Primary Years Programme 

Saltwater P-9 College: A Year of Growth and Success in the PYP

As we celebrate the end of 2024, we reflect on the extraordinary learning journeys undertaken by our students through the International Baccalaureate Primary Years Programme (PYP). Across all year levels, students immersed themselves in the six Transdisciplinary Themes, uncovering new knowledge and developing critical skills. Let’s explore the successes and learning opportunities provided to each year level.

Prep: Building Foundations of Inquiry

In Prep, our youngest learners took their first steps into inquiry-based learning, laying the foundation for future success.

• Successes:

  • Students expressed themselves through storytelling and exploration of emotions, developing self-awareness and communication skills.

  • They began to understand natural patterns such as night and day, the changing seasons, and the importance of routines.

  • Through the unit on relationships, students learned to celebrate similarities and differences, promoting empathy and understanding.

  • Exploration of communities introduced them to the roles of teachers, parents, and students, fostering a sense of belonging and responsibility.

     

• Learning Opportunities:

  • Engaging with nature to understand the needs of living things enhanced their appreciation for the environment.

  • Personal storytelling activities helped students explore their own histories and connect with their families.

Year 1: Strengthening Emotional and Social Awareness

In Year 1, students expanded their understanding of themselves and their relationships with others.

• Successes:

  • Learning to identify and regulate emotions empowered students to develop positive relationships and manage challenges.

  • Exploring the movements of the sun and moon ignited curiosity about the natural world, enhanced by a visit to the Planetarium.

  • Students grew in empathy as they investigated perspectives, learning how behaviours impact relationships.

     

• Learning Opportunities:

  • Role-play activities connected students with community occupations, helping them appreciate the value of teamwork and responsibility.

  • Farm and community excursions allowed students to observe living things and their adaptations, fostering a love for biodiversity.

Year 2: Developing a Global Perspective

Year 2 students delved deeper into cultural, scientific, and global topics, fostering a sense of connectedness.

• Successes:

  • Through the study of cultural celebrations, students developed an appreciation for diversity and traditions worldwide.

  • Investigating materials and their properties helped students understand the role of science in everyday life.

  • Students explored the human body, learning how health and actions affect well-being.

     

• Learning Opportunities:

  • Discussions on disaster response taught students the importance of collaboration and resilience in overcoming challenges.

  • Exploring Indigenous cultures and geographical features enriched students’ understanding of the world’s diversity.

Year 3: Critical Thinkers in Action

In Year 3, students developed their inquiry skills further, exploring complex systems and natural phenomena.

• Successes:

  • Investigating patterns and colors in nature inspired creative projects, combining art and science.

  • Students gained a deeper understanding of forces and machines, linking scientific concepts to real-world applications.

  • They examined how personal beliefs influence identity, promoting reflection and self-awareness.

     

• Learning Opportunities:

  • Exploring transport, health, and economic systems broadened their understanding of interdependence in communities.

  • Students analyzed ecosystems, identifying the intricate balance between living and non-living components.

Year 4: Understanding Change and Growth

Year 4 was a year of exploring change—both within themselves and the world around them.

• Successes:

  • Students discovered how media influences thinking and decision-making, developing media literacy and critical thinking.

  • Exploring landscapes and landforms deepened their understanding of Earth’s physical changes and human impact.

  • Analysing urban planning encouraged students to think about sustainable growth and community welfare.

     

• Learning Opportunities:

  • Discussions on finite resources and conflict resolution sparked meaningful conversations about responsibility and equity.

  • Historical investigations into exploration challenged students to evaluate motivations and outcomes critically.

Year 5: Becoming Leaders and Innovators

In Year 5, students embraced leadership and tackled complex societal issues with maturity.

• Successes:

  • Exploring leadership characteristics inspired students to develop their own skills and reflect on their potential legacies.

  • Inquiry into energy transfer and transformation encouraged hands-on learning, fostering scientific curiosity.

  • Through economic systems, students examined consumer choices and their influence on markets, promoting financial literacy.

     

• Learning Opportunities:

  • Students investigated human rights, delving into equity and access, and reflecting on their role in creating a fairer society.

  • Migration studies highlighted global challenges, encouraging students to consider how movement shapes culture and identity.

Year 6: Ready for the World

Year 6 students took their final steps in the PYP, tackling issues of global significance and reflecting on their journey.

• Successes:

  • They analysed how the arts reflect and challenge society, creating their own works that conveyed powerful messages.

  • Inquiry into scientists and inventors helped students appreciate innovation’s role in shaping the future.

  • Through the lens of transitions, students reflected on their growth and prepared for secondary school.

     

• Learning Opportunities:

  • Deep dives into government systems and elections gave students a solid understanding of democracy and their rights as citizens.

  • Investigating international organizations and migration cultivated global awareness and empathy for diverse experiences.

A Year to Remember

The 2024 academic year has been a shining example of how the IB PYP equips students with the tools they need to thrive as global citizens. From building foundational skills in Prep to tackling complex issues in Year 6, our students have displayed curiosity, resilience, and creativity.

We are so proud of their achievements and grateful for the support of our dedicated staff and families who make this learning possible.

Here’s to another successful year in 2025!