IB PYP Exhibition
The PYP exhibition journey began on a good note in November, with students taking an active interest in the exhibition meetings twice a week, right from the start.
An overview of the entire PYP exhibition process outlining the ‘why’ and ‘how’ of the presentation was given to the students by the PYP Coordinator. Students learned that the PYP exhibition was a culmination of learning in the primary years. Subsequently, an online meeting for the parent orientation was also held the next day, to provide them with a broad outline of the process and to address their queries.
The next meeting with students included revision of major aspects of the IB – TD theme and their sub-strands with examples, key concepts, and related concepts. Student agency, voice, and choice were reiterated as being integral to the entire exhibition process. The online format of Toddle generated student exhibition planner was also shared. The importance of academic integrity and essential agreements were discussed. The Academic Integrity document was duly read and signed by each student, and essential agreements were framed with reference to ATL skills.
Further ahead in the week, students attempted two worksheets on the TD theme to consolidate their understanding of the transdisciplinary theme and watched audio-visual presentations for tuning in to the TD theme ‘How the World Works’ which was chosen by the students at the end of Grade 4. After having watched the same and referring to a few reference books, they chose areas of interest that they would like to take up for further inquiry. They recorded the broad topics/concepts on paper and matched them with the appropriate sub-strands of the TD theme to check alignment with the theme.
Students expressed two choices of the area of further inquiry in MS- Form and based on it, they formed groups to explore, Space Exploration, Artificial Intelligence, Physical Laws of Nature, Life Science, Earth Science, Travel and Navigation.
Moving on, the importance of ‘concepts’ vs facts/ideas was discussed and explained to students by way of examples as part of an MS PowerPoint presentation. The essential tenets of a good central idea were discussed by showing a few examples. Students’ queries were addressed and their inputs were appreciated.
The most exciting part was the revealing of mentor-mentees groups after which all meetings were to be conducted as per the mentor’s group in respective rooms.
| Group name | Mentors |
| Space Exploration – I | Ruchi Johar / Ruby Gandhar |
| Space Exploration – 2 | Sapna Sharma / Seema Tuli |
| Physical Laws of Nature | Tania Smith / Mansi Kapoor |
| Artificial Intelligence – 1 | Rimple Seth |
| Artificial Intelligence – 2 | Ridhi Bansal / Saakshi Narula |
| Life Science | Tannu Sharma |
| Earth Science | Anshu Singh / Bhawna Ailawadi |
| Travel and Navigation | Tavneet Chowhan / Bhawna Ailawadi |
Mentor-Mentee sessions
The first session began with a quick recapitulation of TD themes in general, key concepts, and related concepts. The features of a good central idea and the importance of academic integrity were also discussed by the mentors. Subsequently, the first draft of the central idea was framed by subgroups in a single group. The choices were recorded and post collaboration, a final common central idea was shared with all mentor-mentee groups.
The students in each group recorded their responses for the first few pages of the PYP exhibition planner after carefully reading the same. The mentees also discussed and made a rough timeline of their PYP exhibition journey.
The groups are underway in finalizing the lines of inquiry for all seven key concepts.
UOI
To gain an understanding of sustainable design, students visited the SMS Foundation headquarters located in Gurugram which is constructed according to the Platinum standards of Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (L.E.E.D). During the visit, they engaged in a presentation and participated in a quiz discerning sustainable design elements. During the tour of the building, students were encouraged to identify the design features that promote a sustainable environment. Students later reflected on their observations by responding to questions:
1. Describe three sustainable features you observed in the building.
2. How did the building’s design contribute to sustainability?
3. What new information did you learn about sustainable building practices?
4. How does achieving LEED certification impact the building’s environmental performance?
Students collaborated to generate inquiry questions relating to private, shared, and personal spaces. They explored sleeping areas, offices, classrooms, restaurants, and parks, and presented their findings in different formats such as posters, infographics, booklets, and paragraphs, which they shared through gallery walks. Culminating the unit of inquiry, students applied their understanding by designing their own space, incorporating sustainable features into their plans.
Schools Then and Now – 10 Ways Schools Have Changed
An Overview of the History of Park and Garden Design –
The Evolution of Office Design | Morgan Lovell
English
Engaging in various exercises, students enhanced their understanding of synonyms and antonyms. They sorted words and crafted sentences to solidify these linguistic concepts. Additionally, they broadened their vocabulary by extracting words from Michael Morpurgo’s ‘Kensuke’s Kingdom’ and utilizing dictionaries to identify corresponding antonyms and synonyms.
Furthermore, students examined the elements of short stories utilizing the story mountain framework, which involved reading ‘Gift of the Magi,’ as part of their preparation for the processes of planning, drafting, editing, and composing their own short narratives.
Math
Students were introduced to the concept of multiplying decimals by 10, 100, and 1000. They learned how to multiply decimal numbers by a whole number and then how to multiply two decimal numbers. To consolidate their skills, they practiced in their journals.
Credits- Khyati Jain- 5B
Hindi
Students’ understanding of pronouns(सर्वनाम) was evaluated through a prior knowledge assessment. During this activity, the students identified pronouns from the given paragraph. They acquired knowledge about different types of pronouns (सर्वनाम के भेद) and applied them in constructing sentences. Students honed their speaking skills. They also participated in a ‘बस एक पल’ activity where they expressed their opinions on various topics.
French
In our dynamic language sessions, students embarked on a linguistic journey through les vacances (vacations) in French. They explored vivid vocabulary related to vacations. They also learned the near future tense, akin to “going to + infinitive,” which empowered them to discuss vacation plans with flair. Armed with 4W and 1H questions, our budding linguists navigated their way to linguistic horizons through sentence-making activity
Resource link: https://classic.blooket.com/host/settings?gid=65cb2b2b8e968636edc671f4
Spanish
Students were introduced to the conjugation of an irregular Spanish verb, hacer (to do or to make). Students learned how the conjugation differed from other regular-er verbs and framed some sentences about day-to-day activities. An online video, which included a quiz, improved their accuracy. To enrich their understanding and vocabulary, students learned which sports use the verb hacer and which use jugar (to play) and were able to express their preferred sports.
Students learned phrases and vocabulary associated with clothes and were able to describe their favourite outfits.
ICT
During ICT classes, students marked Safer Internet Day 2024 (February 6, 2024) from February 5-9, 2024, focusing on the theme ‘Inspiring change, making a difference, managing influence, and navigating change online’. They discussed technological advancements, and the influence of the internet, and also gained awareness about artificial intelligence and its applications.
Furthermore, they were introduced to a 2D/3D house design tool wherein they learned different elements of the tool to design a sustainable house
Visual Art
As part of an integrated curriculum, students strengthened their understanding of creating the illusion of space on a flat surface. This was achieved through a storyboard activity.
Music
Students were engaged in understanding the elements of music such as tempo, rhythm, dynamics, melody, harmony, and pitch. This comprehension allows them to grasp a more profound understanding of how music works and why it affects us the way it does. Discussions were further encouraged and thus led them to express their understanding by participating in vocal demonstrations. They were also engaged in hands-on experience learning to play smooth scale and chord (Ab Major) using harmonium and keyboard as tools, respectively.
Dance
Students this week were introduced to the concepts of contraction, expansion, fall, and recovery. A short dance routine was taught regarding the same concepts. Children were divided into four groups and were instructed to choreograph short dance pieces to reflect their understanding of the concepts.
PHE
In tennis, students engaged in point rally matches and drills aimed at refining their forehand and backhand shots, while in football, they took part in short-sided matches and partnered exercises focused on improving kicking, dribbling, and overall coordination and technique.
Library
Students were introduced to an engaging vocabulary-building game known as Scrabble. This timeless game not only entertains but also serves as a potent tool for enhancing thinking skills and expanding vocabulary. Throughout the session, they were meticulously guided through the rules and regulations of Scrabble, equipping them with the knowledge needed to navigate the game effectively.
As the lesson progressed, excitement bubbled as students eagerly formed new words, collaborating within groups to maximize their scores and strategize their moves. Beyond the mere mechanics of the game, Scrabble fostered critical thinking, creativity, and linguistic fluency, empowering students to express themselves with confidence and precision. With each tile placed, students embarked on a journey of discovery, uncovering the boundless potential of language.
SEL
Students viewed a story, “Juice Bully Box ” to understand the significance of compassion. The story highlights the value of supporting one another and emphasizes the importance of patience, kindness, and forgiveness for fostering a positive school environment.
Students were given a friendship code: Stand for each other and make a promise to support and seek help when needed. This learning engagement aimed to promote positive behaviour among students and to cultivate a sense of community and mutual assistance within the school.
Grade 5E 