Portfolios are a collection of student work designed to demonstrate growth and reflection over the Primary Years Program. Portfolios celebrate student learning and show development of the whole student. Portfolios are also used to facilitate student-led conferences.
Portfolios are a wonderful window into a student's classroom experience, moving beyond simple grades to showcase the learning experiences that happen during an IB unit. By inviting students to choose a piece of work that best represents their thinking, we empower them to take real pride in their intellectual growth and problem-solving skills. It’s a beautiful way to see not just what they are learning, but the unique and creative way your child’s mind works.
The reflection sheet is a "behind-the-scenes" look at each student's learning, connecting a learning experience to the big real-world themes we are exploring in class. It highlights the specific learner profile attributes—like being a Risk-Taker or a Thinker—that they used to complete the task. Most importantly, it gives your child a voice to explain in their own words why they are proud of their work and how they’ve grown.
We love seeing how your child’s learning transfers at home, so we invite you to share any stories of them making real-world connections outside of school. Whether they’re asking big questions at the dinner table or using a new skill during playtime, your insights help us celebrate their growth beyond the classroom. It’s a wonderful way for us to see the full picture of the curious and capable learner they are becoming.
Students reunite with their previous teacher and gives them a chance to share advice with the younger students now in those seats and officially collect their portfolios to carry into the new year. This tradition helps our learners reflect on their past successes as they excitedly step into their next big chapter.
Student-led conferences empower students to take ownership of their academic journey by articulating their strengths, challenges, and growth directly to their parents. This format fosters essential self-reflection and communication skills, transforming the traditional reporting process into an active demonstration of student agency. By leading the conversation, students gain a deeper sense of accountability and pride in their personal and intellectual development. Each grade level has a format for students to use. This is an example of a first grade conference plan.
After presenting their work, students take a moment to reflect on what they did well and where they can still grow. By identifying these personal strengths and challenges, they transform their observations into meaningful learning goals for the future. This process encourages students to take an active role in their own success and stay motivated for the journey ahead.