For ISM, the PYP journey began in 2003 with an application for candidacy being submitted to head office in Cardiff. Fueled by the enthusiasm and commitment by all staff, administration, board and community members, the programme was embraced, implemented and nurtured through to final authorization in March 2007. The authorization journey required many hours of discussion, planning, reflecting and fine tuning in order to be in a position to offer the quality programme we have for students today. Congratulations to the many teachers, students, parents and community members who have been involved in the process of ISM becoming the reputable IB World school it is today.
In 2010 our two campuses have undertaken a self-evaluation of our implementation of the PYP and have hosted two visitors. This 3-yearly PYP Evaluation process ensures that we continue to demonstrate good PYP teaching and gives us help and advice as we endeavour to develop our primary schools.
The following two pieces have been adapted and written by the ISM primary teaching team on Arusha Campus from the book titled: The Important Book by: Barbara Wise-Smith. We feel this encapsulates both the Primary Years Programme and our Authorization success.
The important thing about the PYP is inquiry
It is all of us, asking questions and learning new things all the time.
It means that we have to think in new and different ways.
It requires us to work in many groups and also to work on our own.
It shows that we are all important and valued
BUT
The important thing about the PYP is inquiry.
The important thing about Authorization is that it recognises how good our Primary School is.
It is true that it provides international recognition, a curriculum framework, common vocabulary and regular evaluation.
It is true that it is the result of ongoing, collaborative and cooperative planning and implementation.
It is true that it supports a balance between the teaching and learning approaches to trans-disciplinary and traditional disciplines.
It is true that it acknowledges celebrations and challenges
BUT
The important thing about Authorization is that it recognises how good our Primary School is.
The Primary Teaching Team - ISM 2008
What makes our School International?
What makes our school international? Is it an international body of students, the teaching of one or more "foreign" languages, an exchange programme, dressing up for UN day? For those of us fortunate to be a part of the ISM community it is all of the above and MORE!
Underpinning the notion of showing international-mindedness are our student learner profiles. These profiles reflect what we have embraced across our school as the 12 most important attributes of an international person. What do we want our students to learn? In essence, we want our students to learn how to be inquirers, thinkers, communicators, knowledgeable, risk takers, principled, caring, open-minded, balanced, reflective, as well accomplished and committed. Every aspect of our curriculum focuses on moving students towards becoming people who reflect these characteristics. Through the PYP, MYP and Diploma Programmes our students are travelling through a relevant, meaningful, challenging and significant 'international curriculum'which is recognised world wide.
The IBO says: "Students in the 21st century are faced with the challenge of learning about an interconnected world where knowledge is constantly developing. The three IBO programmes prepare students to be active participants in a life-long journey of learning". (IBO 2007).
Through discussion, reflection and the development of a common understanding of what being 'internationally minded' means to us, we will be able to continue achieving our school mission.
'International School Moshi inspires individuals to be lifelong learners in a global community'
(ISM Mission)
The following pdf documents are available to download:
PYP Programme of Inquiry