"When you are interested in something or have a passion for something, you learn more about it, and the skills you learn can be used later in your life. My passion is astronomy; it is important to me because it holds many mysteries and problems. For example, space pollution is a severe problem as it could threaten space exploration for future generations. So, I embarked on a journey to come up with possible devices and solutions to tackle this issue. During this journey, I have learned to be independent and caring.", said 10-year-old Keyaan.
10-year-old Abdullah said, "Overfishing is critical to the globe because it is leading to the extinction of many fish species. My passion revolves around fishing; hence, I have started to educate the people around me and make them aware of the drastic impacts of overfishing on marine life. People must know about the negative impacts of overfishing so that the world can become a better place for all animals and living organisms."
In the PYP Exhibition 2022, organized by International School Dhaka (ISD), 32 students from grade five presented their individual stories of problems and solutions based on a broader central idea 'We use our creativity and passion to take action to make the world a better place.'
From animal abuse, game addiction, and food wastage to space pollution, overfishing, and many more, students chose their own passion and area of inquiry. Based on this inquiry, students researched for two weeks and came up with possible solutions that would help solve their chosen issue.
The PYP Exhibition is the culminating event of each student's years in primary education. It is a showcase of students as learners and what they have achieved in their primary schooling.
The fundamental purpose of the PYP Exhibition, also known as PYPX, is to engage in collaborative, in-depth inquiry and demonstrate independence and responsibility for individual learning. The event unites the entire student, parent, and school community from a deep-rooted essence of learning.
As students synthesize and apply knowledge of their previous years of education, they can develop critical literacy and inquiry skills. The 'taking action' element, in particular, is a key element in developing international-mindedness in students.
Falling under the IB curriculum, the PYPX is one of the most crucial stages for students in terms of skill-building and early years’ development.
The IB curriculum is truly a great curriculum that prepares future leaders to delve into and grapple with issues that have personal, local, and global relevance and significance. It provides opportunities that enable students to develop an awareness of different cultural perspectives and an appreciation for the commonality and the complexity of human experience.
It's stimulating, inspiring, and allows students to really excel and see what they're capable of. For those who choose to challenge themselves, the IB is hugely rewarding. Students finish with skills and a level of confidence that will push them forward in their whole life.
Being exposed to multiple perspectives, learning to articulate individual opinions, balancing academic work with co-curricular activities, and learning through experience and researching – IB students are known to receive an astounding level of personal growth.
From early years, PYP, MYP to IBDP, IB offers a great deal of value and opportunities to its students. Therefore, parents and students must start considering their options of education to ensure guaranteed future skills and success.