Understanding the Inquiry Cycle

Education is no longer about passively absorbing information; it's about actively engaging with the world around us. At Chatsworth International School, we believe that inquiry-based learning can empower students to explore, question, and construct their own understanding, fostering a lifelong love of learning and developing essential critical thinking skills.

As one of the best international schools in Singapore, we actively implement the inquiry cycle in our IB curriculum, championing our students in their journey to become active learners and problem-solvers. This approach not only fosters a deeper understanding of subjects but also cultivates essential skills needed to navigate the world beyond the classrooms. Let's delve into the inquiry cycle and explore how it transforms learning at Chatsworth.

Form and Function: What Is the IB Inquiry Cycle?

Many international schools use the IB inquiry cycle as a structured framework to guide students through the exciting process of inquiry-based learning. In the Primary Years Programme (PYP), this means fostering a learning environment where students are encouraged to explore, question, and discover, ultimately developing the attributes of an IB Learner Profile.

At its core, the inquiry cycle encourages students to take ownership of their learning, fostering curiosity, collaboration, and a lifelong love of learning – skills that will serve them well throughout their lives. While the specific topic under investigation and the approach may vary depending on the teacher and the subject matter, the inquiry cycle generally follows the same five stages.

What Are the 5 Stages of Inquiry?

1. Tuning In

In this initial stage, students are introduced to a topic or issue and encouraged to explore their existing knowledge and understanding. They ask questions, share their thoughts and ideas, and generate curiosity about the topic. This stage helps students connect their prior learning to the new inquiry, setting the stage for deeper exploration.

2. Finding Out

This stage involves active investigation and research. Students gather information from various sources, such as books, articles, experiments, and interviews. They analyse and evaluate the information they find, developing critical thinking skills and forming their own perspectives on the topic.

3. Sorting Out

In this stage, students organise and synthesise the information they have gathered. They identify key concepts, make connections between ideas, and develop a deeper understanding of the topic. They may create diagrams, presentations, or other visual representations to communicate their learning and engage in collaborative group discussions to aid in sorting and clarifying information.

4. Making Conclusions

This stage encourages students to extend their learning beyond the initial inquiry. They may explore related topics, conduct further research, or engage in creative activities to express their understanding. This stage fosters a deeper appreciation for the interconnectedness of knowledge and encourages students to become lifelong learners.

5. Taking Action

In the final stage, students reflect on their learning journey and consider how their understanding has evolved. They evaluate their own learning process, identify areas for improvement, and set goals for future inquiries. They may also take action based on their learning, applying their knowledge to real-world situations and making a positive impact on their communities.

The Inquiry Cycle: A Pathway to Lifelong Learning

The inquiry cycle is a powerful tool for fostering curiosity, critical thinking, and a love of learning. By actively engaging in the inquiry process, students develop a deeper understanding of the world around them and become empowered to make a positive difference.

At Chatsworth International School, we embrace the inquiry cycle as a cornerstone of our IB primary school’s curriculum, nurturing students to become active learners, problem-solvers, and engaged global citizens. We believe that by fostering a spirit of curiosity and inquiry from a young age, we empower our students to become lifelong learners who take meaningful action and are passionate about making a difference.