Crawford International's PYPX or The IB PYP Exhibition
ADvTECH Group • October 5, 2021
Exploring the IB PYP Exhibition
The International Baccalaureate programme is a unique offering by Crawford International private schools which places emphasis on universal development, and as such, remains focused on academic excellence together with personal growth and understanding.
Learn more about the programme here.
Writing an end of year examination is traditionally a way of measuring how well students have memorised the content they have learnt. But, how can we measure the broader aspects of PYP (Primary Years Programme) learning? Things like:
- The ability to research and problem solve in a collaborative group;
- The ability to draw upon and extend skill; knowledge, strengths, passions, and interests!
Enter the IB PYP (International Baccalaureate Primary Years Programme) Exhibition, also known as The PYPX!
For students embarking on the PYPX, it’s like taking off on a bicycle without training wheels. Teachers and mentors run alongside - coaching, encouraging and whooping with excitement as they watch their young charges barreling down the road, a little unsteadily at times, but filled with excitement and ever-growing confidence. As they roll on, students exercise the skill and understanding they’ve gained through years of practice.
In this pinnacle of IB PYP achievement, students demonstrate the accumulation of their learning, understanding, learner profile attributes and skills by:
Defining a Field of Inquiry
- Students identify and select a real-life issue connected to a local and global goal.
- This level of agency offers students autonomy in choosing their field of inquiry, allowing them to pursue personal interests and passions.
Formulating Inquiry Questions
- Students formulate questions to drive their inquiry and deepen their understanding and shape their learning.
Conducting Research
- Using a variety of resources students gather different perspectives. This includes creating surveys and conducting interviews.
- Gathering reliable information and using it effectively is a useful and transferable skill, which will benefit students in their future education.
Documenting the Process
- Students make regular journal entries recording the development of their understanding and evidence of progress through drawings, photographs, video clips, interview notes and mentor notes.
Taking Action!
- As a result of their research, there is an expectation that students will commit to, and take some form of action to make a positive, sustainable difference.
- Taking action allows students to align themselves, their learning, and the world around them to impact change.
- This empowers students to step into their roles as global change-makers.
Exhibiting their Advocacy (Exhibition Evening)
- By effectively sharing the story of their inquiry and how they have made a difference with the learning community, the Exhibition evening is an opportunity for students to be powerful advocates of the issue into which they have inquired.
- This is a grand opportunity for students to celebrate all their learning and academic development during the PYP with parents, teachers, peers and the rest of the learning community.
Click here to read about the process endured by Crawford's head of Academics - Traci Salter-Willis in order to obtain authorisation for all eight Crawford Preparatory schools as IB World Schools.
“The International Baccalaureate® aims to develop inquiring, knowledgeable and caring young people who help to create a better and more peaceful world through intercultural understanding and respect.”
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ALUMNI SPOTLIGHT: DYLAN BIZJAK Crawford International Sandton From the classrooms of Crawford International Sandton to the forefront of aeronautical engineering in the Netherlands, Dylan Bizjak’s journey is one of ambition, resilience and innovation . Pursuing a Passion for Engineering After matriculating in 2019, Dylan initially pursued Aeronautical Engineering at Wits University. However, six months into his studies, a new opportunity emerged, one that would take him beyond South Africa’s borders. He secured a place at Inholland University of Applied Sciences in Delft, Netherlands, where he embraced the challenge of international study, even navigating his first year remotely due to the pandemic. Now a graduate with a BSc in Aeronautical Engineering (2024), Dylan has stepped into the professional world, joining Eve Reverse, a pioneering start-up dedicated to climate-positive innovation. What began as an internship in his final year evolved into a full-time role as a Research and Development Engineer, where he contributes to the creation of sustainable, carbon-negative materials. His proudest achievement? Playing a key role in the development of the Eve Dry Tile, an innovative flax fibre material designed to reduce emissions and waste in manufacturing. Achievements at Crawford International Sandton Gareth Beach Award (2019) – Recognised for bravery, dedication, self-development and outstanding achievement in swimming. Sportsman of the Year (2019) – Acknowledged for excellence in swimming, basketball and boxing. Reflections on Crawford Dylan credits his time at Crawford for preparing him for both academic and personal success on the global stage. “Crawford’s approach equips you for university and beyond, whether in South Africa or internationally. It’s not just about academics but about becoming a well-rounded critical thinker and team player. Exposure to diverse cultures, teamwork, individuality and taking responsibility for my outcomes were invaluable lessons I carried with me.” Words of Wisdom To his younger self, Dylan would say: “Step out of your comfort zone sooner. Growth happens when you challenge yourself. Leaving home was tough, but the personal and professional growth was worth every stumble along the way.” Dylan’s story is a testament to courage, hard work and the power of embracing the unknown. From South Africa to the Netherlands, he is proving that the sky isn’t the limit, it is just the beginning.
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A Guide To Parent Teacher Meetings The new academic term has just started a few weeks ago, and families with school-going children are settling into their routines. However, as students transition back to the classroom, another important aspect of the school calendar looms, parent teacher meetings. While these meetings are integral to nurturing strong collaboration between families and schools, they can also bring a mix of emotions, from curiosity to unease, for parents. In South Africa, where over 12 million students attend public and private schools (Department of Basic Education, 2023), the importance of such interactions cannot be overstated. These sessions offer invaluable insights into a child’s academic progress, social development, and overall well-being. What Are Parent Teacher Meetings? Parent teacher meetings are structured conversations between parents and their child’s teachers, aimed at discussing the student’s academic performance, behaviour, and overall development. These meetings create an opportunity for open communication, ensuring that both parties can collaborate effectively to support the student’s educational journey. They are not just a platform for addressing concerns but also for celebrating achievements and setting shared goals. What Do They Entail at Crawford? At Crawford International, parent teacher meetings are designed to be more than just routine check-ins. They reflect our commitment to fostering strong partnerships with families. During these sessions, parents meet with teachers to gain a holistic view of their student’s progress, not only academically but also socially and emotionally. Teachers share personalised feedback, highlight areas of growth, and discuss strategies to address challenges. These meetings are tailored to align with our ethos of developing well-rounded students, emphasising collaboration to ensure every child reaches their potential. How Often Are They? Parent teacher meetings at Crawford typically occur once per term, although additional sessions may be scheduled based on specific needs or requests. Regularity ensures that parents stay informed about their child’s journey throughout the academic year. These consistent touchpoints help to build trust and maintain a steady flow of communication between parents and teachers. How Best Should Parents Prepare for Them? Preparation is key to making the most of parent teacher meetings. Here are a few practical tips: Review Reports and Notes – before the meeting, review any recent academic reports, test results, or communication from the school. This provides a foundation for meaningful discussions. Prepare Questions – jot down specific questions or concerns you want to address. For example, ask about areas where your child excels or struggles and how you can support them at home. Engage with Your Child – have a conversation with your child about their experiences at school. Understanding their perspective can provide valuable context for the meeting. Be Open-Minded – approach the meeting with a collaborative mindset. Remember, the goal is to work together with the teachers to support your child’s growth. Take Notes – during the meeting, take notes on key points discussed, including recommendations from teachers. This ensures you can follow through on agreed actions. Parent teacher meetings are more than a requirement; they are an investment in a child’s future. By approaching these sessions with preparation and a collaborative spirit, parents can play an active role in shaping their child’s educational journey. As families across South Africa embrace this vital part of the school experience, let’s work together to make each interaction meaningful and impactful.
