August 2008

POI

Hello and welcome to the Grade 5 Programme of Inquiry web page for this year. The POI is part of the International Baccalaureate, Primary Years Programme and is central to all the work students complete in Grade 5. While examining each Unit of Inquiry students will be required to utilize an inquiry cycle. The cycle has six stages “Tuning In”, “Finding Out”, “Sorting Out”, “Going Further”, “Reflecting” and “Taking Action”. Structuring their learning through these key stages should enable students to gain a deep understanding of both the specific Unit of Inquiry and the process of inquiry.

The first Unit of Inquiry (11 August – 12 September) is “Who We Are” during which we will study culture with regards to similarities and differences. Our focus is to establish an understanding of the central idea, “Everyone is influenced by culture”. The unit focuses on understanding the concepts of perspective (What are the points of view?) and connection (How is it connected to other things?); and the attitudes empathy and tolerance.

The second Unit of Inquiry (15 September – 17 October) is “How the World Works” during which the students will develop an understanding of the central idea, “Forms and transfer of energy affect our daily lives” where we explore the transfer and generation of energy, and the advantages and disadvantages of different energy sources. This unit focuses on developing an understanding of the concepts function (How does it work?) and change (How is it changing?); and the attitudes curiosity and creativity.

The final Unit of Inquiry (3 November – 19 December) for the semester is “Where We Are in Time and Place” during which we investigate the central idea, “The physical geography of a
country influences how people live” where we identify the different elements of physical geography, examine how physical geography differs from region to region, and establish the relationship between how people live and the physical geography of a place. The unit focuses on developing an understanding of the concept causation (Why is it like it is?) and the attitudes confidence and independence.

Throughout the year the website will keep you informed and up to date with all that is happening in the Programme of Inquiry in Grade 5. Please stay tuned for more information and also some great student work.

Many thanks
Grade 5 Team