Dear Parents and Caregivers

I hope life is treating you well as we progress through the middle of our final term of the year. There is a high energy in school at the moment with learners participating in a variety of different learning engagements and events.

This academic year has seen us welcome many schools from across the globe to come and see how we deliver our IB Primary Years Programme.  Our reputation for excellence in this area is becoming truly international. 

The International Baccalaureate (IB) Primary Years Programme (PYP) emphasises a holistic approach to education and fosters a range of approaches to learning. These approaches aim to develop learners' skills, attitudes, and habits of mind, enabling them to become effective learners. 

Thinking Skills: The PYP emphasises the development of critical thinking skills, including analysis, evaluation, and problem-solving. Learners are encouraged to think deeply, make connections, and apply their knowledge to real-world situations.

Communication Skills: Effective communication is vital in the PYP. Learners learn to express their ideas and thoughts clearly and coherently through various modes of communication, including speaking, writing, and presenting. They also develop listening skills to understand different perspectives and collaborate effectively.

Social Skills: Collaborative skills are nurtured through group work, cooperative learning, and our innovative learning spaces. Learners learn to work effectively with others, actively listen, respect diverse viewpoints, and resolve conflicts constructively.

Self-Management Skills: Learners are encouraged to become self-managed learners by setting goals, organising their time, and taking responsibility for their learning. They develop skills in planning, prioritising, and reflecting on their progress, fostering independence and self-discipline.

Research Skills: The PYP promotes inquiry-based learning, where learners actively explore concepts and ideas through questioning, research, and investigation. This approach encourages learners to develop their own questions, seek answers, and construct their understanding.

Other areas the IB emphasise are:

Transfer of Learning: The PYP emphasises the application of learning across different contexts. Learners are encouraged to make connections between their learning and real-life situations, transferring their knowledge and skills to new challenges.

Creativity and Innovation: The PYP values creativity and innovation as learners explore different ways of thinking, problem-solving, and expressing themselves. They are encouraged to take risks, think imaginatively, and explore multiple solutions.

Reflection: Reflection is an integral part of the PYP. Learners are encouraged to reflect on their learning experiences, identify their strengths and areas for growth, and set goals for improvement. Reflective practices promote metacognition and continuous self-assessment.

These ways of thinking and skills are integrated throughout the PYP curriculum, supporting learners' development as lifelong learners. Please take a look at our News from the Year Groups tab to learn how we are developing ATL skills in the current UOI.

Often at this time of the year we notice learners getting tired and over excited, with many of them looking forward to the long break and seeing friends and family. It's a combination that can lead to some poor decision making and a lack of focus. We make an extra effort at this time of year to regroup, remind everyone of their class essential agreements and respond to learners in an empathetic and restorative way. Your support is greatly appreciated, some practical steps you can take as the end of the term comes closer are to keep to your regular meal and bedtime routines and take a moment to remind your child about how to respond if decisions don't go the way they would like. 

Linked to this - we have seen an increase in concerns and issues coming from social media and messaging apps or services. We don't recommend that primary learners have access to any social media or unmoderated messaging apps. It is very easy for conversations online to filter back into school and have a significant impact on the learners involved. If you want to start a conversation about the use of social media with your child we've found this site The Smart Talk to be a useful resource.

We know many of you have been making plans fro the long holiday. We don't want to say goodbye to anyone, however if you know you will be leaving us at the end of this academic year please complete a withdrawal form (found on the Parent Portal), to enable us to plan appropriately for next year.  May I also take the opportunity to once again remind all parents that we finish at 12:00 midday on the last day of term, Friday, 16 June.

Have a lovely weekend.

Fiona Lewis

Head of Primary