The PYP Exhibition is hosted by the 5th grade level students. It is the big final event celebrating the end of the IB Primary Years where students display what they have accomplished as IB learners.
After having researched and worked for three months (from January to spring), students present their efforts in the School’s Open Day where the 5th grade level teachers and students decide on the topic of the Exhibition. The children work in groups and conduct in-depth inquiry on a theme they have selected themselves assisted by the school teachers (mentors). The teachers of the grade level assume general supervision of the PYP Exhibition. All teachers aim at participating in the process to support students, allowing the latter, however, to organize and work on the theme independently.
The School Community and the PYP Exhibition
The entire school community becomes involved in the preparation of the PYP Exhibition. At first, the older students who have organized a PYP Exhibition in the past share their know-how with the 5th grade level students. However, all Primary School students become engaged by taking part in interim events and also by attending the final presentation. The teachers participate as mentors or/and they provide support according to their field of expertise. In addition, parents are invited by the students to give speeches and make presentations that will help children in the inquiry of their theme and, of course, all parents attend the final Exhibition. Lastly, the wider local community may be involved as well in relevant actions held outside the school.
Assessing the PYP Exhibition
Assessment in the PYP is ongoing in order for learners to develop all their attributes and to get feedback on the learning process. The same stands for the PYP Exhibition which is assessed through various tools:
- The portfolio
The file that contains all the material collected and created by the learners during their inquiry along with self-assessment forms completed by students after concluding their tasks.
- The journal
In the journal, children write down what they do in class and what they will have to do or look for the next time. The content and the extent of details in their notes reflect the children’s sense of responsibility, their enthusiasm and the progress they make.
- Anecdotal records by teachers/mentors
These include photos, videos and notes for the class as a whole, groups or/and individual learners.
- Presentations
Every time students have collected research material, they present it in class. The frequency and method of their presentations, as well as the quality of the material presented provide a clear picture of their progress.
- The point system chart
Groups often get the chance to vote -providing also an explanation- in order to decide on their peers’ best projects and actions. The winners collect award points.
