Newton College fifth graders have been exploring and sharing their learning about current issues of global relevance. They have been active change-makers; a role of great importance for the future of our World. Collaborating with our learning community, it is time to celebrate their work through the PYP Exhibition (PYPX).
This culminating PYP project at Newton College has been a fantastic opportunity for students to show agency over their learning, by giving them choice, voice and ownership during the course of their PYPX projects.
During the PYPX, our 5th grade students learned about the importance of UN sustainable development goals in order to find solutions to some global problems that directly impact their lives, the lives of people in Peru, and the lives of others around the world. They have used their critical thinking skills to make connections between water, energy and food, and to understand ways in which they impact each other. Through this process, students have built empathy for others and a deep understanding of the need to protect resources and the environment.
Our students engaged in extensive research about these problems at a global and local level. Supported by mentors and class tutors in the process of research, students applied their research skills using online resources to understand and answer their own questions about the problem they were investigating. Students appreciated the opportunity to interview a wide-range of experts from our learning community about their topics via online conferences to go deeper into their areas of interest.
Creating sustainable actions that make an impact on the community such as Newton, Lima or different places in Peru or the world is a key part of the PYPX. However, as a result of being in quarantine, fulfilling this important action concept was an added challenge. As a result, this year students used their creative thinking, digital skills and innovation to raise awareness and educate others about their projects from their homes. Students created classes about composting, renewable energy, written story books to read to younger students in relation to pollution, created social media campaigns by using Instagram and Youtube, created a craft activity to raise awareness about ocean pollution, amongst many other innovative ways to make a change in our world.
In order to be successful in their projects, students were required to demonstrate and apply effective self-management skills such as: taking initiative within their group, communication with their peers, setting goals and completing their work within a time frame. In addition, coming to agreements, decision-making, and collaborative work all require effective social skills to facilitate good group work. The PYPX really is a test of our students self-discipline, resilience and motivation!
Despite facing many obstacles this year like never before, our Newton College 5th graders have shown that with a growth mindset, commitment, collaboration and empathy, it is possible to overcome all challenges. We believe that their significant, creative and dynamic projects are just the beginning of what each one of them will do in the future to make our world a better place.
Visit our virtual gallery to learn about the projects!- Walk through the gallery using the white arrows at the bottom of the screen, OR use the up and down keyboard arrows.
- Click on a picture to get closer and find more information about it.
- Click on Learn more to open and review the full presentation of the project.