PYP Exhibition 2024: a lifelong learning journey

On May 23rd and 24th 2024, H-FARM International School proudly hosted the PYP Exhibition, a pinnacle event for our Primary Year Programme students. This annual exhibition is the culmination of our students’ learning journey, where they investigate real-life issues and significant topics they’ve explored throughout the year. It’s an incredible opportunity for our young scholars to showcase their understanding while honing their presentation and assessment skills.

The PYP Exhibition is one of the greatest final experiences of the IB Primary Years Programme, marking the end of the students’ journey in the primary school years. It encourages students to explore and document their understanding of important topics, and learn from each other. In particular, learners are encouraged to be knowledgeable, thinkers, communicators, open-minded, principled, caring, risk-takers, balanced, and reflective.

The Exhibition serves several key purposes:

• fostering collaborative learning and inquiry: students engage in a collaborative form of learning and inquiry, working in teams to plan assessments and learning experiences;
• promoting student autonomy: students show autonomy and agency in their learning, selecting authentic issues to investigate and asking questions that reflect an understanding of PYP concepts;
• demonstrating key IB qualities: by exploring topics and demonstrating their understanding at the exhibition, students embody the qualities encouraged by the IB Learner Profile.

During the Exhibition, students are encouraged to use a range of strategies and disciplines as part of their inquiry, reflecting the transdisciplinary approach of the programme. They utilise various sources in their inquiries, gaining experience in gathering reliable information and using it effectively, a skill beneficial for their future education and later lives.

At this year’s Exhibition, students presented a wide array of topics. For instance, Lorenzo, a Y5 student, highlighted the reasons behind his work on “The Power of Art”. He affirmed:“Art is one of my greatest passions and I want to make people aware of the impact it has on school education. This is why everybody should promote it and fight for it”. Another student, Wan Yu, described her project about “Photography in Gender Equality”. She stated:“I focused on the way women are treated, and the message I want to convey is the underestimation of woman power as humans. I want to fight it”. Also Matilde has the pleasure of telling her project on climate action. It’s called “Space Exploration” and the girl told us that:“For my Exhibition, I chose space, because in January I went to Florida at the Cape Canaveral, where there is the Kennedy Space Center. Then, I recreated the space in a box with all the planets and the Galaxy inside“. Xi Yi chose the topic of ocean pollution with her project called “Life Below Water”. She said:“On World Ocean Day on June 8th, you can go to the beach to get all trash and recycle it. Also, when you go shopping, you can use and reuse your own shopping bag”.

Certainly, the involvement of parents, teachers, and peers added richness to the whole experience. Parents and teachers supported their children through the inquiry process, by helping them access resources, providing knowledge and experience, and celebrating their learning by attending the final presentation. This interaction not only enhanced the students’ experience, but also allowed them to practise peer assessment and self-assessment skills.

Students covered a variety of important issues, including:

• animal endangerment;
• poverty;
• environmental issues;
• gender equity;
• mental illness;
• child safety;
• space debris;
• pollution;
• war and conflict.

Through the PYP Exhibition, children gain plenty of transferable skills and qualities that help them develop into enthusiastic, inquisitive, and caring learners with an inclination for knowledge and critical thinking. The PYP Exhibition is not just about showcasing learning skills, but also demonstrating our pupils’ growth as well-rounded individuals ready to thrive in a global society.Congratulations to all our students for their outstanding contributions. Their  creativity, curiosity, and dedication are inspiring reflections of a study journey towards lifelong learning. The H-FARM school community is always looking forward to the progressive growth and improvement of our young students, beyond believing in our educational purposes.