All students from kindergarten through grade six are enrolled in the Primary Years International Baccalaureate Programme (PYP). The PYP provides a framework in which challenging academics are taught in an arts rich environment.  This program focuses on the development of the whole child as an inquirer, both in the classroom and the world. Victoria School of the Arts is a recognized International Baccalaureate World School.

We encourage:

• International-mindedness through meaningful engagement with the learner profile.  Students learn how to be global citizens with the skills and attitudes for an ever changing world.
• A positive attitude to learning by engaging students in inquiries and developing their awareness of the process of learning so that they become lifelong learners.
• Learning goes beyond traditional subjects with meaningful, in-depth inquiries into issues that reflect real life.
• Development of the whole child:  physically, intellectually, emotionally and ethically.

PYP and the Programme of Inquiry:

A distinctive feature of the PYP is the programme of inquiry and the six transdisciplinary themes about global issues that are important and meaningful to us all.  Students investigate each one of these six themes in each year of the program.  The students develop a deeper and broader understanding of significant issues and concepts as they progress through the PYP.  These themes allow students to go beyond the confines of learning within subject areas.

Organizing themes:

• Who we are
• Where we are in time and place
• How we express ourselves
• How the world works
• How we organize ourselves
• Sharing the planet.

Arts and the Primary Years Programme:

We learn about, with, and through the arts.  Arts are taught within inquiry-based activities because of the nature of the creative cycle and the emphasis on process.  Arts inquiry takes place in an environment that stimulates and challenges students.  Learners are both active and reflective.  They are actively involved in creating and performing.  Students reflect on their work and on the work of others.  Students are given opportunities to attend live performances and art exhibits.  Students display work or perform in both informal and formal settings. Students receive instruction from a variety of arts specialists in music, dance, drama and visual arts.

Second Language Learning:

As an international school we believe learning a second language is important for all students.  French as a second language (FSL) offer students important cultural, linguistic and career development opportunities. French instruction begins at grade 2 and continues through all grade levels. The goal is to enable students to communicate in French in a variety of school, travel, leisure and job-related contexts.  FSL also enables students to better understand Francophone cultures in Canada and  other countries of the world.

Exhibition:

Our grade 6 students culminate the Primary Years Programme with an exhibition. The exhibition provides an opportunity for students to demonstrate their learning in the PYP and to take action as a result of their learning. The students chose to consider ways of tackling issues. The exhibition unites the teachers, learners, and parents of the class in an activity that captures the essence of the PYP. It is a celebration; an event that synthesizes all that is best in the PYP and shares it with the whole school community.

The following description of the PYP exhibition is based on a reflection submitted by a year 6 student.

The Exhibition: The exhibition is the final project in year 6 before graduating from the Primary Years Programme (PYP) to the Middle Years Programme (MYP). This is the most important project in the PYP. The exhibition is about researching a problem within a community that we are a part of, coming up with a creative and practical solution and then taking action to solve the problem.

The exhibition is also a chance to demonstrate the skills, profile attributes and attitudes we have learned to use during our time in the PYP.

Useful Links

Alberta Education

International Baccalaureate Organization