December 10, 2015
Holly Lane IB PYP News
Top Notch Tuesday
A group of students were recognized on Dec. 1 with an awards breakfast for exceptional effort for
being a good communicator, being respectful and showing independence during November. 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 Dec 2, students were introduced to the learner profile attribute: reflective and the IB attitude:
appreciation. Staff members in the school will each nominate a student who is being reflective and
showing appreciation during December. 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:
Reflective: Students will give thoughtful consideration to their learning and experience. They are able
to assess and understand their strengths and limitations in order to support their learning and personal
development.
Activities for Parents:
 Spend some time reviewing your child’s report card with them. They should have the
opportunity to look at this document and consider it as well. Discuss it with them and truly
consider their thoughts and their strengths and areas for improvement.
 Use the travel time at the end of vacations and activities to reflect on the significance of the
activity.
 Encourage your child to create a reflection journal or scrapbook about important events.
Appreciation: Encourage your child to appreciate the wonder and beauty of the world and its people
as well as the positive things that happen to them and to others.
Holly Lane Inquirers
4th Grades students investigate and
explore the natural resources that are
renewable and nonrenewable.
3rd Grade students inquire into the
phases of matter through a hands-on
learning engagement of dry ice.
Cooperation and collaboration are skills
these students use in their
understanding of natural resources.
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.
2
December 10, 2015