PYP exhibition 2026 inspires future changemakers

Last week, Apeejay’s IB School, Apeejay School International, Panchsheel Park, hosted its much-awaited Primary Years Programme (PYP) Exhibition 2026. It offered a vibrant and intellectually enriching platform for its PYP-5 learners to showcase their culminating inquiry journeys. Centred on the transdisciplinary theme How We Express Ourselves, the exhibition stood as a testament to the International Baccalaureate philosophy of student agency, conceptual understanding, and meaningful action.    

The exhibition was formally inaugurated by Mr Stephen Tumpane, Principal cum Director-Research & Capability Development, along with Ms Neha Sharma, Vice-principal, in the presence of distinguished guests, faculty members, parents, and students. The ceremonial ribbon-cutting marked the commencement of a day dedicated to celebrating inquiry, innovation, and student voice.    

The programme began with a thoughtful welcome address by the PYP Coordinator, Ms Sameeksha Bhatt, who eloquently articulated the essence of the PYP Exhibition. She highlighted how the exhibition brings together inquiry, research, collaboration, reflection, and action driven by student voice and agency. Elaborating on this year’s theme, she explained how learners explored the ways in which ideas, beliefs, and values are expressed through choices and actions.

Guided by the central idea human choices, actions, and innovations reflect our values and shape the world we live in, students investigated a range of real-world issues, including sustainability, well-being, technology, and human impact. She emphasised that the exhibition reflects not just learning, but students’ thinking, reflection, and emerging sense of purpose.    

Student hosts Shanaya Sharma and Tara Sanyal Goswami confidently took over the proceedings, guiding the audience through the programme with poise and clarity. The cultural segment added depth and vibrancy to the event, beginning with a melodious choir performance that set a reflective tone, followed by an elegant dance presentation that captured the spirit of expression through movement.    

Mr Tumpane took the centre stage and extended his greetings to all attendees. He said, “It is a privilege for me to be here today. Having joined the school less than 24 hours back, I can confidently say there could not have been a better day to experience the spirit of this community. My wife, will also be working alongside me, as a STEM and Arts specialist and we are immensely excited about being part of such a vibrant learning environment. It is one of the most special days in a school, where we witness not just one, but multiple remarkable displays of student learning.

“I am incredibly proud of our learners, who have taken ownership of their research and become true experts in their chosen areas. I encourage everyone to listen to them closely and engage with them through thoughtful questions, as this platform allows them to express their ideas with confidence and depth.  This exhibition represents the culmination of years of inquiry, beginning from Grade 1, and stands as a testament to their growth and perseverance. It is a proud moment for me to be here among you all. While I may not yet know every learner, I look forward to engaging with each of them, understanding their journeys, and celebrating what drives them forward.”

The formal declaration of the exhibition was made by Ms Monika Vasudev, Assistant PYP Coordinator, who commended the students for their dedication and perseverance over the past several months. The exhibition was not merely a display of work but a celebration of curiosity, creativity, collaboration, and action. Acknowledging the collective effort behind the event, she expressed gratitude to the school leadership, mentors, teachers, and parents for their unwavering support.

She also appreciated the students’ initiative in conducting surveys, interviews, and research to deepen their understanding. With pride in the learners’ commitment and confidence, she officially declared the exhibition open, inviting guests to explore the thoughtfully curated displays across the first-floor learning spaces.    

The exhibition floor was transformed into a dynamic hub of ideas, innovation, and inquiry. Each classroom showcased diverse student-led projects addressing globally relevant and socially significant issues. Topics ranged from water scarcity, plastic pollution, and sustainable food choices to cyber awareness, healthy screen habits, aviation technology, and conflict resolution. The displays reflected not only rigorous research but also creativity, critical thinking, and a strong sense of responsibility. 

Anika Gupta, captivated the audience with her insightful presentation on Space Junk. She explained that it includes defunct satellites, rocket fragments, and debris that no longer serve any purpose in orbit. She highlighted the significant risks it poses, including collisions that can damage active satellites, endanger astronauts, and disrupt critical systems on Earth. She elaborated on how such debris can interfere with GPS, weather forecasting, and disaster prediction, underscoring its far-reaching impact. Emphasising that this is a shared responsibility of space agencies, governments, and individuals, she also introduced an innovative solution, ‘space junk catcher’, that uses a net to collect debris and return it to Earth. She concluded by encouraging the younger generation to explore careers in astrophysics and contribute to future innovations. 

Equally impactful was a project on building healthy screen habits, where Pihu Narula presented her exhibition on Building Healthy Screen Habits, exploring the growing dependence on digital devices in modern life. She examined how excessive screen time impacts physical health, mental well-being, focus, and relationships, guided by her central idea that mindful screen use promotes a balanced lifestyle. Her inquiry focused on the effects of screen time and strategies to encourage responsible usage. Aligning with SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being, she conducted surveys, interviews with the school counsellor, and interactive sessions with younger students. She showcased a ‘balance wheel’ model contrasting healthy and excessive screen use, along with a self-designed game to raise awareness. Her work reflected strong research, communication, and self-management skills, advocating for conscious digital habits.

Ayddin Wami, warmly introduced her audience to the evolving world of AI in Aviation. He explained how Artificial Intelligence (AI) is transforming the aviation industry by enhancing safety, optimising flight routes, and streamlining processes like security check-ins. He highlighted that AI plays a crucial role across multiple domains, including customer service, airport operations, aircraft maintenance, and even within the cockpit, where it functions as a digital co-pilot. His presentation effectively demonstrated how AI is shaping a more efficient and secure future for aviation.

Shanaya Sharma’s presentation on nutrition and healthy eating habits reflected personal passion and inquiry, highlighting the impact of ultra-processed foods and the importance of informed dietary choices.   

Across all exhibits, students demonstrated a deep engagement with the IB Learner Profile attributes and Approaches to Learning (ATL) skills. Their work showcased not only knowledge acquisition but also the development of communication, research, and self-management skills. The integration of concepts such as responsibility, causation, and connection further reinforced their conceptual understanding. 

Daiwik Khandelwal, a PYP 5 student’s mother, expressed heartfelt gratitude for the opportunity to witness the exhibition. She acknowledged the collective effort of students, teachers, and parents, describing it as a long and enriching journey for all involved. She appreciated how confidently and clearly the students presented their work, showcasing both knowledge and creativity. Commending the thoughtful displays and the effort behind them, she shared her pride in being part of such a meaningful experience and extended her sincere thanks to the entire school community. 

Ayddin, a PYP 5 student’s mother, Ms Nadia, shared an emotional reflection, expressing how overwhelmed she felt witnessing her child’s journey from the early years to this significant milestone. She sincerely appreciated the mentor’s guidance in nurturing confidence and independence, acknowledging the space given to her child to grow and excel. Proud of her child’s performance, she extended her gratitude to the school leadership, and the entire team for making the exhibition a memorable experience, while looking forward to the years ahead with optimism. 

In conclusion, the exhibition was a resounding success, celebrating the journey of PYP-5 students as reflective thinkers, effective communicators, and responsible individuals. It marked a significant milestone in their academic journey, leaving a lasting impression on all who attended and reaffirming Apeejay’s IB School commitment to holistic and future-ready education.