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Quarter Four, 2008
Primary Years Programme
Regional Conference Beijing
It was wonderful to see so many leaders from PYP schools at the recent IB Regional Conference in Beijing. We would encourage those of you who were unable to attend the conference to check the IBAP website for copies of presentations. There were several ‘breakout sessions’ which had significant relevance to implementation of the PYP, including “The Role of the PYP Coordinator”, “Using the PYP Planner for Single Subject Areas”, “PYP Perspectives on Professional Development”, “The Evaluation Process: Issues and Perspectives for PYP Authorised Schools”, “Application and programme implementation for interested schools”, “The Exhibition” and “Global PYP Developments”.
Chinese Translation of PYP documents
22-23 November will see the commencement of the official Chinese translation of the PYP documents. IBAP has committed funds to facilitate the translation of the PYP Glossary and Emily Ngan, Kingston International School Head of School, has generously provided funding which will enable the translation of the whole scope of documents. This will have a strong impact for Chinese-speaking teachers who will use such documents to enhance their teaching throughout their schools. Such generosity and foresight is much appreciated by the IB.
Andrea Muller from English Schools Foundation Hong Kong in collaboration with the translation unit from Cardiff, will provide support and guidance to the translation team comprising Anthony Lee (WAB), Eugene Low (BCIS), Lillian Wong (Quarry Bay School) and Fenwick Tong (Kingston International School).
Cross Programme Workshop Leader Training
From 22 to 26 September 2008, IB Asia Pacific facilitated the first cross programme (PYP, MYP and DP) workshop leader training at the Prem Tinsulanonda International School in Chiang Mai. There were 42 people involved from schools throughout Asia Pacific.
The workshop was a great success with participants having the opportunity to learn about all three IB programmes. Two sessions involved looking at the continuum of learning from PYP through to DP.
Groups were asked to present information about the following:
- Articulation of the learner profile
- International Mindedness
- Role of Language
- Inquiry to Theory of Knowledge (Critical Thinking)
- OCC – what is available for all programmes
- Action to CAS
- Exhibition – Personal Project – Extended Essay
- Assessment
Each group had a least one representative from each programme. This part of the workshop enabled people to see the connections between the programmes, where there are similarities and where there are differences. It provided articulation and demonstrated the continuity between the programmes.
There were opportunities for participants to work as one combined group as well as in their individual programmes to further develop their understanding. It was obvious from the feedback that the most valuable aspect of the training was working with teachers from other programmes.
It would be true to say that barriers and misconceptions were challenged as participants learnt more about each of the programmes and the teaching of these programmes.
The training enabled people from PYP, MYP and DP to establish professional friendship. This will assist in bringing about greater collegiality, collaboration and communication between all programmes. Another cross-programme workshop leader training event is planned for 2009.
Visiting Team Leader Training
In order to ensure ongoing quality assurance and to build capacity for the Asia Pacific region, the first Asia Pacific Visiting Team Leader Training was held in Singapore in September with 23 participants. This training was provided to support and prepare experienced IB visiting team members to lead preliminary, pre-authorisation, authorisation, evaluation and consultation visits throughout the Asia Pacific region. Visiting team leader training sessions are planned for Melbourne, Hong Kong, and India in 2009.
Visiting team leader training participants look at the standards and practices
Mignon Weckert, PYP Regional Manager
Tania Lattanzio, PYP Professional Development Associate Regional Manager
Mario Gauci, PYP Associate Regional Manager
Kathy Derrick, PYP Associate Regional Manager
Rajeevani Constantine, Personal Assistant
Email: ibappyp@ibo.org
Snapshots
Workshop Leader Training
Lighting lanterns in Chiang Mai
Nigel Forbes-Harper addressing the group
People from the three programmes working together on a task
Enjoying the traditional ceremonial Khantoke dinner
Groups working on their presentation
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