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The orientation sessions were truly something to look forward to, offering a chance to reflect, learn, and unlearn. One session that resonated deeply with me was the discussion about modeling the IB Learner Profiles. It highlighted the idea that if we want learners to develop traits like being good communicators, we need to embody those traits ourselves.

I also appreciated the emphasis on intentionally choosing a specific learner profile to focus on. By picking one trait and weaving it into daily interactions, not forgetting the VTR's.

One word to describe the journey it was BEAUTIFUL. Asante sana Ms. Dorcas for patiently walking with us.

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The orientation was incredibly thorough and well-organized. The PYP coordinator provided a clear and comprehensive overview of the PYP framework, making it easy to understand how it integrates with the school's overall mission.

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The orientation was incredibly thorough and well-organized. The PYP coordinator provided a clear and comprehensive overview of the PYP framework, making it easy to understand how it integrates with the school's overall mission.

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The orientation was not just a lecture – the interactive discussions and activities were engaging and allowed me to apply the concepts in a hands-on way. It made the learning process enjoyable and practical.

I was impressed by the range of resources and materials provided during the orientation. The coordinator ensured we had access to planning tools, curriculum documents, and references that will support us in implementing PYP effectively.

I truly appreciated how approachable and supportive the PYP coordinator was throughout the orientation. She created an open and welcoming atmosphere where I felt comfortable asking questions and seeking clarification on any topics.

Thank you Ms. Dorcas. May God Bless You Abundantly

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The more you learn, the more you realise PYP understands better. I know that I have completely butchered that phrase but in the spirit of unlearning, I’m learning to let go of the fear of making mistakes. PYP stands on the shoulders of inquiry and giving agency to the learners and that in the beginning was quite out of the norm. The joke was on me because “out of the norm” is what this system operates on and truly that makes sense, since the school is in the business of not only making leaders but ethical ones for that matter.

The orientation journey with Ms. Dorcas Kisilu was quite informative, I might call it a cheat into better understanding the IB. The learner is the center, one catches up to that pretty first and the center must be well defined. The learner profile are not just ambitious words placed on a book, because everything around this curriculum comes back to the profile. It is basically the measuring stick for success. There is also a very harmonious blend to the curriculum seeing that it fits together so well with the help of the transdisciplinary themes which are so entwined with the world we live in. They are set up in a way that brings out purposive learning. The IB PYP learner gets to know about their personal space, how to relate with others, how things work, how to look after nature and wild and so on. All that is very intentional and the amazing because it doesn’t prepare the learner for the world but gives them the world.

The journey also showed me the benefits of feedback and reflections because the key thing is growth. The avenue for peer feedback which the coordinator created allowed me to learn from others and vice versa. She emphasized on curriculum harmony which can only happen when we all know what the others are doing. Gate keeping is so archaic in this IB world because every resource one might need is readily available including my colleagues that’s how a met my best friend VTR. Visible Thinking Routine removes the abstract nature of learning and brings on exploration, which needs no explanation. The orientation offered me a peek at what the IB is and I now the learning continues.

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Ms. Dorcas has a thorough understanding of the IB philosophy and her ability to translate it into practical classroom strategies was both inspiring and empowering. One of the standout aspects of the program for me was how she broke down the IB Learner Profile attributes and demonstrated ways to embed them seamlessly into daily classroom routines. For example, her suggestion to create a "Reflection Wall" where students can document moments of being inquirers or risk-takers was both innovative and easy to implement.

Ms. Dorcas’s explanation of moving from subject-specific knowledge to transdisciplinary concepts, like having students explore "connection" across subjects during a unit, clarified how we can foster deeper understanding. The example she shared about integrating the central idea "Public places provide opportunities for people and communities to connect" into inquiry-based discussions and activities was especially helpful and directly applicable to my teaching.

Her practical strategies for facilitating student agency were transformative.

I also greatly appreciated how she emphasized collaborative planning with colleagues to create cohesive, meaningful units. Her suggestion to use VTRs and provocations—like a mystery artifact or a short video clip—to spark curiosity at the start of a unit was something I have started using with great success.

Ms. Dorcas’s energy, expertise, and approachable demeanor made the sessions engaging and left me feeling confident and inspired to bring the IB framework to life in my classroom. She created a supportive environment where all questions felt valued, and her real-world examples bridged the gap between theory and practice.

Thank you, Ms. Dorcas, for equipping us with the tools to implement the IB framework effectively. Your dedication to helping us grow as educators is deeply appreciated, and I look forward to continuing to learn from your guidance.

Sincerely,

Ms. Christine

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The orientation journey was an amazing opportunity to learn more about the IB curriculum.

We were fortunate to be part of such an amazing group and learn from our PYP coordinator and other colleagues as we exchanged experiences and learnt from each other.

It’s always a pleasure to be able to learn from one another.

Miss Dorcas has always guided and supported us for which we are grateful to her.

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My orientation journey was both enlightening and transformative, marked by deep reflections and meaningful learning experiences. Under the guidance of Ms. Dorcas, my instructor and mentor, I was able to grasp the essence of the International Baccalaureate (IB) philosophy and its practical implications in the classroom.

One significant aspect of the orientation was the emphasis on the IB Learner Profiles. Ms. Dorcas encouraged us to embody the traits we wish to cultivate in our students, namely being open-minded, communicative, and reflective. This notion resonated with me deeply; I realized that facilitating a learning environment where these traits thrive begins with our own demonstration of them.

Moreover, I appreciated the structured approach Ms. Dorcas employed in breaking down the PYP framework. Each session was designed not just to impart knowledge but also to engage us in interactive discussions and practical activities. This hands-on approach enabled me to connect theoretical concepts with real-life applications, making the learning experience both enjoyable and effective.

The resources made available during the orientation were particularly noteworthy.

Ms. Dorcas curated a wealth of support materials that included planning tools and practical strategies for implementing the PYP effectively. Understanding how to leverage these resources was crucial in alleviating the initial challenges I faced as I navigated through the program.

Reflecting on the overall experience, I find it fitting to describe the journey with one word: "enriching." The opportunities to collaborate with fellow educators and learn from Ms. Dorcas's expertise was inspiring. One standout moment was the suggestion to create a "Reflection Wall" in our classrooms, allowing students to document their learning journeys and illustrate moments when they embodied the IB Learner Profiles. This innovative idea will undoubtedly foster a culture of reflection and encourage student agency in their own learning.

In conclusion, my orientation journey has laid a solid foundation for my teaching practice. I am excited to implement the strategies learned and embody the IB Learner Profiles, nurturing those same traits in my students. With the guidance of Ms. Dorcas, I feel equipped to embark on this promising journey ahead.