Session 1: Beliefs

Individual teachers' beliefs about the experiences related to teaching and learning impact on the way they teach.


Aim: Reflect on own beliefs and practices within a community of learners
No learning occurs in a vacuum We construct meaning personally and uniquely, building on our prior knowledge, feelings and engaging within the context of our current learning environment.

We will be using the Concentric Circle Model to explore our own beliefs and values and to discuss commonalities for the group.

This session will also give you a brief introduction to the IB and its history. You will be able to highlight the links between the various aspects of the PYP on the diagram as we cover them.

Finally in this session we will be establishing essential agreements for the workshop using the PYP attitudes. These are the dispositions which are expressions of fundamental values, beliefs and feelings about learning, the environment and people.

Refer to Making the PYP Happen page 24

Our Essential Agreements:
Confidence:  To be confident we will encourage questioning, clarification and openly discuss our ideas and opinions to better understand the PYP
Appreciation:  We will appreciate the the differences and the strengths that exist amongst us.
Curiosity:  We are encouraged to express/explore their learning in an open and honest community.
Enthusiasm:  Make your best attempt to positively contribute to the group as a whole.
Respect:  Value and encourage ideas, opinions and differences of your peers.
Integrity:  We stand by what we believe and live and express our beliefs while still listening with open ears to the ideas and opinions of others.