Curriculum Development at HPS
By Tracy Thornton (Assistant Principal)
What Does It Mean to "Take Action"?
At Highton Primary School, our units of inquiry are guided by the IB Primary Years Programme (PYP) transdisciplinary themes and aligned with the Victorian Curriculum. These units are designed to help students develop the skills, attitudes, and knowledge they need to reflect, make informed decisions, and take meaningful action in their school, community, and beyond.
Through the Learner Profile attributes, students are encouraged to apply their learning in real-world contexts, demonstrating a deeper level of understanding through action and service.
The International Baccalaureate Organisation defines action as an essential outcome of inquiry-based learning:
“In the PYP, it is believed that education must extend beyond the intellectual to include not only socially responsible attitudes but also thoughtful and appropriate action. An explicit expectation of the PYP is that successful inquiry will lead to responsible action, initiated by the student as a result of the learning process.”
Action doesn’t always need to be large-scale or complex—it can be as simple as turning off lights to conserve energy or showing kindness to a peer. More than a task, action is a mindset—one that reflects responsibility, empathy, and agency.
Connecting Action to the Learner Profile:
- Knowledgeable – applying understanding to real-world issues
- Thinkers – using creative and critical thinking to solve problems
- Communicators – listening to and valuing diverse perspectives
- Caring – showing empathy, compassion, and respect
- Balanced – caring for personal and collective well-being
- Principled – acting with integrity and honesty
By fostering this mindset, we empower our students to be active, thoughtful contributors to their communities—now and into the future.
Source: From Principles into Practice – ibo.org – PYP Resources
Warm regards,
Tracy Thornton
Assistant Principal / PYP Coordinator