Student-Led Conferences, art and music at the Academy Junior School

IB Primary Years Programme at the Junior School ended the academic year on a high note, with student-led conferences, an art exhibition and annual concert displaying diverse musical talents.

Taking ownership of learning

The annual IB PYP student-led conferences, which took place on Friday 26^th May, embody a different approach to personalised learning where children in grades 1-5 are encouraged to discuss, explain and reflect on their learning journey through the year with their parents. Students and their families interacted over carefully curated portfolios containing work samples from different subject areas; class displays; e-portfolios and music stations.

Individual conferences provide students with opportunities to take ownership of their learning, as well as encourage their teachers and parents to communicate openly with them about their academic progress and achievements. Parents are able to better understand their child’s growth in various subject disciplines. Class displays provide an overview of collaborative work done during the term. E-portfolios give a detailed idea of the technology used and explored by students during the span of a whole year and music stations help students to showcase skills acquired in learning instruments and songs.

“The best thing was that it was initiated by the children,” remarked Mrs. Bhayani, a grade 1 parent. “It gave a boost to their self-confidence.” Exciting questions were discussed and lively conversations happened amongst students, parents and teachers. Parents took the initiative to evaluate and observe their children's progress. “I loved walking around and learning about my child’s work and loved to see the excitement on her face,” said grade 3 student Ayesha’s mother.

Diversity in artistic expression

Grade 1-5 students exhibited their artwork from their last academic year in the Junior School Library on the same day as the student-led conferences. The young artists’ work was viewed and appreciated by fellow students from the Academy Senior School, as well as parents and faculty. Arts and crafts on display demonstrated the diversity of expression explored by students. A wide selection of media was used including coffee, charcoal, cardboard and papier mâché. Taking inspiration from famous artists such as Georgia O’Keefe, Paul Klee and Piet Mondrian, students created their own pieces using characteristic styles and techniques from these masters. Traditional art forms such as aboriginal paintings, worli art, cheriyal masks and pipali work also featured in the exhibition.

“Being an art student I always thought that as you grew older, your imagination expanded but I was proved wrong by the students of Junior School,” said grade 11 student Rutvik Surani. “I was very impressed with their skill – and the way they portrayed their ideas, especially their interpretation of Vincent van Gogh’s ‘The Starry Night.’ After looking through all their work, I felt inspired by my juniors to create more art!”

End-of-year mini-concert

IB PYP students showcased their skills on the tabla, violin, guitar, keyboard and recorder during their final concert in the Junior School Library on Wednesday 31^st May. The choir prformed English and Hindi songs which they had practiced and perfected through the year to a riveted audience. What a wonderful way to end the year!