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 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 Hilliard, please visit our website:
http://wlake.org/academics/global/IBPYP/ or contact IB Coordinator, Deb Wadden, at
waddend@wlake.org
Hilliard’s Programme of Inquiry is posted in the
main hall by the Library and shows the Units of
Inquiry each grade will cover.
Stars indicate the unit currently being studied.
Completed units are marked with a sign.
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/
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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. As
partners, 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. Through Hilliard’s Pawsitive Tuesdays, we will concentrate on specific IB attitudes and
learner profile attributes each month. Adults in the school will each nominate a student who
exemplifies a highlighted attitude or attribute during the month. Students who have been recognized
and nominated by a staff member for showing the highlighted attitudes and attributes will be invited,
with their families, to a bagel breakfast with Mrs. Tucker at the end of the quarter.
Each month different attitudes and attributes 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:
Oct. 14
Nov.11
Dec. 2
Jan. 6
Feb. 3
Mar. 3
April 14
May 5
At the October 14 assembly, we will introduce Enthusiasm and Knowledgeable. Here are some
ways you can encourage enthusiasm and knowledgeable at home:
Knowledgeable: Students explore concepts, ideas and issues that have local and global significance.
In so doing, they acquire in-depth knowledge and develop understanding across a broad and
balanced range of disciplines.
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Encourage your child to read books at home that correspond to the topics being covered in
school.
Praise your child for becoming knowledgeable and encourage him/her to continue to expand on
what has been learned to gain a deeper, broader understanding
Ask your child about what they are learning in school and engage them in conversations about
it:
o “Why do you think that is an important thing to know about?”
o “Can you think of anything happening in the world today that might be similar to that
aspect of history?"
Enthusiasm: Students enjoy learning and willingly put effort into the learning process
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Model enthusiasm for learning new things when spending time with your child, Let your child
hear you speak of your enthusiasm for gaining knowledge and new skills.
Recognize the enthusiasm and efforts of others
If your child is not showing enthusiasm for new knowledge and skills, ask questions that lead
them to consider the reasons to show effort and enthusiasm for learning new things, even if
they are challenging and draw their attention to the positive aspects of the learning experience
or outcomes.
Hilliard Mission Statement
Hilliard Elementary educates for excellence by creating an environment that promotes globallyminded, compassionate, life-long learners who are knowledgeable and socially responsible citizens
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