THE PROGRAMME OF INQUIRY
What is it?
The PYP Programme of Inquiry is a matrix made up of six Transdisciplinary 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.
How does it Work?
Transdisciplinary Theme: Each Transdisciplinary Theme is accompanied by an extended description that explains what students will be inquiring into under each theme. It is used as a tool to ensure balance of the Units of Inquiry under each theme. It also ensures when each transdisciplinary theme must be addressed in each year level and how to explore the themes, allowing for transdisciplinary planning, teaching, assessing and a balanced inclusion of the subject areas.
Central Idea: Each of the units of inquiry has a central idea. Each central idea will support students’ understanding of the particular transdisciplinary theme it is connected to, and challenges and extends students’ prior knowledge. The central idea is engaging, relevant, challenging and significant. The central idea is designed to promote conceptual development. The concepts help the students to develop their conceptual understanding and to extend their critical thinking capacity.
Lines of Inquiry: Each unit will contain lines of inquiry. The lines of inquiry clarify the central idea and define the scope of the inquiry. These contributing aspects of the central idea extend the inquiry, give focus to students' research, and deepen students’ understanding. Connections are made, as appropriate, between the lines of inquiry as well as with the central idea.
The central idea and inquiry points planned by the teachers are common to each class in a year level and help to keep the unit focus. The unit then develops with varied class activities that allow students to explore through guest speakers, field trips, books, internet, experiments, role plays, DVDs, artifacts, local resources, class discussion, interviews etc. Teacher questions further drive inquiry and the unit culminates with a common summative assessment where students are required to demonstrate their understanding of the central idea.
The Early Years which include Early childhood and Reception classes at ISS are only required to do four units each year, all other year levels will do six.
The Learning Community:
At ISS we prioritize building relationships and partnerships with all stake holders recognizing what members can contribute individually or collectively to the community to enhance student learning
| CAMPS | EXCURSIONS | CELEBRATIONS | GUEST SPEAKERS |
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Camps are a part of education outside the classroom (EOTC). Camps provide opportunities to develop and apply life skills using the five essential elements of the PYP programme. Camps are a part of education outside the classroom (EOTC). Camps provide opportunities to develop and apply life skills using the five essential elements of the PYP programme. Each year in term 1 or 2 as part of the Programme of Inquiry unit, Year 1 to Year 5 students, including parent helpers organise a camp for their individual year levels. The students, depending on their year level, enjoy setting up tents, sharing their chores, trek to jungle waterfalls and generally explore their new environments. From Year 3, camps are generally held in a village or beach setting within an hour or so of school. Year 1 and 2 students enjoy camp life, generally at school or nearby for one day only but still set up their tents and participate in 'camp' activities
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There are many walking excursions each term in and around the school's secured compound, for e.g. to the library, to the gardens, to visit other classrooms and to assembly. The secondary school's science lab is also a popular excursion for our primary students when exploring units of inquiry that involve Science concepts. |
Many additional special events are also celebrated in classes and at a whole school level. These include the Year 5 exhibition, Literacy & Library Week, Sports Day, the primary Swim Carnival, our annual Primary Concert, Mother's and Father's Day, Diwali and Christmas. While participating in these events, students discuss how and why we celebrate the various holidays and traditions. |
Every unit of inquiry involves the students in research for information. Often the best sources to get started are the people in our community.Every unit of inquiry involves the students in research for information. Often the best sources to get started are the people in our community. We are always looking to enrich our learning experiences with guest speakers or community involvement. If you feel you have knowledge or skills that you would like to share with our students during a unit of inquiry, please contact your child’s teacher, the PYP coordinator or the Head of Primary. Some volunteers have served as guest speakers when a unit of inquiry may be connected to their career or personal interest. Others have provided resources to classrooms that may connect with what we are learning or investigating
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As an integral part of the inquiry programme, at least once a term, the teachers plan and organise excursions to places of interest in and around Suva. These excursions are designed to help extend the students' understanding of the units underway. Parents are often required as helpers to make these excursions possible and notification is given in advance. As an integral part of the inquiry programme, at least once a term, the teachers plan and organise excursions to places of interest in and around Suva. These excursions are designed to help extend the students' understanding of the units underway. Parents are often required as helpers to make these excursions possible and notification is given in advance.
Across the school year, classes take turns presenting their learning at primary school assemblies to which parents are invited each week. Twice a term, year levels contribute to whole school assemblies that recognise such things as World Water Day, Peace, Youth, World Environment Day, Fiji Day and Humanitarian Day.Across the school year, classes take turns presenting their learning at primary school assemblies to which parents are invited each week. Twice a term, year levels contribute to whole school assemblies that recognise such things as World Water Day, Peace, Youth, World Environment Day, Fiji Day and Humanitarian Day.