Inquiry-based Learning

Inquiry-based learning is an approach to education in which students are fully engaged by asking questions, reaching for answers, making bigger-picture connections, reflecting on learning, and taking action.

Teachers in INTL's International Baccalaureate (IB) Primary Years and Middle Years Programme facilitate the understanding of specific content and skills outlined in our curricula, but in ways that allow students to connect, be curious about, and build their own understanding of the content and skills through a deeper grasp of concepts. This unique educational approach prepares students for the rigor and demands of the world-renowned IB Diploma Programme taught in 11th and 12th Grade.

Inquiry-based learning in the PYP: Units of inquiry

As an International Baccalaureate (IB) World School, Silicon Valley International School delivers its rigorous and dynamic curricula (French, Chinese, German, and English) through frameworks such as the Primary Years Programme (PYP)'s Units of Inquiry (for Preschool-5th Grade). The six Units of Inquiry (four in the Early Years) are based on global themes that provide conceptual connections across subject areas, such as Who We Are, How the World Works, and Where We Are in Place and Time.
  • how we organize ourselves
  • sharing the planet
  • who we are
  • where we are in place and time
  • how express ourselves
  • how the world works

Inquiry-based learning in the MYP

The six PYP global themes provide a strong foundation for Middle Years Programme (MYP) inquiry. As students explore these themes in the PYP, they develop essential inquiry skills and a sense of global citizenship.  
 
In the MYP, students delve deeper into these themes through more complex inquiries. The PYP themes serve as a springboard for exploring the six MYP global contexts. For example, the PYP theme "How We Organize Ourselves" can lead to in-depth exploration of the MYP global context "Globalization and Sustainability."
 
Inquiry-based learning is a cornerstone of the MYP. It is a student-centered approach where students explore questions, seek answers, and build knowledge while also making connections with authentic global contexts. It focuses on critical thinking, problem-solving, and a deep understanding of concepts.

Inquiry-based learning in the DP

Inquiry based learning in the DP takes on many forms. In each of their main six subjects, students complete a coursework assignment that requires them to follow the inquiry cycle of planning, action and reflection. In the sciences students may design and complete their own real-world science laboratory experiment; in the humanities such as psychology and geography students have to collect real-world data during case-study experiments or field work and then analyze the data. In all cases, students must write up a report on their findings of around 2000 words to be submitted to the IB. Students also complete a 4000-word high school dissertation inquiry project known as the Extended Essay. They engage in academic research in a discipline of their choice or in an interdisciplinary endeavor. In these ways, students learn what it means to complete academic inquiry at a college level. 

International Baccalaureate (IB) World School

Silicon Valley International School is an International Baccalaureate (IB) World School, authorized to offer the IB Primary Years Programme (PYP), Middle Years Programme (MYP), and Diploma Programme (DP). IB World Schools share a common philosophy – a commitment to high quality, challenging, international education that the Silicon Valley International School believes is important for our students.
 

Notice of Nondiscriminatory policy as to students

Silicon Valley International School admits students of any race, color, national and ethnic origin rights, privileges, programs, and activities generally accorded or made available to students at the school. It does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national and ethnic origin in administration of its educational policies, admissions policies, scholarship and loan programs, and athletic and other school-administered programs.

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