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. 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 Hilliard, please visit our website:
http://wlake.org/academics/global/IBPYP/ or contact IB Coordinator, Deb Wadden, at
waddend@wlake.org
The key concepts and related questions, shown
to the right, provide a lens through which
students can explore and deepen their
understanding of significant and authentic
content across the disciplines.
1
Hilliard IB PYP News
Pawsitive Tuesdays
A group of students was nominated in November for showing exceptional effort in being respectful,
independent and communicators. These students will be recognized at a bagel breakfast on January 22.
On the next Pawsitive Tuesday, Dec. 2, we introduced the attribute: Reflective and the attitude:
Appreciation. Ask your child about the presentation at the assembly.
Here are some things you can do at home to encourage your child to demonstrate this month’s
attribute and attitude:
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 children to appreciate the wonder and beauty of the world and its
people. We are also using this opportunity to show our appreciation for the diversity of families.
Check out Family Diversity quilt with the theme Let Love Define Family in the hallway by the main
office.
Hilliard’s Family Diversity Quilt
If you haven’t yet, stop in to see the fabulous
quilt created by students at Hilliard under the
guidance of school counselor, Sheri Foster.
Mrs. Foster is connecting the project to
Positive Behavior Interventions & Supports
and the IB PYP learner profile attributes and
IB attitudes.
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
2