Teacher Collaboration to Create Strong Curricular Links

All of the teachers, specialists, interns, and educational assistants in the Junior School have been collaborating to further develop the Units of Inquiry and ensure strong transdisciplinary links within our curriculum. Collaboration is an ongoing process, and teaching teams meet regularly with the PYP Coordinator to plan robust learning opportunities and assessments for our students.

According to the International Baccalaureate (IB), “A collaborative approach puts students at the centre and aims to ensure a holistic, transdisciplinary and coherent learning experience for them. Collaboration starts by developing a shared understanding of what students know and can do.” (The Learning Community, PYP documentation, 2020)

To start the year, teaching teams have mapped out the year-long curriculum in each grade level, taking into account authentic connections with the various subject areas (i.e., mathematics, science, English, social studies, art, music, PE, foreign languages, etc.) as well as the Approaches to Learning skills. As the year progresses, the students’ prior knowledge, questions, and interests will help further shape the learning happening in the classrooms. Teachers will continually post students’ learning on Seesaw, where you are able to see the purposeful learning that is happening at Branksome Hall Asia.

By Jennifer Kesler
Deputy Head of JS/PYP Coordinator