Exploring Grade 5 Perspectives: Insights into the PYP Exhibition Journey  

The PYP Exhibition (PYPX) is a special event that marks the culmination of the International Baccalaureate Primary Years Programme (IB PYP) journey for Grade 5 students. It provides them with an opportunity to showcase their learning, skills, and interests through an in-depth inquiry into real-world issues. As the PYPX is a unique and significant milestone in their academic journey, we held interviews with all Grade 5 students to gain insights into their exhibition experiences and progress. Q1: What inspired you to choose this particular topic for your exhibition? S: I chose it because I also have ADHD, and I wanted to know more about it. I thought I could explain to people about what ADHD is. ADHD doesn’t play a big role and not everyone knows about it. E: My topic is about Down syndrome. I chose it because my little sister has it, and I want to inform other people about it. K/M/R: The main reason why I [R] took this topic, literacy, is because it's something I like. I started with it with 3 years. I like action and drama, and I could read and write at the age of 3. I got trained at home. I [M] chose this topic because I found it interesting that so many kids at school don’t read and write so much. M: It inspired me because half of my life I started with sports, and it was one of the most important things what I have right now. I knew I wanted to choose it. Basically, I work out every day. Hopefully, one day I can compete in the sport I would like to and hopefully win something. I want to show people how nice exercising could be. P: I love fashion, and I wanted to make it myself and I put some makeup and had some allergies on my face, so I chose makeup for my exhibition Q2: Can you tell me about one surprising thing you've discovered during your research? S: ADHD has really good things, actually more good things than bad things. A good thing would be that they have a lot of creativity and can feel how other people feel. E: There are many famous people with it {Down syndrome]. Some of them are actors or models. K/M/R: One surprising thing is that 750 million adults and 250 million kids can't read and write. This is almost the population of Europe. We did a survey and found out in grade 1 not many kids read or write at home so much. That was really surprising because usually, kids practice at home to improve. M: It was like how big is mental health. It has a really big impact on your physical health. You also have to have a good mindset to be physically fit. Even big athletes say that. P: It surprised me that humans are comfortable about wearing makeup; it makes them feel confident. It's like a standard for social events. It shocked me that they put everything on animals to test it, makeup, foundation, and everything, It's part of my action to create makeup. They can do it by themselves, and I can help them. Q3: What challenges have you faced during your preparation, and how have you overcome them? S: I had some problems with researching. I had some help from Ms Jessee, my mom, and Elisabeth. They tried to help me on the internet E: I also had problems to research, and I had some help from Sophia, Ms Jessee, my mom, and Sophia, and our mentor, Ms Eszter. Our mentor is helping us for getting more information. We see them once a week so that they know what we have done so far. K/M/R: We faced a kind of problem, we were just thinking of our action plan and we were thinking about making a book about literacy. We didn’t have time so we decided to make a video. Editing the video was not easy, we had to review it many times but in the end, it got quite good. It were not so many challenges because we were working together in a group. You can help each other and it is much easier. M: Time management was a challenge and it was a lot of pressure. You are always not sure if they're gonna like it. I did a training session with grade 6 with a warm-up and a cool down. With different movements and the cool down was some stretching. Before, I was talking about warm-up. It was a challenge because of the planning of the session. Make sure everything works perfectly and exercise, and I was super excited. I overcame it by doing it, and then I was asking myself why was I so excited before. P: It is so hard to do the action. It took me like two days to do it. My interview days were so hard because I was doing two people, and it was a bit hard to reach them in India. I just stayed persistent. Q4: What do you hope people will take away from your exhibition after they've seen it? S: That they learn more about ADHD, that it doesn't matter how someone looks, and that what matters is what is inside E: That they learn that it doesn't matter how people look and that every person is special, and that every person does what they want to do. K/M/R: They could learn new strategies to improve their literacy skills. I [R] just want them to understand that literacy is important in their life. They think reading a few pages is enough. If they understand that so many people and kids can't read or write, they can take action for themselves to succeed, and then they know how to take action for others. M: I hope that people like to exercise. I did a survey which was pretty good. 60 percent like to exercise, and I want to get the other people to like it, to do exercises and find out what the benefits are. P: I hope they feel like that they read the labels and will buy something natural and healthy for their skin.      

Starting a Musical Revolution: Emma Lloyd and Karin Schistek's Dynamic Duo

The collaboration between Emma Lloyd and Karin Schistek is a colorful example of the magic that happens when two musicians come together to pursue sound exploration. They set off on their voyage in 2013 during the centenary celebration of Witold Lutoslawski in Edinburgh, where their first performance of his 'Partita for violin and piano' lit the spark that would lead them further. From this fortunate start, Emma and Karin formed a deep human connection in addition to a common musical language. Their shared passion for exploring pieces from many historical periods and their preference for enjoying the unpredictability of free improvisation established the groundwork for a collaboration marked by limitless imagination and steadfast commitment. Internationally acclaimed artist Emma Lloyd adds a plethora of expertise and originality to the team. Her violin dexterity crosses genre boundaries, fusing modern experimental with classical tradition in a seamless manner. Emma's performances radiate a compelling blend of passion and skill, whether she is navigating the complex intricacies of baroque repertoire or exploring new sonic realms with live electronics. Emma's artistic abilities are enhanced by Karin Schistek, whose training in classical piano performance lends depth and resonance to their cooperation. Karin, a graduate of the University of Music and Performing Arts Vienna and the Mozarteum University in Salzburg, has traveled from Austria to Edinburgh and then to Essen, Germany, all the while pursuing her passion for music. Her natural ability to navigate a variety of musical terrain and her versatility as a pianist give their sound a unique quality. Emma and Karin set out on a musical journey together that is driven by their mutual commitment to artistic integrity, curiosity, and teamwork. They use an intensely attentive and responsive approach to free improvisation, delving into the acoustic depths of their instruments with a resolute dedication to inquiry. Every show is a conversation, proof of the mutually beneficial partnership between two skilled performers. Inspired by their common ideals of cooperation, curiosity, and artistic integrity, Emma and Karin set off on a musical journey together. With a keen and sensitive approach to free improvisation, they want to fully explore the sonic potential of their instruments. Every show is a conversation, demonstrating the supportive bond between two successful artists. Emma Lloyd and Karin Schistek create a world where every note has significance and every quiet is full of potential. Their relationship is based on respect for one another, a common interest, and an unquenchable desire to explore new music. Emma and Karin continue to be awe-inspiring performers who push the envelope of artistic expression. Join us at IS Ruhr on Thursday 21 March to experience the magic for yourself.          

Interview with Juan, Edgar and Jean Carlos

Juan, Edgar and Jean Carlos are a Colombian trio who share the vibrant world of South American music with their audience.

Eya: Can you tell us about the origins of your band and how you all came together? Juan: We came separately to Germany and managed to come together through contacts. From there we started rehearsing and playing gigs together as a 'band'. Eya: Can you share any interesting or memorable experiences from your live performances or tours? Juan: At a wedding in Holland, the audience made us play an hour extra because they were having so much fun. It was a lovely experience and we didn't expect that. Eya: Do you collaborate as a band, or does each member contribute individually? Juan: A bit of both. We put our creativity and experience into the covers we play: Edgar is a composer and singer in another band in Cologne; he is a guitar and bass player. Jean Carlos is a Mariachi singer and sang since 11 years old in order to make a living due to being emancipated from his family. I am a classical trumpet player, graduating with a masters in classical trumpet here in Germany. All of our roots are in Latin America and we come together to play at events from time to time. Eya: What advice would you give to aspiring musicians or bands who are just starting out? Juan: 10% talent, 90% dedication. Listen to all kinds of music and keep practicing your instrument. Consistency and dedication is key. Never give up! +++ You can see Juan, Edgar and Jean Carlos live at the IS Ruhr on 14 December. Come along! We are looking forward to seeing you.