Bassett 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 Units of Inquiry in which students investigate a conceptually-based
central idea using the knowledge they have gained. Students explore the similarities and differences
among individuals and cultures and develop an understanding and respect for people and the
environment. This helps students apply their content knowledge in authentic situations.
Should you have any questions about the IB PYP at Bassett, please visit our website:
http://wlake.org/academics/global/IBPYP/ or contact IB Coordinator, Deb Wadden, at
waddend@wlake.org
Bassett’s Programme of Inquiry is posted in the
front hall of the school and shows the Units of
Inquiry each grade will cover.
Stars indicate the unit currently being studied.
Checkmarks indicate completed units.
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 Bassett Programme of Inquiry can also be
downloaded as a pdf from the school’s website.
http://www.westlake.k12.oh.us/schools/bassett/Pages
/
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Bassett IB PYP News
The Big 3 and Totally Awesome Tuesdays
Family involvement and support of student learning is key in the IB PYP learning environment. Bassett
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. Through
Bassett’s Totally Awesome Tuesdays, we have begun concentrating on the IB attitudes of cooperation
and respect and learner profile attribute, principled. 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 respect or cooperation or being principled will be invited,
with their families, will be invited to a bagel breakfast by Mr. Fleming.
Each month we will concentrate on different attitudes and attributes that will be introduced at
assemblies on Totally Awesome Tuesdays. Totally Awesome Tuesday dates to note and remind your
student to wear his/her Big 3 t-shirt (or Bassett spirit wear) are:
Oct. 28
Dec. 2
Jan. 13
Feb. 3
Mar. 3
Mar. 31
May 5
On October 28, we will introduce Appreciation and Communicator. Here are some ways you can
encourage appreciation and communicator 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, using the phone or sending an email.
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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.

Utilize school sponsored discussion boards and blogs to enhance written communication skills
Appreciation: Students appreciate the wonder and beauty of the world and its people.

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Model appreciative behavior when spending time with your child, Let your child hear you speak
of things and people you appreciate
Show appreciation for nature, art and the talents of others
If your child is not being appreciative, ask questions that lead them to consider how fortunate
they are or draw their attention to the positive aspects of their experience.
Bassett Mission Statement
Bassett Elementary School is a child-centered community empowered to develop responsible,
compassionate, globally-minded citizens who are lifelong inquirers dedicated to achieving
academic excellence.
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