PYP and Inquiry in Action Parent Workshop
Years 3 to 6 parents attended a hands-on workshop this week to gain greater insights into the depth and academic rigour of the International Baccalaureate Primary Years Programme (IBPYP). Delivered by our Junior School academic staff, the workshop went beyond curriculum jargon to demonstrate how the IBPYP framework helps students excel beyond conventional expectations.
The harmonious alignment between Wenona's Values and the International Baccalaureate mission was highlighted as particularly significant. "Both champion a contemporary and rigorous education, the development of people of character, and the cultivation of global citizens who are empowered to serve and shape their world," Ms Cameron explained. She emphasised that adopting the PYP framework has allowed Wenona to strengthen its Values with our youngest learners.
Parents were guided through the framework's six transdisciplinary themes – Sharing the Planet, Who We Are, How We Express Ourselves, Where We Are in Place and Time, How We Organise Ourselves, and How the World Works – which provide the scaffolding to develop deep, conceptual learning experiences across traditional subject boundaries.
Ms Cameron clarified some common misconceptions about approaches to learning in the Junior years. “A common one is that inquiry-based learning simply consists of students asking endless questions," she noted. "While questioning is certainly encouraged, the approach is far more structured and rigorous, being intentionally guided by our educators." She explained how in the Junior School we balance explicit instruction with inquiry-based learning, ensuring students develop strong foundational skills while also learning to think critically and make connections across disciplines and in the world around them. As we see so vividly in both the world of work and education, expertise is no longer how much you know, it’s how well you synthesise, question, and think critically. The future belongs to those who develop this modern skill set.
One of the strongest signs of learning success is when we see student agency and action. Ms Cameron shared the story of Bella, a Year 5 student so inspired by the Living Sea Walls project that she gathered 500 signatures supporting marine life regeneration and successfully presented her case to Lane Cove Council for installing living sea walls at Greenwich Baths.
Another student, Ellen, who was in Year 5 in 2022 said of her experiences, "I am armed with hope, knowledge and a deeper connection to the ocean. With a deep passion for the ocean formed through connection, I can use that to bring about change and educate others. And that is what initiative is: taking action with passion."
The workshop concluded with practical suggestions for parents wishing to support PYP principles at home, from encouraging inquiry and creative thinking to promoting open-mindedness and reflection.
Thank you to all who gave up their time to attend this workshop. We hope you enjoyed learning how Wenona sets strong foundations of academic rigour and inquiry for our youngest students. These foundations support them to excel academically throughout their School years and develop the confidence, compassion, and conviction to make meaningful contributions to the world, throughout their lives.