+201203140000
PYP Coordinator Welcome
Ms. Maha brings extensive IB experience in her role as a PYP coordinator. She is certified in the three continuum IB programs: PYP, MYP and DP.
She holds an IB Certificate in Advanced Leadership Research and a Master of Education in Educational Leadership from the IB- affiliated University of Dundee, UK.
She has a background in English Language and holds a Master of Arts degree in English Language and Professional Writing from University of Waterloo, ON, Canada.
Ms. Maha is a passionate IB educator who believes that instilling the IB culture in the school is a collaborative and ongoing process.
As lifelong learners, staff members show their commitment to IB practices through acting as a living embodiment of the IB mission and values. Instilling this culture in the school environment aids in the smooth transfer of IB values to our students.
When broadly and faithfully implemented by students and leaders across the educational institution, the IB learner profile attributes, which are at the heart of the IB school culture, infuse competencies that embody the IB mission statement.
By applying the best leadership practices, school leaders make a positive impact on the school culture and foster the values of professionalism, reflection, and collaboration.
PYP Coordinator
Maha Elkashtawy
The PYP is tailored for students from 3 to 12 years of age. The program’s pedagogical structure takes into account the changing global dynamics, creating an educational paradigm that is deeply rooted in current educational and leadership research.
The PYP curriculum framework promotes conceptual understanding and views inquiry and reflection as important components of its program. Student action is viewed as the culmination of the learning process. Students at GPBS are encouraged to become engaged citizens of the world, initiating action; both locally and globally. The IB teaching and learning philosophy moves away from rote learning and fosters inquiry-based techniques, challenging students’ minds and developing their creativity and critical thinking skills.
Teachers are facilitators who help students construct the knowledge themselves based on their previous understanding. When students start to take ownership of their learning through engagement, inquiry, reflection and consequent actions, student agency evolves. When students are given voice and choice, their presence becomes pertinent as they occupy domains previously associated with adults. Students have a unique perspective on the process of teaching and learning and they are always given genuine opportunities to frame and shape their educational experience.
The PYP framework encompass six transdisciplinary themes (units of inquiry):
Through the conceptual framework of the Units if Inquiry, students get to make transdisciplinary connections and connect their learning to authentic, real-life situations. Establishing those connections result in the enhancement of students’ agency, where students direct their learning to take responsible action within their community.
Approaches to Learning Skills (ATL Skills):
ATL skills are integrated within the teaching and learning framework in the PYP. The development of those skills helps students become more self-efficient and self-regulated learners who are well equipped with the tools they need to acquire knowledge. ATL skills include:
The PYP Exhibition:
The PYP exhibition is a culminating event in the final year of the PYP. Students go through a collaborative in-depth inquiry into a real-life issue and they display their knowledge, skills and action at the end of their inquiry.
To learn more about the PYP, please visit the IB website: https://ibo.org/
PYP Team
Gathered together in constant collaboration, the PYP team stands united in strength and dedication; the driving force behind the success of the PYP program.