Programme of Inquiry
The Programme of Inquiry (POI) is an inquiry-based framework that outlines units for each grade level. In inquiry-based learning, students ask questions, make connections to prior knowledge, learn new ideas, and think critically about how best to solve problems.
The teachers at Bancroft have developed the POI through ongoing and extensive collaboration. We revisit it regularly to ensure it is relevant, engaging, challenging, and significant. The POI is built around six globally significant, transdisciplinary themes. Students in first through fifth-grade study all six themes and students in High 5 and kindergarten study four themes each year.
Bancroft's Programme of Inquiry (POI) - English SY 23-24
Bancroft's Programme of Inquiry (POI)-Spanish SY 23-24
The Transdisciplinary Themes
Who We Are
An inquiry into the nature of the self; beliefs and values; personal, physical, mental, social and spiritual health; human relationships including families, friends, communities, and cultures; rights and responsibilities; what it means to be human.
Where We Are in Place and Time
An inquiry into orientation in place and time; personal histories; homes and journeys; the discoveries, explorations and migrations of humankind; relationships and interconnectedness of individuals and civilizations, from local and global perspectives.
How We Express Ourselves
An inquiry into the ways we discover and express ideas, feelings, nature, culture, beliefs and values; the ways we reflect on, extend and enjoy our creativity; our appreciation of the aesthetic.
How the World Works
An inquiry into the natural world and its laws; the interactions between the natural world (physical and biological) and human societies; how humans use their understanding of scientific principles; the impact of scientific and technological advances on society and the environment.
How We Organize Ourselves
An inquiry into the interconnectedness of human-made systems and communities; the structure and function of organizations; societal decision-making; economic activities and their impact on humankind and the environment.?
Sharing the Planet
An inquiry into rights and responsibilities in the struggle to share finite resources with other people and other living things; communities and the relationships within and between them; access to equal opportunities; peace and conflict resolution.
The aim of all IB programs is to develop internationally-minded people who, recognizing their common humanity and shared guardianship of the planet, help to create a better and more peaceful world.