Dear parents,

20th October 2013

This is an exciting time yet again for the GAA Campus! Weve settled in our classrooms and we will inquire into, and learn about globally significant issues in the context of our second Unit of Inquiry which commences this week or next. In the PYP a balance is sought between acquisition of essential knowledge (guided by Virginia Standards) and transdisciplinary skills, development of conceptual understanding, demonstration of positive attitudes, and taking responsible action. Each Unit of Inquiry takes about six weeks and addresses a Central Idea relevant to a particular theme. Themes are supported by knowledge, concepts and skills from the traditional subject areas but utilized in ways that transcend the confines of these subjects. It will be rewarding to see how students make connections when inquiring during Homeroom time (English, Mathematics, Science, Social Studies & Personal Education), Arabic Language & Arabic Social Studies, Visual & Performing Arts, Sports and fieldtrips. Please support your children, as they show commitment to their Learner Profile traits: Caring, Open-minded, Principled, Reflective, Thinkers, Balance, Communicators, RiskTakers, Inquirers and Knowledgeable. In our grade students will address this Theme: Our Central Idea is: Then they will make connections by inquiring into the following: We shall share more information about the PYP Programme in GAA in on our designated site on WEEBLY soon. Thanking you for your support! Kind regards, Maritte Williams IB PYP/Curriculum Coordinator & IB PYP Workshop Leader

Find more info on this website: www.ibo.org

PO Box 110273, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates Tel: +971 2 557 4880 Fax: +971 2 557 4990 www.gemsaa-abudhabi.com