By: Dr. Kyra M. Caldwell Templeton, program director of Student Engagement and co-advisor of the Student Advisory Council (SAC)
I recently had the pleasure of attending the Primary Years Programme (PYP) Exhibition at Cascade Elementary School, an International Baccalaureate (IB) World School. I left feeling inspired, hopeful, and truly amazed by the brilliance and empathy of our youngest learners.
The exhibition showcased student-led inquiries into real-world issues, with each group tackling a topic of personal and global significance. The presentation rotations allowed guests to see students’ deep thinking around themes like protecting nature, technology, recycling, bullying, food choices, global warming, homelessness, and World Peace. Each group worked with a teacher mentor and followed a structured format that included a central idea, lines of inquiry, possible solutions, and references—a clear demonstration of the IB philosophy in action.
I had the opportunity to attend two presentations, and both left a lasting impression.
The first was focused on World Peace, with a powerful lens on local gang violence. These students explored how gang activity disrupts peace in communities and went beyond surface-level understanding to research how this issue affects cities around the world. They offered thoughtful, age-appropriate solutions, including ways students can avoid gang influence and how communities can work together to create safer environments. Their passion was evident, and their ability to connect a global topic to local challenges was both mature and eye-opening.
The second presentation I visited addressed homelessness, particularly how it impacts children. The students impressed me with their creativity as they used role play to show the “hidden hardships” of homelessness in schools. Examples included students who may not participate in school activities or may isolate themselves at lunch, which are signs of housing insecurity that often go unnoticed. They identified causes like the rising cost of housing in Atlanta and job loss, and suggested solutions such as community efforts to address housing insecurity, as well as simple but impactful ways students and families can help, like donating or volunteering.
What struck me most throughout the exhibition was how students exercised voice, choice, and agency in both the topics they selected and the ways they presented them. Their inquiries were authentic, their research was thoughtful, and their compassion was clear.
If I could have cloned myself, I would have attended every single presentation. Each rotation promised powerful storytelling and real-world connections, and it is programs like this that remind us of the potential within our schools when students are given the opportunity to lead their learning.
A heartfelt thank you and round of applause go to all the teacher advisors who supported these young scholars throughout the exhibition process. From helping students shape their inquiries, guiding their research, and preparing their presentations, their dedication was evident in every slide and spoken word. Your mentorship helped bring these important conversations to life.
Programs like the PYP Exhibition deserve to be celebrated widely. They are a testament to what happens when students are empowered to lead their learning and speak up about issues that matter to them.
Kudos to Principal Tiffany Momon and Dr. Tiffany Proctor, signature program instructional coach, for creating the space for students to shine and for welcoming the community into your vibrant, thoughtful world.