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South Shore
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The PYP aims to create a curriculum that is engaging, relevant, challenging and significant for learners in PreK – Grade 5. The curriculum is developed under transdisciplinary themes which allows there to be a focus on issues that go across subject areas. Each grade level’s units come together to create the schools’ Programme of Inquiry. (Source: IBO)
The Six Transdisciplinary Themes of PYP:
Who we are—an inquiry into the nature of the self; beliefs and values; personal, physical, mental, social and spiritual health; human relationships including families, friends, communities, and cultures; rights and responsibilities; what it means to be human.
Where we are in place and time—an inquiry into orientation in place and time; personal histories; homes and journeys; the discoveries, explorations and migrations of humankind; the relationship between and the interconnectedness of individuals and civilizations, from local and global perspectives.
How we express ourselves—an inquiry into the ways in which we discover and express ideas, feelings, nature, culture, beliefs and values; the ways in which we reflect on, extend and enjoy our creativity; our appreciation of the aesthetic.
How the world works—an inquiry into the natural world and its laws, the interaction between the natural world (physical and biological) and human societies; how humans use their understanding of scientific principles; the impact of scientific and technological advances on society and on the environment.
How we organize ourselves—an inquiry into the interconnectedness of human-made systems and communities; the structure and function of organizations; societal decision-making; economic activities and their impact on humankind and the environment.
Sharing the planet—an inquiry into rights and responsibilities in the struggle to share finite resources with other people and other living things; communities and the relationship within and between them; access to equal opportunities; peace and conflict resolution.
In the spring, every year, the entire staff conducts a formal vertical review and revision of our Program of Inquiry. This accounts for changes in state standards, updated curriculum materials, and adjustments in how we construct units to best meet our student needs. Changes and revisions are ongoing through the school year. Like our students, teachers at South Shore are constantly reflecting on and deepening their understandings.
