The IB Experience: 5th Grade Exhibition

Among the many special aspects of the IB PYP program, the culminating final project known as

5th Grade Exhibition is a standout. Exhibition is designed to showcase not only knowledge and

research, but the attitudes, behaviors, and learner attributes the students have developed

across their entire elementary experience.

Exhibition is more than just a research project – it is a showcase of the inquiry-based learning

model that makes IB education unique. Students work in groups to select an issue that is

meaningful to them. Topics are wide-ranging, including global issues with local impact as well

as topics of personal significance. Students design their own learning unit around their chosen

topic, using as a framework one of the IB transdisciplinary themes that repeat throughout the

elementary grades. The groups document their journey of inquiry into the topic, exploring

multiple perspectives and sources to deepen their understanding. The goal of the project is not

just acquiring knowledge but taking action to effect change.

Exhibition is truly student-led, with guidance from Pinkerton teachers and mentorship from

high school IB DP students. The process culminates with the final showcase of the learners’

efforts. Using a variety of modalities, they present their work to their fellow students, parents,

and community members at Exhibition Night.

The impact on the learners is nothing short of transformational, according to the teachers and

parents who have witnessed it.

“The final 5th-grade graduation project gives the students a chance to come full circle with what they learned throughout their IB education and use it to educate others. The students learn about global issues that also affect our own local community and create a project that has a sustainable impact in their own backyard. They work in teams and present to their school and community. This sets them up to be team players, public speakers, and global leaders.”

- Pali Parekh, Pinkerton parent

“5th Grade Exhibition is a unique and important part of the International Baccalaureate (IB) Program. Exhibition is not only a celebration of our students' academic growth, but also an opportunity for them to develop important skills such as communication, collaboration, critical thinking, and creativity. It is an experience that they will carry with them throughout their lives”

- Amanda Sweeney, Pinkerton Principal

“There is nothing more satisfying as a 5th grade teacher to see your learners become so independently confident and excited about what they have researched, learned and become passionate about. The teamwork process is transformational for the learners and allows them true independence, accountability, and empathy towards one another. The skills they utilize during Exhibition give the learners such an advantage going into middle school. They are more likely to be knowledgeable in researching a topic, writing a paper, citing sources correctly and supporting factual information. The productive struggle they experience in working within a group builds respect for each other and a stronger tolerance to different points of view. They are more likely to be confident in presenting in front of groups of people and not afraid to ask questions. Pinkerton has a great reputation among the 6th grade middle school teachers for preparing learners for the next chapter in their schooling.”

- Sara Hope, retired Pinkerton 5 th grade teacher