Sierra Elementary School

* Knowledge - Significant, relevant content that we wish the students to explore and know about, taking into consideration their prior experience and understanding.

* Concepts - Powerful ideas that have relevance within the subject areas but also transcend them and that students must explore and re-explore in order to develop a coherent, in-depth understanding.

* Approaches to Learning - Those capabilities that the students need to demonstrate to succeed in a changing, challenging world, which may be disciplinary or transdisciplinary in nature.

• PYP Playlist for Parents, Educators, and more!
• International Baccalaureate Website
• 5 ways you could support your child as a PYP parent

 

The PYP programme of inquiry is defined by the six transdisciplinary themes that are considered worthy of inquiry. These are: Who we are, Where we are in place and time, How we express ourselves, How the world works, How we organize ourselves, and Sharing the planet. Each theme is explored in a unit of inquiry for each grade level.

 

Click on the link below to see our Sierra Elementary Program of Inquiry for grades K - 6.

 

 

We at Sierra know that parents are a child’s first and most important teacher so we are hopeful that the information in this handbook will help you to support your child’s IB education at home.  Click on the link below to learn more about our program.

 

 

Sierra Elementary IB Parent Handbook 

 

 

The PYP focuses on the development of the whole child as an inquirer, both in the classroom and in the world outside. It is a framework guided by six transdisciplinary themes of global significance, explored using knowledge and skills derived from six subjects areas, as well as transdisplinary skills, with a powerful emphasis on inquiry. 

 

There are many pieces to our IB program.  To see a general overview of all the elements click the link below.

 

 

The teaching and learning of language at Sierra Elementary stems from the belief that language is fundamental to lifelong learning. Language helps students understand other cultures and builds connections developing internationally-minded students. Language connects all aspects of learning and allows students to demonstrate their knowledge, ask questions, and engage with others.  All teachers at Sierra are language teachers and are responsible for language instruction. Every Sierra student is a language learner. We believe that our students will become effective communicators through the exploration of a rich language program and environment. Click on the link below to learn more.

 

Assessment at Sierra Elementary is an integral and ongoing part of the planning, teaching and learning process. The purpose of assessment is to understand where students are in their learning, to guide teachers’ planning for instruction and learning engagements, and to provide students with valuable feedback, allowing them to participate in feed-forward processes of setting goals that they will work towards achieving throughout the year. Frequent, regular, and continuous assessment is integral to all teaching and learning. The types of assessment listed in this policy are used regularly in the classroom to guide instruction.  Click on the link below to learn more.

Sierra Elementary’s vision for creating an inclusive environment and education for all is one that removes barriers to learning and ensures that students’ needs are at the center of the learning community to help each individual reach their full potential academically, socially, and emotionally. Building relationships with students and all the members of our school community are a priority along with a shared responsibility for the health and well-being of all of our students.We believe that all of our students are on a life-long learning journey. An emphasis on the attributes of the Learner Profile will serve as the foundation of our vision with an emphasis on modeling and embracing being caring, principled, and reflective. Click on the link below to learn more.