Sixth-grade students at RJB Intermediate School in the Greenburgh CSD recently presented their Primary Years Programme (PYP) projects, a culmination of weeks of inquiry, collaboration, and creativity. As part of Greenburgh’s status as an International Baccalaureate (IB) World School, the PYP encourages students to explore complex real-world issues through interdisciplinary learning - and this showcase was a testament to the power of student-driven education.
Students chose a topic in which they were interested and were grouped together with others who shared that interest. An important part of the PYP Exhibition is collaboration among peers, as students utilize their Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) skills to work with others to plan their inquiry, take action, and create a meaningful presentation. Topics spanned a wide range—from social and environmental issues, sports, and nutrition, to performing and visual arts, technology, and mental health awareness. With guidance from dedicated mentors, students engaged in the most intensive research of their academic careers to date, culminating in engaging presentations to parents, teachers, and younger peers from the fourth and fifth grades.
Students utilized spaces throughout the school - including the auditorium, gymnasium, art room, iLab, and even outdoor spaces - creating immersive learning environments. In the iLab, The Falcon Arcade featured student-designed video games, with creators explaining the coding process behind each one. In the performing arts corner, students wrote and acted out a play exploring friendship dynamics. The performance sparked conversations, even among the cast, about the story’s message. Some actors saw the theme as one of honesty and apology, while others interpreted it as a lesson about avoiding unnecessary conflict or being careful not to make false accusations.
In another area, students addressed mental health with thoughtfulness and empathy. One group clarified the difference between mental health and mental illness, while another invited visitors to connect with their emotions through affirmations. A tri-fold display encouraged students to contribute by posting a single word related to mental wellness, building a collective vocabulary of care and awareness.
Visual arts were also a major highlight, with projects in ceramics, painting, drawing, movie-making, and comics on full display. Each creation represented deep personal expression and a growing command of artistic techniques.
“The creativity and thought that went into these projects were truly impressive,” said RJB Principal Shqype Rraci. “Our students took ownership of their learning in meaningful ways, and it showed in every detail of their presentations. The support of their mentors was also critical—they provided guidance, encouragement, and helped our students take their ideas to the next level.”
The PYP is designed to help young learners make sense of the complexities of the world around them and develop the skills and mindset necessary to act responsibly and thoughtfully. Through these projects, RJB sixth graders clearly demonstrated the attributes of the IB learner profile: inquirers, thinkers, communicators, and caring individuals—ready to make a difference.