Student Changemakers at the PYPX Exhibition

The Primary Years Programme Exhibition (PYPX) is a milestone event for Grade 5 students, serving as a culminating project that integrates skills developed throughout their elementary years.  

This year, our Grade 5 students demonstrated agency, critical thinking, and a commitment to making a positive impact. Through inquiry, collaboration, and creative problem-solving, they explored real-world issues that matter to them and to the world. 

Student-Led Inquiry and Passion-Based Learning 

Grade 5 teacher Steven Kay describes the PYPX as a "self-driven inquiry project, where students explore real-world issues connected to their passions and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)." 

The process begins with students identifying a topic they care deeply about and aligning it with an SDG. Whether their interests lie in sports, animals, literacy, or the environment, this personal connection fuels their motivation.  

For example, Grade 5 student Brontel chose poaching because of her love for animals and distress over their harm, whereas her peers Chloe and Keri focused on animal testing and illegal animal trade, respectively. When asked the reason, Keri expressed that many animals have been "shipped all across the world just to fulfill some people's wants, not needs." 

Research and Problem-Solving 

After selecting their topics, students frame their inquiries through the lens of global challenges, ensuring their work is meaningful and relevant. And then they would get on to the next step: Research.  

Steven explained, "We talk about what makes good research, note taking, and how they use different sources in their research." At WAB, students are guided through the MISO method to engage in deep research: 

• Media (articles, books, websites) 
• Interviews (consulting experts) 
• Surveys (gathering diverse perspectives) 
• Observations (real-world investigations) 

 For instance, students studying food waste observed our school's waste management practices, while others interviewed experts on wildlife conservation. This multi-source approach strengthens their understanding and encourages critical analysis.  

Collaboration and Approaches to Learning (ATLs) 

Collaboration is central to the PYPX. Students working on similar topics form groups and create "essential agreements," shared norms that support respectful and productive teamwork.   

Throughout the process, students develop key Approaches to Learning (ATLs): 

• Research skills – sourcing, analyzing, and synthesizing information 
• Self-management – organizing tasks and meeting deadlines 
• Social skills – collaborating effectively and resolving conflicts 
• Thinking skills – making connections and drawing conclusions 
• Communication skills – presenting their ideas clearly and confidently 

One group chose the SDG “Quality Education.” Grade 5 student Arthur shared that they had to put in a lot of effort before the presentation deadline, "rushing, but without making mistakes." He felt proud of their team's ability to present diverse perspectives on education and excited by the interest shown by students, teachers, and parents who visited their exhibition. He expressed that he hopes people take more responsibility for ensuring education for all. 

Art for Impact and Advocacy
A key component of the PYPX is the "Art for Impact" initiative, where students create powerful art installations to communicate their messages and evoke emotional responses. For example, students addressing wildlife conservation crafted a pangolin with removable scales, symbolizing harm and restoration. 

These art pieces aren’t just displays; they’re designed to provoke thought, inspire action, and make abstract issues tangible for their audience. By blending creativity with activism, students learn that art can be a catalyst for change, turning research into something visual and memorable. Through this process, they develop empathy, deepen their understanding of global issues, and amplify their voices as young advocates.

From Learning to Action 

The PYPX inspires students to take action. Whether through awareness campaigns, community initiatives, or personal commitments, students are encouraged to make meaningful contributions to the issues they explored.   

As Steven noted, the goal isn't to solve global issues overnight but to cultivate responsibility and hope. Watch the video above to see how our young learners become change makers.