04.12.2019

Exhibition 2019 addresses topics such as public health, environment and art

Fifth graders (Y5) presented the Exhibition, the Primary Years Programme (PYP) conclusion project.  The event strengthens the acquired knowledge through research, a moment when students can demonstrate the learner profile developed since the Early Childhood Education all the way to the completion of the IB program.

This trajectory began with a Passion Journey, in which teachers encouraged students to think about subjects of their interest, their doubts and their passions. Divided according to their chosen themes, the students welcomed their parents at the school to share their choices and, then, went on to fully participate in the creation of a Unit of Inquiry.

The group that investigated “Access to Modern Medicine” studied how public health systems are organized and what their benefits are. They sought low-cost alternatives and partnerships with hospitals that could offer treatments and assistance to the needy population. “Animals in Danger” investigated the importance of animals for the environment and how we can take responsibility for taking care of them. As a conclusion, they raised funds to donate to “Associação Mata Ciliar”, which develops actions to preserve biodiversity. Students who were interested in “Arts Therapy” researched how art can change an individual’s feelings and the ways we can communicate through this channel. They visited the “Casa Ninho”, which provides support to needy children with cancer and also a nursing home. After the study, the students concluded that through our actions, arts therapy can improve patients’ treatment, as well as positively impact their whole lives.

“Deadly Insects and Arachnids” was the subject of interest for students who would like to understand why many people die from stings of insects and arachnids in São Paulo. The theme “Deforestation” brought information regarding the different causes of deforestation, in what ways it affects the climate and its impact on communities and animals.

Based on the premise that the ocean is one of the most valuable natural resources on the planet, and that is has a fundamental role for the environment, a group of students chose the theme “Ocean Pollution” to understand the consequences of plastic and its harm for our metabolism, as well as the economic impacts of ocean pollution. Besides visiting recycling cooperatives, the students created campaigns to raise awareness inside the school walls.

“Orphaned Children” approached prejudice and the inclusion in society of homeless children or those living at risk, with addicted parents, abuse and domestic violence, or child labor. The students who studied “Service Animals” learned that service animals are those that work to help autistic or disabled people, policemen, and firefighters, among others. “Sports for People with Disabilities”  delved into the the issue as to how people with disabilities live in our society and why they are not included. They also researched how technology can help these people.

The students who chose the theme “Improving Literacy” investigated the roles of reading and literacy in our society. They researched how reading can impact future generations and children’s lives. A group of students was concerned with threats from space and determined the title of their Unit of Inquiry as “Threats to Earth from Space”. They focused on convincing the government to invest in technologies to protect the Earth, and then they sent a message to the AEB – “Agência Espacial Brasileira”, asking for help. They had the initiative to foresee what is to come and to create an app with information about the threats, curiosities, interesting videos, a Q&A channel, as well as direct links to websites from AEB, NASA, and ESA.

The students presented all the themes to the school community during the Exhibition. It was a true rite of passage towards Middle School.