Primary Years Programme Making the PYP happen - ITARI

Making the PYP happen
What is my role
There’s pride and satisfaction in understanding your function
better than anyone else and better than even you thought possible.
Block, 1987
The degree of change required to implement the teaching and learning of the PYP at the school-wide level
will depend on conditions in the school at the time of implementation. To be realistic, however, schools
must recognize that:
! school-wide adoption of the PYP will require change not only in the classroom but throughout
the school
! this change is likely to be slow, painful and beset with difficulties (these difficulties are always
associated with any change which requires people to examine and modify their current practice)
! engaging in this change process will have a beneficial impact on the whole school and, most
significantly, on the quality of student learning, but the struggle is worth it
! the process of change in teaching practice will require substantial, sustained support from the
school for all teachers.
The role of the school’s administrators is crucial to the success of a change effort. Without the support of
the school’s leadership this innovation will almost certainly fail. The PYP does not require that every
administrator has to understand the finer points of the curriculum in every area but it is important to
understand, and support, the basic principles which represent the essence of the PYP. Every administrator
does need to be aware, also, of the kinds of practical support needed for successful implementation.
Guidelines for implementation
! Develop a clear plan with a timeline for implementation.
! Identify and empower curriculum leaders; send them to PYP workshops.
! Provide resources for PYP workshop leaders to address the staff.
! Arrange general sessions about the PYP for all staff.
! Form PYP working groups within the school.
! Model inquiry yourself during meetings or workshops.
! Rearrange the schedule to allow shared planning time.
! Set aside inservice days to work with the PYP curriculum.
! Run a weekend retreat to discuss the PYP curriculum and plan units of inquiry.
! Write articles yourself or encourage others; write a PYP newsletter for the staff.
! Ensure that all PYP publications are removed from your desk and put into the right hands.
! Create a topic bank for storing planners.
! Make sure that the purchase of resources is driven by the curriculum.
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