Exploring Big Ideas: Our Grade 6 PYP Exhibition Journey

The Primary Years Programme (PYP) Exhibition is a hallmark of student agency, curiosity, and real-world learning at Grammar. It is a time when our Grade 6 students immerse themselves in topics of their choice that spark their passion, ask deep questions, and explore ways to make an impact. These projects are more than research, they are a springboard for critical thinking, empathy, and real-world change.

This year, we spoke with four students about their PYP journey - from the inspiration behind their inquiries, to the challenges they overcame, and the insights that have shaped their thinking.
 

Exploring the Wine Industry – Charlotte Holyman

My PYPX was about the wine industry and its impact on communities, the environment, and health. Growing up in a family that owns a winery, I have first-hand experience, but I wanted to understand the bigger picture.

I spoke with an agricultural expert to learn more about sustainable practices and environmental effects. The most challenging part was figuring out where to start and how to structure my research. My mentor helped me organise my steps, which made everything much more manageable.

This project has changed the way I view the wine industry. I’ve learned there are both positive and negative impacts, and there are ways we can give back, like using organic waste for compost. In the future, I hope to continue exploring sustainable practices and maybe even run my own winery one day.

 

The Future of Artificial Organs – Jensen Wyllie

I chose to explore artificial organs because I’m really interested in science and mathematics. My dad lives with an artificial organ and wrote his thesis in biomedical engineering, so I have always been curious. It’s fascinating to see how these organs work, so I wanted to understand their development and accessibility.

I focused on questions like how innovation impacts organ performance, how production methods influence sustainability, and how collaboration across fields makes these advancements possible. I even spoke with a renal dialysis nurse to understand how artificial kidneys keep people alive before organ donors are available.

My biggest challenge was reaching out to experts. Their time is limited, and I had to be persistent while balancing my other school commitments. Having these conversations, however, gave me real insight and made my research feel meaningful.

This project has taught me that science isn’t just about discovery - it’s about helping people and solving real-world problems.

 

Art, Colour, and Neurodiversity – Lily Fletcher

I wanted to explore how art and colour affect mental health and celebrate diversity, particularly for neurodiverse people. Art is a way to express emotions and communicate experiences that words sometimes cannot.

I’ve spoken with an art curator to understand the broader role of art in communities and therapy. It’s been amazing to see how creativity isn’t just painting or drawing—it’s a way for people to connect, reflect, and express themselves.

One challenge was keeping my research focused, especially when there were so many interesting directions I could take. Learning to narrow my lines of inquiry taught me patience and planning. This project has made me realise that creativity is everywhere, and art can empower people in ways I hadn’t considered before.

 

Understanding the Impacts of War – Axel Volpes

My unit of inquiry is how war impacts people, particularly veterans and the communities around them. I was drawn to this because it’s so relevant today, and I wanted to understand the mental, social, and political effects of conflict.

I interviewed a war veteran who previously served in the Army. She shared how modern technology, like drones, can help people stay out of harm’s way and support local communities. Speaking with her really opened my eyes to how every action in conflict affects real people and their lives.

The biggest challenge was finding an expert who was available to speak with me. I reached out to several people and, with the help of my teacher, was able to connect with someone who could share their expertise. This taught me persistence and the importance of networking, and it’s changed the way I think about the world.