By Mr Nick Martin, Assistant Head of Junior School Learning and Teaching

"Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has" - Margaret Mead.

Last week saw the culmination of an unbelievable process of learning. The Primary Years Programme (PYP) Exhibition is an in-depth, collaborative, student-led inquiry into an issue that is important in our world. This year’s Exhibition was inspired by the quote often attributed to Gandhi: "Be the change you wish to see in the world." In the words of Year 6 student James Eyers: "In order to shape the way we live tomorrow, we must change the way we live today."

During Term 4, our Year 6 students engaged in some enormous issues facing our world on a personal, local and global scale. They looked through the lens of the important concepts of sustainability, well-being, equity and innovation. They then worked in small groups to investigate issues relating to these concepts. The focus remained on solutions, action and hope.

We were so proud last week as the Year 6 students shared their learning from throughout the Exhibition process. They did so knowledgeably, articulately, confidently and passionately. They also expressed their understandings creatively through song, dance and artistic installations.

A truly collaborative process could not be possible without the guidance of the teaching staff. The Year 6 classroom teachers expertly supported the students throughout the process, our team of specialist teachers enriched the process through each of their areas of expertise, and a host of other staff members supported the Exhibition in many important ways.

Finally, an enormous congratulations to the Year 6 students of 2023. This year’s Exhibition was remarkable. The students showed knowledge, passion, empathy, creativity and demonstrated a sense of hope. They should be extremely proud of everything they achieved.