Jeonju University Affiliated Elementary School, led by Principal Choi Sang-jin, and Gunsan Hohyun Elementary School, headed by Principal Sim Ji-young, have received certification as IB World Schools for the International Baccalaureate (IB) Primary Years Programme (PYP).
According to the Jeonbuk Special Self-Governing Provincial Office of Education, the IB PYP is an educational program for children aged 3 to 12 that encourages students to ask questions, explore, and engage in deep learning through classes and assessments. The program is centered around six transdisciplinary themes that promote inquiry, observation, and experiential learning.
Jeonju University Affiliated Elementary School has focused on designing and reflecting on its curriculum through a professional learning community, researching and implementing inquiry-based teaching and growth-centered assessments.
As a designated research school by the Ministry of Education, it has conducted studies aimed at enhancing students' deep learning and teachers' instructional expertise, incorporating the findings into its curriculum and teaching practices. Additionally, as a consulting center for Jeonbuk, the school has facilitated open classes and shared best practices, serving as a hub for improving teaching and assessment across the province.
In collaboration with Jeonju University, which offers the IB Educator Certificate (IBEC) program, Jeonju University Affiliated Elementary School plans to connect practical applications in the field with university research, continuously accumulating examples of IB-based teaching and assessment improvements.
Gunsan Hohyun Elementary School has developed a school culture through its innovative and future-oriented programs, working collaboratively with its community to design and reflect on the curriculum while striving to establish inquiry-based teaching and growth-centered assessments.
Notably, through a subject called 'Buburi Village,' students engage directly with their community, communicating with local residents to explore village issues and values, and connecting their inquiries to practical actions.
Furthermore, the school has expanded its learning environment beyond the classroom by fostering a community-based educational framework that includes staff, parents, and local residents, supporting students in becoming active members of their community.
Cheon Ho-seong, the Superintendent of the Jeonbuk Special Self-Governing Provincial Office of Education, emphasized the importance of collaboration with local governments to address the education crisis in Jeonbuk.
During a weekly policy meeting on August 3, Cheon stated, "Education cannot solely take place within schools; active participation and support from local governments and parents are essential to overcome the crisis." He urged local education leaders to proactively identify agendas that can be linked with local governments and seek their cooperation.
Cheon also announced plans to participate in the Jeonbuk Mayors and County Heads Council on August 13, where he intends to officially propose the establishment of a 'Special Committee for Responding to Regional Decline' as part of a strong educational collaboration.
He stressed that the issue of regional decline cannot be addressed by any single local government alone, stating, "We must unite to tackle the challenges facing our children, invigorate the local economy and industry, and ensure that education leads to regional change and development."
Cheon also called for attention to securing special grants from the Ministry of Education, which are allocated for specific purposes such as national education policy projects, local educational issues, and disaster response.
He remarked, "To get things done, we need people, funding, and systems. The availability of special grants can vary based on our efforts, so I urge budget departments to communicate with each support office to apply for more projects that require these funds."
Additionally, Cheon highlighted the need for students to be interested not only in entrepreneurship but also in creating new professions, stating, "We plan to implement a new challenge and entrepreneurship project in the second semester, so please pay attention to budget allocations for this initiative."
* This article has been translated by AI.
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