Fifth Graders Present PYP Exhibition Projects

On May 16, French International fifth graders presented their Primary Years Programme (PYP) exhibition projects to their peers, students from other classes, faculty, staff, and parents.

The exhibition project is a several-week-long project where students work in small groups on a topic of interest. This year's topics included deforestation, endangered animals, basketball, child labor, disability awareness, coins, butterflies, art history, the CIA, hula dancing, fencing, Formula 1, laws, Pearl Harbor, and more.

Each group had a mentor to help guide them along the way. Students researched their topic and interviewed an expert on the subject matter. In addition to the research, the exhibition projects require students to take action to inspire change. Depending on the project, the action could include putting up posters around school or conducting surveys. 

Each group had to create a project to showcase their exhibition journey and prepare a presentation. The presentations showed the extent of their process, from the research to the lines of inquiry to the action and the reflection.

This year, the fifth-grade team made some changes to the presentation format. All of the groups set up their presentations in the gym, with groups pairing up based on similar project themes. Throughout the day, other students, parents, faculty, and staff rotated through the gym to listen to the presentations, giving the fifth graders multiple opportunities to share what they learned.

The exhibition incorporates many of the elements of IB that students have learned and requires them to demonstrate all of the aspects of the learner profile (​​inquirers, risk-takers, thinkers, knowledgeable, communicators, caring, open-minded, reflective, balanced, and principled). The project also helps students hone other skills, including social, communication, research, self-management, and critical-thinking skills.

All in all, the French International fifth graders worked hard on their projects. They did an excellent job sharing their passions, reflecting on their journey, and making a difference in the community.