The IB PYP Exhibition
(PYPx) Survival Guide
It is the biggest event in the Primary Years Programme. Don't let the stress of "The Exhibition" turn into a parent-project.
Integrity Alert
Dubai IB schools like Dubai International Academy (DIA) and Raffles World Academy have strict plagiarism policies. A tutor must guide, not write.
Quick Answer: The Roles Defined
Parents often ask, "How much can I help?" Here is the ethical breakdown of responsibilities to ensure your child passes:
| Task | The Student (Grade 5) | The Tutor (Mentor) | The Parent |
|---|---|---|---|
| Topic Choice | Must choose a passion. | Helps narrow scope to be manageable. | Encourages; doesn't dictate. |
| Research | Reads/Watches sources. | Teaches how to cite sources & filter fake news. | Provides access (Library/Museum). |
| Action | Executes the initiative. | Helps plan the logistics (Gantt Chart). | Transport & Safety. |
| Final Output | Writes the reflection. | Proofreads & asks critical questions. | Buys the display board. |
What is the PYP Exhibition?
The Primary Years Programme (PYP) Exhibition is the "Capstone" project for Grade 5 students. It marks the transition from Primary to the Middle Years Programme (MYP). It is not just a science fair; it is a test of 5 years of inquiry-based learning.
Students must select a real-world issue (e.g., Sustainability, Digital Wellness, Animal Rights), research it under a "Transdisciplinary Theme," and take meaningful Action.
3 Ways a Tutor Can Support (Without Cheating)
Our IB-specialist Primary Tutors act as mentors, similar to a University dissertation supervisor.
1. Teaching Research Methodologies
Most Grade 5 students only know how to Google. We teach them how to:
- Conduct primary research (Drafting survey questions for neighbors).
- Interview experts (Preparing scripts for Zoom calls).
- Verify sources (Is this YouTube video reliable?).
2. Project Management (Self-Management Skills)
The #1 cause of parent stress is the timeline. We help students create a Gantt Chart or weekly planner to break the massive project into bite-sized tasks, ensuring no last-minute panic before the school deadline.
3. The "Action" Component
IB requires "Action"—students must do something, not just read. We brainstorm feasible ideas. For example, instead of "saving the ocean" (too big), we guide them to "organize a plastic-free lunch day at school" (manageable).
4. Public Speaking & Presentation
The final Exhibition night involves presenting to parents and teachers. We use role-play to build confidence, helping students move away from reading off notecards to speaking passionately about their inquiry.
Dubai Context: Local Resources
Leverage Dubai's infrastructure for the "Inquiry" phase. We often encourage students to visit:
- The Green Planet: For biodiversity topics.
- Expo City (Terra Sustainability Pavilion): For climate change topics.
- Al Shindagha Museum: For culture and history topics.
Need a Mentor for Grade 5?
Ensure your child shines on Exhibition Night. Our IB PYP tutors provide the structure and mentorship needed for a stress-free capstone.
Find an IB PYP Mentor