Portledge Seeks to Expand Our IB Program to Lower School: The PYP Journey
This year, Portledge embarked on an exciting journey towards becoming an official International Baccalaureate Primary Years Programme (PYP) school.
This year, Portledge embarked on an exciting journey towards becoming an official International Baccalaureate Primary Years Programme (PYP) school. The PYP is a dynamic and globally recognized educational framework created for students aged 3 to 12 that focuses on the development of the whole child. Key elements include fostering inquiry-based learning, critical thinking, and a love for knowledge using a transdisciplinary, student-centered approach.
The Lower School proudly earned the title of PYP Candidate School this year. As a team, we have seamlessly woven the PYP principles into various aspects of our educational approach. Teachers have been an integral part of this work, creating transdisciplinary units that follow the six fundamental themes.
Collaborative planning has introduced a transformative pause into the whirlwind of a teacher's daily routine, offering a moment to step back from the fast pace of classroom life and engage in a collective pursuit of something greater. We are channeling our energies towards a shared vision of enriching student learning experiences. This camaraderie, support, and exchange of ideas have benefitted each teacher. As a result, planning sessions leave us revitalized, equipped with renewed inspiration and a sense of purpose, ready to make a profound impact within our classrooms and beyond.
Fostering community support for our PYP journey is paramount. The partnership between home and school is crucial to the PYP framework. It enhances the educational experience for students while creating a supportive environment in our community. We encourage parents and loved ones to join in our learning experiences. For example, this World Day, Kindergarten parents and grandparents donated their time and helped the students learn about US National Parks.
One key highlight of this work is the emphasis on inquiry-based learning. We encourage students to ask probing questions, explore diverse perspectives, and construct meaning through hands-on experiences. Already, there is a desirable shift in student engagement and motivation. Students are fully committed to ownership of their learning and go above and beyond to showcase their knowledge. A prime example of student agency took place during our very first transdisciplinary theme of “Who We Are.” The 3rd-graders showcased their incredible creativity as they tackled environmental issues close to their hearts. Students came up with innovative strategies and solutions for environmental challenges that they are passionate about.
As teachers, we are committed to regular self-assessment exercises to identify areas of strength and areas for growth, guiding our strategic planning efforts. As we progress along our candidacy journey, we've diligently worked towards meeting the rigorous standards set forth by the International Baccalaureate. From aligning our curriculum with the PYP framework to implementing effective professional development initiatives for our educators, every step has been aimed at ensuring the seamless transition toward full PYP accreditation.
Our candidacy journey has been a labor of dedication and innovation. With each step forward, we move closer to our mission of providing an educational experience that empowers students to become leaders of tomorrow and prepares them to thrive in an increasingly complex world.
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admissions@portledge.org (admissions inquiries)
hr@portledge.org (employment inquiries)
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Portledge School does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, gender, sexual orientation, national origin, ancestry, age, marital status, disability, or any other characteristic protected by law. This policy applies to, but is not limited to, educational policies, admission, financial aid, hiring and employment practices, use of school facilities, athletics, and other school-administered programs.
Portledge School does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, gender, sexual orientation, national origin, ancestry, age, marital status, disability, or any other characteristic protected by law. This policy applies to, but is not limited to, educational policies, admission, financial aid, hiring and employment practices, use of school facilities, athletics, and other school-administered programs.