Buckland Mills Elementary School
Programme of Inquiry
about_us/ib_pyp/bmes_poi_2024_1.pdf#bmes POI 2024
Above is our current Programme of Inquiry for Buckland Mills Elementary School. All grade levels will be reupdated by June 2025 for a new programme of inquiry in alignment with PWCS IB PYP programs and curriculum adjustments.
What is the Primary Years Programme?
The Primary Years Programme is a program for learners aged up to 12 years offered under the sponsorship of the International Baccalaureate Organization (IBO).
Where is this program offered?
This program is fully verified here as well as Rosa Parks, Antietem, Ellis and Mullen Elementary Schools.
This program is fully verified here as well as Rosa Parks, Antietem, Ellis and Mullen Elementary Schools.
Who may participate in these Primary Years Programmes?
Students who attend one of the designated schools are included in the program in that school, this is a school wide program. Students may also transfer to one of the designated elementary schools for the program.
What is the IB LEARNER PROFILE?
All IB learners strive to become inquirers, knowledgeable, thinkers, communicators, principled, open-minded, caring, risk-takers, balanced, and reflective. Learners work toward becoming the type of student described in the Learner Profile through developing the attitudes of tolerance, respect, integrity, independence, enthusiasm, empathy, curiosity, creativity, cooperation, confidence, commitment, and appreciation.
All IB learners strive to become inquirers, knowledgeable, thinkers, communicators, principled, open-minded, caring, risk-takers, balanced, and reflective. Learners work toward becoming the type of student described in the Learner Profile through developing the attitudes of tolerance, respect, integrity, independence, enthusiasm, empathy, curiosity, creativity, cooperation, confidence, commitment, and appreciation.
What subjects does a student study in a Primary Years Programme?
As in all Prince William County Public Schools, students will follow the Standards of Learning of the Commonwealth of Virginia and the PWCS curriculum. Students study the following subjects in a Primary Years Programme:
- Language: Language Arts and Foreign Language
- Social Studies
- Mathematics
- Science and Technology
- Arts
- Personal, Social, and Physical Education
How do the key concepts apply in the Primary Years Programme?
Key concepts have been identified that apply in each of the subject areas. Students learn about these concepts through asking specific questions. The key concepts and the related questions help students understand the concepts within each subject. Students also learn how the concepts apply in different subjects.
Key concepts have been identified that apply in each of the subject areas. Students learn about these concepts through asking specific questions. The key concepts and the related questions help students understand the concepts within each subject. Students also learn how the concepts apply in different subjects.
How are themes used in the Primary Years Programme?
The International Baccalaureate Primary Years Programme (IBPYP) is organized around six themes to help learners explore knowledge in the broadest sense. These themes include the following:
The International Baccalaureate Primary Years Programme (IBPYP) is organized around six themes to help learners explore knowledge in the broadest sense. These themes include the following:
- Who we are;
- Where we are in place and time;
- How we express ourselves;
- How the world works;
- How we organize ourselves;
- Sharing the planet.
The themes are organized into a Program of Inquiry. The Primary Years Programme supports learners in constructing meaning through the inquiry process. The IBPYP strikes a balance between the specific subjects a student studies and the Program of Inquiry where themes are taught across more than one subject
What other IB Programmes are offered in PWCS?
The International Baccalaureate Middle Years Programme (IBMYP) serves students in grades 6 - 10. The programme is offered at Hampton and Beville Middle Schools leading into Gar-Field High School and at Unity Braxton Middle School leading into Unity Reed High School. The International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme is offered for students in grades 11 and 12 at Gar-Field and Unity reed High Schools.
How are all IB Programmes similar?
All three programs, IBPYP, IBMYP, and the IB Diploma Programme, develop student learning in specific subject areas. All three programmes also have themes or concepts that help students connect ideas across subjects. Finally, all three programmes involve students in terms of student responsibility to themselves and their communities as indicated in the IB Learner Profile.
Key Concepts & Related Questions:
- Form : What is it like?
- Function: How does it work?
- Causation: Why is it like the way it is?
- Change: How is it changing?
- Connection: How is it connected to other things?
- Perspective: What are the points of view?
- Responsibility: What is our responsibility?
- Reflection: How do we know?
Links
Additional Information on Advanced Academics and Specialty Programs: