International Baccalaureate (IB) Primary Years Programme

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1 Parent Forum Tuesday 10 September 7.00pm Santa Sabina College International Baccalaureate (IB) Primary Years Programme

2 Del Monte Leadership Team (From left to right) Mrs Sharon Portlock Acting Head of Primary Ms Maria Thompson Religious Education Coordinator Dr Maree Herrett College Principal Ms Vicki Spillane Coordinator Mrs Emma McAulay IB PYP Coordinator We are very excited to announce that Santa Sabina College is seeking candidacy for the International Baccalaureate (IB) Primary Years Programme. IB World Schools share a common philosophy a commitment to improve the teaching and learning of a diverse and inclusive community of students by delivering challenging, high quality programmes of international education that share a powerful vision. 2

3 The mandated Australian syllabus will be taught but it will be done so through the approach offered by the PYP. Our existing collaborative units of guided inquiry provide an excellent starting point for the development of the PYP. Background The International Baccalaureate Organisation was established in 1968 to meet the needs of students globally. The organisation has been motivated by a vision that critical thinking and exposure to a variety of points of view will encourage international understanding by young people. What is the IB Primary Years Program? The IB Primary Years Programme (PYP) is a curriculum model that has inquiry based learning at its centre. Inquiry allows children to actively engage in their learning, and take responsibility for that learning. Inquiry allows each child s understanding to develop in a manner and a rate that is appropriate and personalized. The same beliefs about learning that exist at Mary Bailey House Early Learning Centre are in practice in the PYP. Links to our Dominican Charism The IB PYP aligns with the College Mission and Vision of education for justice in a global context. Inquiry-based learning in the PYP is consistent with Santa Sabina s commitment to student-centred and discerning scholarship. At its heart, the IB PYP is a student-centred curriculum that develops intellectual, personal, emotional and social skills for students to live, learn and work in a rapidly changing world. 3

4 Mrs Emma McAulay IB PYP Coordinator Meet Emma McAulay, your IB PYP Coordinator Emma McAulay is our IB Primary Years Programme coordinator. Emma has over 20 years experience within the Education system and has been a member of the School Leadership Team for the last 7 years. She has experienced the role of classroom teacher for all primary grades, from Kindergarten through to Year 6 and held the role of Special Education Coordinator; across different demographics and geographical regions of Sydney. Emma has International Educational Experience through various teaching positions across the UK as well. Emma has worked collaboratively with University Staff to initiate K-5 Practitioner Enquiry Project promoting practice-based educational research ( ). Emma has also undertaken a study tour with Director of Mary Bailey House, Jackie Baxter to Reggio Emilia, Italy; to research ways to embed authentic enquiry practices into the Primary Curriculum (2007). Emma is currently studying at Macquarie University a Masters in Educational Research: (Pedagogy of Inquiry and its impact on the Learner.) She is committed to Educational Research and recently coauthored a paper for an International Educational Journal with colleagues from Macquarie University: Journal: Reflective Practice: International and Multidisciplinary Perspectives: 26 October 2012, Publisher: Routledge. I bring to the role of IB PYP Coordinator; great excitement, passion for learning and energy to inspire all students to exceed their potential. I am motivated and passionate about students constructing meaning and being viewed as strong, competent and full of potential. 4

5 What is so special about the IB Primary Years Programme? The IB programmes are internationally benchmarked. The IB PYP focuses on the development of the whole child, and provides a framework that can meet a child s academic, social, physical, emotional and cultural needs. Students take ownership of their learning and develop skills and attitudes to help prepare them for more independent learning in high school. The IB PYP is designed to meet the different needs of learners. The IB PYP has an international perspective which aligns with our global focus and experiences that are offered to our students. IB World Schools must undergo an exhaustive authorization process in order to offer one or more of the programmes. IB teachers participate in a wide variety of professional development opportunities to constantly update their knowledge and share their expertise with colleagues around the world. What is the IB Learner Profile? The IB learner profile is the IB mission statement translated into a set of learning outcomes for the 21st century. These outcomes align with the learning dispositions, which we currently promote and strive to embed in all areas of the curriculum. IB learners strive to be: inquirers knowledgeable thinkers communicators principled open-minded caring risk-takers balanced reflective. The Learner Profile provides a common language for teachers, parents and students. Parent Forum International Baccalaureate (IB) Primary Years Programme There will be a Parent Forum facilitated by Dr Maree Herrett, College Principal and the Del Monte Leadership Team on Tuesday 10 September at 7.00pm to enable parents to learn more about the International Baccalaureate (IB) Primary Years Programme and an opportunity to ask further questions about this exciting programme. We also welcome Briony Morath, Development Manager, from the Australasia International Baccalaureate Organization who will also be present at the IB PYP Parent Forum. We look forward to your attendance at the IB Primary Years Programme Parent Forum, please register your attendance prior via: 5

6 Frequently Asked Questions 6 Will my child be learning different curriculum content in the classroom? We are teaching the Australian Curriculum as mandated by the NSW Board of Studies outcomes. The IB PYP provides an excellent framework within which the Australian curriculum is taught. What are the key learning areas identified within the IB Primary Years Programme? Religious Education Language (English and Italian) Social Studies (Human Society and its Environment) Mathematics Science (Science and Technology) Arts (Creative Arts, music) Personal, social and physical education The IB works with 3,607 schools in 145 countries to offer the three IB programmes to approximately 1,112,000 students. Does the IB Primary Years Programme suit all learners? The IB PYP places the learner at the centre and all learners needs are paramount. The IBO insists that schools offering their programmes demonstrate support for students with particular learning needs. This support is offered by classroom teachers, specialist staff, parental assistance and external agencies when required. Is there a need for staff to attend professional development concerning the IB Primary Years Programme? Our teachers will participate in a wide variety of Professional Development opportunities to constantly update their knowledge and share their expertise with colleagues around the world. Santa Sabina College is committed to professional development and lifelong learning for all staff. Will there be additional fees associated with the IB Primary Years Programme? There will be no separate charge for the IB Primary Years Programme to parents. Will Santa Sabina College be introducing the Middle Years Programme or the Diploma Programme? The College will be seeking candidacy for the IB Primary Years Programme from 2014 with no plans to introduce the Middle Years Programme or Diploma Programme at this stage. Is a language compulsory with the IB PYP? A language is mandatory from age 7. This is also a priority with the implementation of the Australian curriculum. How many IB schools are there globally? The IB works with 3,607 schools in 145 countries to offer the three IB programmes to approximately 1,112,000 students. The Primary Years Programme (PYP) for students aged 3 to 12 started in 1997 and is now offered by 1,051 IB World Schools. How many IB schools offer the IB PYP in Australia? There are 87 schools in Australia offering the IB Primary Years Programme across all sectors of education including public, Catholic and other independent schools.

7 > > Further Information There is a parent s information section on the International Baccalaureate website, please visit this link: Further Questions Please contact the IB PYP Coordinator: The IB PYP Coordinator Ms Emma McAulay Santa Maria del Monte 59 The Boulevarde Strathfield NSW 2135 Australia Phone: e.mcaulay@ssc.nsw.edu.au

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