Welcome, Principal Grace McCallum! Learn more about Branksome Hall's 8th Principal.
Branksome Hall News
Grade 6 Students Showcase Open Minds, Curiosity and Creativity at 2024 Primary Years Exhibition
The annual Branksome Hall PYP Exhibition (PYPX) is the culminating collaborative experience in the final year of the IB Primary Years Programme.
On Friday, May 3, this year’s Grade 6 students shared their incredible work with their families, teachers and guests from around the school. The girls worked in teams to research important issues based on the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. They then came up with creative ideas to share their learning and to take action, such as organizing service drives, writing songs and designing apps.
Guests at the event gathered in the Junior School Forum for coffee and to explore the PYPX artwork gallery, followed by an opening ceremony in the Performing Arts Room and then group presentations in locations across the Junior School.
“This year's Exhibition topics challenged our students to tackle complex social issues with open minds, curiosity and creativity,” said Erika Lo, Assistant Head, Junior School and PYP Coordinator. “Their dedication to research, including interviews with primary sources, showcased their skillful listening and thoughtful questioning, deepening their understanding of their chosen topics. The girls’ willingness to seek clarity and embrace diverse perspectives has enriched their learning experience.”
The topics that were explored by this year’s Grade 6 students included: Sustainable cities, women’s rights, access to food, clean energy, poverty, sustainable buildings, gender equality, health and well-being, life below water, workplace inclusivity, life on land, and access to education.
In each presentation, students shared learnings on their topic and took questions from audience members, who were impressed by their preparation, poise and knowledge. Every step they took, every idea they explored and each challenge they overcame led to this moment of celebration, with their teachers and mentors praising the students’ enthusiasm for learning and collaborative spirit in supporting one another.
Catherine reflected, “Overall, I'm proud of how I learned to work with others effectively, and ultimately played a part in bringing our collective vision to completion. This experience not only enhanced my teamwork skills but also infused in me a deeper appreciation for the power of collaboration.” Amira said, “I think that being open-minded is the most essential Learner Profile attribute while working in a group. Whenever my group made a change to our plans or switched roles, we all had to be flexible and adapt to the situation.”
Congratulations, Grade 6s! We look forward to all of the great things you will achieve in the Middle Years Programme when you begin Grade 7 in the fall.
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LAND ACKNOWLEDGMENT
We wish to acknowledge this land on which Branksome operates. For thousands of years, it has been the traditional land of the Huron-Wendat, the Seneca, and most recently, the Mississaugas of the Credit River. Today, this meeting place is still the home to many Indigenous peoples from across Turtle Island and we are grateful to have the opportunity to work and go to school on this land.
Setting the new standard for girls' education everywhere takes collective action. From all of us.
