25.11.2022

PYPx celebrates the investigative journey of Y5 students

By Maiara Terra

The PYP Exhibition is a milestone in the life of a PYP student, as it is the culminating experience of the programme. In this project, the Y5 students collaboratively design, conduct and communicate the investigation of an issue of their interest, thereby demonstrating how they have developed their knowledge, understanding, skills, and attributes of the PYP. 

Based on common interests related to the transdisciplinary theme “Sharing the Planet”, the students formed groups and conducted investigations on topics of local and global significance. The titles chosen were: “Emotional Problems in Sports”, “Pinheiros River”, “Hunger”, “Social Network and Therapy”, “Racism and Sports”, “Homelessness”, “Global Goals and Sustainability”, “Human Rights”, “Social Inequality”, “Discrimination and Inequality”, “How human Inventions affect animals”, “Sustainable Innovations”, “Disabilities in Schools”, “Animal Exploitation”, “Fake News”, “Racism in Sports”, “Deforestation”, “Cancer Treatment”, “Sustainable Energy”, “Human Impact on the Environment”, “Prejudice”, “Ocean Pollution”, and “Animal Trafficking”. 

Throughout the semester, they were immersed in their investigations in search of answers to their questions. They interviewed experts, administered questionnaires to the school community, and read articles and books, all of which contributed to broadening their understanding of the topics as well as their ability to think critically about them. 

The students were able to apply their knowledge, understanding of the world, skills, and attributes of the IB student profile to solve problems and work collaboratively. In addition, they had creative and bold ideas for their actions and worked hard to organize and implement them. The groups made interventions in the school, through posters, lectures, immersive experiences, and art installations. In addition, some of them visited institutions and organizations, understood their focus of action, and planned fundraising strategies and materials to contribute to the achievement of their proposals. 

As a result, they raised awareness and inspired members of our community to reflect on important issues about their actions to transform them into a positive change in the world.

In their final presentations, the students shared with the Beacon community their research findings, conclusions, and how they applied the knowledge they gained to real-life situations through action. 

PYPx is a celebration of our students’ journey through PYP and their development as internationally minded individuals who perceive themselves as competent and capable agents of change. 

A new chapter in our students’ lives is about to begin! New adventures, experiences, and discoveries await them in Middle School.