Empowering young minds by uniting passion with purpose
At Wesley College Elsternwick, our Year 6 students recently showcased their PYP Exhibition, a culminating event in the International Baccalaureate Primary Years Program.
The Exhibition provides a unique and powerful opportunity for students to demonstrate their learning, passions and agency as they inquire into real-world issues and take action to make a difference. This year, students explored the theme How we express ourselves around the central idea that ‘Media can shape people’s perceptions and influence their decisions’.
Students embarked on a journey of discovery, delving into topics they were passionate about like climate change, health, fitness and nutrition, poverty and the arts, to name just a few, framing their inquiries around key concepts such as function, causation, change and responsibility.
‘I learned about the disadvantages children in poverty face and how it impacts their lives long-term,’ said Christina.
From there, they crafted thoughtful lines of inquiry, connected them to key concepts, and developed a central idea to guide their investigations. This rigorous process not only deepened their understanding of the inquiry cycle, but also honed essential skills such as research, critical thinking, collaboration and creativity.
‘I found it a fun way to learn about collaboration while exploring a topic I was passionate about and discovering solutions to our challenges,’ said Angus.
Students then applied their research to create dynamic media campaigns, articulating the problems they investigated, analysing causes and impacts, and offering actionable solutions. Their efforts resulted in a vibrant exhibition evening where they shared their learning, demonstrating innovative solutions to local and global challenges.
Throughout this experience, students gained a profound appreciation for the power of the media and its influence on shaping public perceptions. They developed a sense of agency, recognising their ability to influence change and advocate for issues they care about. ‘I learned that people in power have the ability to spread racism and misinformation quickly,’ observed Lucian.
For the students, the Exhibition was not just a demonstration of their learning; it was a transformative journey of self-expression serving as a powerful reminder of how inquiry-based learning can foster lifelong skills and inspire meaningful action.
The PYP Exhibition not only highlights the academic rigour of the IB framework and our implementation of it at Wesley College, but celebrates our students' growth as thinkers, communicators, and change-makers. We are proud of our students for embracing the challenge of the Exhibition and inspiring us with their vision for a better world.
