By Mr Nick Martin, Assistant Head of Junior School Learning and Teaching

The PYP (Primary Years Programme) Exhibition is a culminating inquiry in the International Baccalaureate (IB) Primary Years Programme for students in Year 6 at Radford College. It offers students an opportunity to demonstrate their learning and understanding through an inquiry-based approach.

The Exhibition encourages students to explore real-world issues and problems, apply their knowledge and skills, and work collaboratively in a group. It emphasises critical thinking, creativity, and communication while allowing students to showcase their growth and understanding across various issues.

Last week our Year 6 students officially launched their PYP Exhibition journey with an exciting and interactive exploration of this year’s theme: X + Y =. We began by unpacking the theme and discussing how different ideas, values, and concepts combine to create meaningful change in the world. Students discussed how the equation brings us infinite possibilities. They brainstormed powerful combinations, such as "Empathy + Listening = Inclusion" and "Knowledge + Responsibility = Sustainability."

To bring the theme to life, students participated in a high-energy Capture the Flag game in their House groups - but with a twist! To win, teams had to work together, strategise, and demonstrate teamwork, with each flag collected spotlighting a different concept.

Throughout the game, students used the concepts they collected to create their own X + Y = equations, thinking critically about how ideas connect and lead to action. This was a fantastic way to develop collaboration skills, creativity, and deeper thinking about the impact they can have through their PYP Exhibition inquiries. It was an engaging and inspiring start to our Exhibition process, and we can’t wait to see where their learning leads.

This week, our Year 6 students were in Sydney taking part in the PYPx: Urban Heart camp. This valuable frontloading experience for the Exhibition allows students to engage with organisations and individuals who are passionately addressing real-world issues. Through this experience, students experienced firsthand how people are taking action to create a better, more peaceful world. We look forward to sharing more details next week!