How the PYP Exhibition Promotes Global Citizenship

Simone Becker

Simone Becker

All around the world Primary Years Program schools celebrate learning with the culminating project called Exhibition. It is the final project of the graduating class in Primary School before the students enter their Middle School Years. Students are challenged to conduct a collaborative  in-depth inquiry around an issue of their interest and share it with the school community.

Students are provided with an opportunity to demonstrate independence and responsibility for their own learning by engaging in a transdisciplinary inquiry process that challenges them to explore multiple perspectives and identifying, investigating and finding solution to real life problems or issues.

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This year’s exhibition revolves around the concepts of well-being and mindfulness. The students will explore what these big ideas mean to them and what actions they can take to bring their findings to the communities they are part of. We are excited and curious to see where the students will take their learning, what issues and problems they will identify as relevant to them and their communities and what action they will take based on their learning.

The exhibition process is a challenging one, a tall order for young students. It requires students to become well-informed and passionate about an issue of their interest and work together to initiate change. It challenges them to be creative and collaborative, to think critically and communicate effectively. These skills, often referred to as 21st century skills, are fundamental in preparing our children for their future as global citizens.

The exhibition is an essential and required process in IBPYP schools. It synthesizes the primary years experience and prepares the students to continue their learning journeys knowing that their learning and their actions can make a difference.

Simone Becker

Simone Becker

Simone Becker, Assistant Head of School and Head of Lower School, was born and raised in a divided Berlin, Germany, and entered international education shortly after the demolition of the Berlin Wall in 1989. Consequently, the early 90s proved to be a great opportunity to inspire students to be responsible, open-minded global citizens. During this time, Simone developed as an educator as the period informed her beliefs and values about education and inspired a passion for the profession that has influenced her throughout her career. Simone believes in educating children beyond local boundaries and supporting their development in global competence at an early age.