PYP

 Learner Profile Attribute: Risk-Taker Attribute 

The Power of Being a Risk-Taker

In this edition of our PYP newsletter, we focus on one of the most empowering attributes of the IB Learner Profile – Risk-Taker. Being a risk-taker means stepping outside of one’s comfort zone, taking on challenges, and facing uncertainty with confidence. It’s not just about taking risks in academics, but also in trying new activities, exploring different ways of thinking, and learning from mistakes. At our school, we encourage every student to embrace the challenges that come their way, knowing that it’s all part of the learning journey! 

What Does It Mean to Be a Risk-Taker? 

Being a Risk-Taker is about showing courage and resilience when faced with new experiences. It involves: 

• Trying something new, even if it feels difficult or unfamiliar. 

• Being open to learning from mistakes and failures. 

• Standing up for what you believe in, even when it’s not the easiest option. 

• Asking questions, challenging ideas, and exploring new perspectives. 

• Accepting that growth comes from stepping outside our comfort zones. 

For our students, this means participating in class discussions, taking on new learning, or even sharing their ideas in front of their peers. Every time they take a chance and try something new, they are growing as individuals and learners.            

The Importance of Mistakes: Learning from Challenges 

Being a risk-taker also means that mistakes are part of the process. It’s essential to remember that mistakes are not failures but opportunities for learning and growth. At school, we encourage students to embrace mistakes and use them as stepping stones for improvement. As Albert Einstein said, "Anyone who has never made a mistake has never tried anything new." 

Encouraging our students to try, fail, and try again builds their resilience and helps them understand that growth comes through perseverance. 

How Parents Can Encourage Risk-Taking at Home 

Support New Experiences: Encourage your child to try new activities outside of school, whether it's a new hobby, a sport, or even a new book. 

Celebrate Effort, Not Just Results: Praise your child for their effort in trying new things, regardless of the outcome. This helps build their confidence and encourages them to take on challenges. 

Model Risk-Taking: Show your child that it’s okay to take risks and make mistakes. Whether it’s learning a new skill, trying something outside your comfort zone, or facing a difficult situation, be open about your own experiences with risk-taking. 

Ask Open-Ended Questions: Encourage your child to think critically and creatively by asking questions like, “What would happen if you tried it this way?” or “How could you approach this challenge differently?” 

Risk-Taking Challenge: Try Something New This Week! 

We encourage all of our students and families to take on a Risk-Taking Challenge this weekend: 

Students: Try something new in at home that pushes you outside your comfort zone. It could be a new activity, a difficult math problem, or asking a question you’ve always been curious about. 

Parents: Encourage your child to try something they’ve been hesitant to do and support them in their efforts, whether it’s speaking in front of the family or trying a new recipe together.   

Parent Interview 

We were fortunate to interview one of our lovely parents from our school community to discuss what being a risk-taker means to them. Thank you, Cathryn. 

What does being a risk taker mean to you? 

I think being a risk taker means to be stepping outside your comfort zone and taking chance with something. 

When have you been a risk taker? 

There are lots of times I am a risk taker, there were times when I was travelling. I think in our school community I have been a risk taker being on P&F (Parents and Friends). As part of this committee, we help to run different school events, and it is also a chance to be a risk taker and meet different parents within our school. 

How did you feel when you were a risk taker? 

I believe that being a part of the Parents and Friends Committee, and taking risks, not only helps others but also strengthens the school community. I hope that by stepping up as a risk-taker, I can inspire more people to get involved, as it's a wonderful opportunity to meet new people and make a positive impact. 

Interviews with our Beaumaris North students 

Our students are already demonstrating what it means to be risk-takers!  We would like to share some wonderful examples of how students are stepping outside their comfort zones:

Today, we had the pleasure of interviewing some of our amazing students from Year 6, Year 5, Year 1, and Prep. 

Year 1 

Mara 

What does being a risk taker mean to you? 

If you don’t want to have a go you just try to have a go anyway. 

When have you been a risk taker? 

When I went to a waterpark with my family. There was a big water slide and I was really scared and didn’t want to have a go. Then I decided to be a risk taker and went down all by myself. 

How do you feel when you have been a risk taker? 

I felt so happy and proud of myself. 

Henry 

What does being a risk taker mean to you? 

When you haven’t done something new and you are scared to do it. Then you decide to be a risk taker and try something new. 

When have you been a risk taker? 

A time I have been a risk taker, was when I was trying to catch a ball. I knew I couldn’t do it, and I got Dad to instead pass it to me instead. Then I had another go and I caught it. 

How do you feel when you have been a risk taker? 

I felt really happy and excited when I achieved this. 

Marlo 

What does being a risk taker mean to you? 

Being a risk taker is when you have a go at something, and you may not know what it is or how to do it or spell it. 

When have you been a risk taker? 

A time I was a risk taker was in the classroom. I was having to write the learner profiles in my writing, and I didn’t know how to spell ‘Communicator’. I decided to be a risk taker and have a go, and I got it right. 

How do you feel when you have been a risk taker? 

I was really happy with myself when this happened. 

Year 6  Our wonderful Year 6 PYP leaders share their thoughts on being Risk takers. 

Jack 

What does being a risk taker mean to you? 

Beng a risk taker to me, means taking risks and getting out of your comfort zone. 

When have you been a risk taker? 

A time I have been a risk taker was in Year 5 when I was applying for leadership roles. I was initially just going to apply for a house role, then I decided to expand myself and I applied for the PYP role. If I didn't make that decision, I wouldn't have had the opportunity be in this role. 

How do you feel when you have been a risk taker? 

When my name got called out for the PYP leadership position, I was flooded with emotion. I knew how proud my parents would be when I shared the news. 

Aiden 

What does being a risk taker mean to you? 

Being a risk taker means getting involved in things you haven’t done before. Trying new things, being open to new things and not being afraid to take chances. 

When have you been a risk taker? 

I was actually a risk taker a few days ago. We have been beginning our celebrations of Nowruz, which is the Persian New Year. I ate a new Persian dish that I hadn’t had before. It is a traditional dish and I hadn’t had a traditional dish for a little while .

Nowruz, also known as the Persian New Year, is one of the most ancient and widely celebrated festival is based on the solar calendar, Nowruz is celebrated on the day of the astronomical vernal equinox—the moment when day and night are equal in length, which usually takes place between the 19th and 21st of March. It is the 1st day of Spring. Nowruz, translates to new day. One of Nowruz’s most iconic traditions is the Haft-Seen, a symbolic table setting. This table is arranged with seven items, each having their own meaning. 

How do you feel when you have been a risk taker? 

I felt proud that I tried the dish. I hadn’t tried a traditional dish for a long time, and it was an accomplished. 

Risk taker in Science 

Prep 

Mrs Jones 

During our science lessons, the Preps are exploring movement. Our Central Idea is,’ Movement is all around us’. Our lines of inquiry are, how objects can move in lots of different ways and understanding how things move helps us explore the world. 

In this experiment, students are being risk-takers as they share their predictions before the experiment begins. We start by modelling and making predictions together, then the Preps work independently in groups to explore further and share their findings. 

Risk taker in Art 

Year 5 Logan 

Our task today has been drawing without the use of a rubber. So, I am having to be a risk taker with this.  For the first part we are sketching a trainer, in following lessons we will be adding more detail.  

Mrs. Anderson – This unit provides a wonderful opportunity for students to take risks with their art. There are no boundaries in this creative process, allowing students to explore and experiment freely.