We are thrilled to share that this year's PYP Coffee Morning, held on 14 November, was a great success! The event was attended by 14 parents, many of whom are new to our school community, alongside parents from the German Section who were eager to learn more about our unique approach to teaching and learning. The session was designed to give parents a deeper understanding of the International Baccalaureate (IB) Primary Years Program (PYP) and how we implement it at GESM.
Key Highlights from the Event
The morning began with an interactive KWL Chart Activity, where parents used a Likert scale to indicate how much they knew about the IB and PYP. This helped us activate their prior knowledge and address their wonderings about the PYP. The questions parents had were focused on understanding the core elements of the program.
We then introduced key vocabulary commonly used in our classrooms, such as the IB Learner Profile Attributes, Program of Inquiry, Unit of Inquiry, Approaches to Learning (ATL), and Transdisciplinary Learning. Parents learned how these concepts are integrated into daily lessons, supporting our goal of promoting international mindedness and intercultural respect. We also explored the connection between different subject areas (English, Math, and Science) and the transdisciplinary themes that guide our Units of Inquiry.
The event also included a Globalization Discussion, where parents shared their perspectives on the positive and negative aspects of globalization. Through the "Looks like, Feels like, and Sounds like" visible thinking tool, parents reflected on how globalization broadens perspectives, yet also creates challenges, such as language barriers and cultural differences. In response, we highlighted how our teaching strategies, such as translanguaging and differentiated support in our EAL and DaF programs, help ensure all students feel supported and engaged.
Parent Questions and Discussions
Two key questions raised by parents were:
Assessment: Parents inquired about assessments, particularly for students in Grades 3 and beyond. We reassured them that assessments are introduced gradually and that students are well-prepared. Additionally, "Pointers for Review" will be sent out before the Christmas break to help students get ready for their End of Term 1 Assessments.
IB Learner Profile Awards: There was a question about how students are made aware of their IB Learner Profile awards. We explained that these awards are part of a reflective process, designed to recognize and celebrate students' growth in alignment with the Learner Profile attributes, and they are displayed in classrooms as a daily reminder of our shared values.
Positive Parent Feedback
The feedback from parents has been overwhelmingly positive. Many shared how welcoming they felt, especially as newcomers to our school community. Their children are excited to attend school, and parents appreciate the positive and nurturing learning environment we have created together.
We would like to extend our sincere gratitude to everyone who contributed to making this event a success. A big thank you to our teachers and staff for fostering such a positive and engaging atmosphere, and to our parents for their continued support and participation in the growth of our school community.
Let’s continue to work together to create an enriching learning environment for all our students!
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