---
title: "PYPx: Empowering Young Minds"
description: PYPx showcased 5th graders' growth and work through thought-provoking projects, emphasizing critical thinking and meaningful action for future leaders.
image: https://blog.siliconvalleyinternational.org/hubfs/_DSC2150-1.jpg
---

[![Silicon Valley International School](https://blog.siliconvalleyinternational.org/hubfs/Logos/INTL_Logo_RGB_2024.png)](https://www.siliconvalleyinternational.org/)

![](https://blog.siliconvalleyinternational.org/hubfs/search.png) [![](https://blog.siliconvalleyinternational.org/hubfs/hamb.png)](https://blog.siliconvalleyinternational.org/old-blog/pypx-empowering-young-minds#sidr-main)

- [admissionstour and variable tuition](https://www.siliconvalleyinternational.org/admissions)
- [early yearspreschool and pre k](https://www.siliconvalleyinternational.org/page/education/early-years)
- [elementary school kindergarten–5th grade](https://www.siliconvalleyinternational.org/page/education/elementary)
- [middle school 6–8th grade](https://www.siliconvalleyinternational.org/page/education/middle-school)
- [high school9–12th grade](https://www.siliconvalleyinternational.org/page/education/high-school)

**Locations**  
[Palo Alto and Menlo Park, CA](https://www.siliconvalleyinternational.org/about/contact-us)

**Email**  
[admissions@svintl.org](mailto:%20admissions@svintl.org)

**Social**

- [![facebook](https://dto-sf-media.myschoolcdn.com/ftpimages/403/link/large_link2417421_134652.png)](http://www.facebook.com/svintlschool)
- [![Instagram](https://dto-sf-media.myschoolcdn.com/ftpimages/403/link/large_link2417426_134654.png)](http://www.instagram.com/svintlschool)
- [![Twitter](https://dto-sf-media.myschoolcdn.com/ftpimages/403/link/large_link2417432_134655.png)](http://www.twitter.com/svintlschool)
- [![LinkedIn](https://dto-sf-media.myschoolcdn.com/ftpimages/403/link/large_link2417433_134656.png)](https://www.linkedin.com/company/svintlschool)
- [![YouTube](https://dto-sf-media.myschoolcdn.com/ftpimages/403/link/large_link2417434_134657.png)](https://www.youtube.com/user/istpnet)

[All](https://blog.siliconvalleyinternational.org/old-blog) Bilingual Education Early Years Program Elementary School [Middle School](https://blog.siliconvalleyinternational.org/old-blog/topic/middle-school) [High School](https://blog.siliconvalleyinternational.org/old-blog/topic/high-school) Design Thinking

![german_french_chinese_INTL](https://blog.siliconvalleyinternational.org/hubfs/Untitled%20design-1.png "german_french_chinese_INTL")

##### [merger](https://blog.istp.org/topic/merger)   [international baccalaureate](https://blog.istp.org/topic/international-baccalaureate)

# [Together: INTL and Alto Announce Merger](https://blog.istp.org/together-silicon-valley-international-school-alto-announce-full-merger)

###### AUG 17, 2020

The Board of Directors for Silicon Valley International School (INTL) of Palo Alto, CA and the Board of Trustees of Alto International School (Alto) of Menlo Park, CA are excited to announce a full merger of our two schools, to be known as [**Silicon Valley International School.**](https://www.istp.org/about/istp-changes-its-name)

[Inquiry Learning](https://blog.siliconvalleyinternational.org/old-blog/topic/inquiry-learning)

# PYPx: Empowering Young Minds

Jun 7, 2023

[Silicon Valley International School (INTL)](https://www.siliconvalleyinternational.org/) hosted its highly anticipated annual Primary Year Programme Exhibition, known as PYPx. This capstone [International Baccalaureate](https://www.siliconvalleyinternational.org/education/international-baccalaureate) event is a remarkable showcase of the school’s [5th Graders](https://www.siliconvalleyinternational.org/education/elementary)’ journeys through cumulative projects, demonstrating their growth, learning, and engagement throughout the year. With each project centered around a unique Central Idea, PYPx not only highlights the students' achievements but also their ability to think critically, inquire, and take meaningful action. 

![Chinese Program student presenting his PYPx project on mental health.](https://blog.siliconvalleyinternational.org/hs-fs/hubfs/_DSC2480-1.jpg?width=2000&height=1333&name=_DSC2480-1.jpg)

At the core of each project presented during PYPx are thought-provoking Central Ideas that guide the students' research and exploration. These Central Ideas provide a framework for the students to delve deeply into various subjects, fostering their intellectual curiosity and encouraging them to examine real-world issues as part of their [inquiry-based learning](https://www.siliconvalleyinternational.org/education/inquiry-based). This year's PYPx showcased the diversity of topics addressed, with a particular focus on relevant and significant matters. Some examples of Central Ideas presented by INTL students this year were:

- Mental Health: A Holistic Impact - Chinese program student Sage O. delved into the profound connection between mental health and its impact on physical well-being, emotions, and social interactions. By addressing this vital topic, Sage not only contributed to raising awareness but also demonstrated his empathy and understanding of the complexities surrounding mental health.
- Architecture: Empowering People with Disabilities - French program student Emma G. explored the transformative power of architecture in improving the lives of individuals with disabilities. By investigating different architectural designs and innovative solutions, Emma showcased how thoughtful and inclusive architectural practices can enhance accessibility, mobility, and overall quality of life for people with disabilities. Emma's project emphasized the importance of designing spaces that promote inclusivity and equality.
- Coding: Transforming Lifestyles - German program student Milo E.'s project focused on the influence of coding in shaping the lifestyles of individuals, companies, and organizations. By investigating the impact of coding on various aspects of society, Milo demonstrated how coding skills have become increasingly crucial in today's digital age. From personal productivity tools to the automation of industrial processes, Milo shed light on the wide-ranging implications of coding, highlighting its potential for transforming multiple domains of life.

![French Program student presenting their PYPx project on Empowering People with Disabilities.](https://blog.siliconvalleyinternational.org/hs-fs/hubfs/_DSC2298-1.jpg?width=2000&height=1333&name=_DSC2298-1.jpg)

One of the outstanding features of PYPx at INTL is the students' ability to present their projects and action plans in both English and their target language. This bilingual approach not only demonstrates their language proficiency but also allows them to explore their topics from different perspectives. As Marcus W., a Chinese program student, eloquently expressed, "\[PYPx\] taught me how to look at multiple viewpoints in both languages, allowing me to think critically in many ways." This emphasis on multilingualism and open-mindedness reinforces the students' capacity to understand diverse cultures and worldviews.

![Chinese Program student presenting their PYPx project on Global Emissions and Climate Change.](https://blog.siliconvalleyinternational.org/hs-fs/hubfs/_DSC2034-1.jpg?width=2000&height=1333&name=_DSC2034-1.jpg)

The annual PYPx Exhibition at INTL serves as a testament to the school's commitment to fostering inquiry, critical thinking, and action among its students. Through the exploration of compelling Central Ideas, students showcase their knowledge, skills, and understanding of real-world issues. By delving into an array of different topics, these young learners demonstrate their capacity to engage with complex concepts and make a positive impact on society as lifelong learners and future global leaders.

- Recent
- Popular
- Categories

### Lists by Topic

- [Middle School (79)](https://blog.siliconvalleyinternational.org/old-blog/topic/middle-school)
- [Community (66)](https://blog.siliconvalleyinternational.org/old-blog/topic/community)
- [Social Emotional Learning (37)](https://blog.siliconvalleyinternational.org/old-blog/topic/social-emotional-learning)
- [Culture (28)](https://blog.siliconvalleyinternational.org/old-blog/topic/culture)
- [High School (19)](https://blog.siliconvalleyinternational.org/old-blog/topic/high-school)
- [Inquiry Learning (12)](https://blog.siliconvalleyinternational.org/old-blog/topic/inquiry-learning)

![INTL](https://blog.siliconvalleyinternational.org/hs-fs/hubfs/crop%20INTL.jpg?width=1120&height=331&name=crop%20INTL.jpg "INTL")

### Fostering bilingual leaders with boundless futures. Learn more about our school.

#### An International Baccalaureate education from preschool to high school.

[![contact us](https://hubspot-no-cache-na2-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/cta/default/2564279/3c112494-75f6-4e4f-95f3-be54b76926b2.png)](https://hubspot-cta-redirect-na2-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/cta/redirect/2564279/3c112494-75f6-4e4f-95f3-be54b76926b2)

![svINTL-logo](https://blog.siliconvalleyinternational.org/hs-fs/hubfs/INTL_Logo_RGB_2024.png?upscale=true&width=300&name=INTL_Logo_RGB_2024.png)

Silicon Valley International School.  
151 Laura Lane Palo Alto CA 94303 United States  
[admissions@svintl.org](mailto:admissions@svintl.org)  
[https://www.siliconvalleyinternational.org](https://www.siliconvalleyinternational.org)

[![istp-email-logo](https://blog.siliconvalleyinternational.org/hs-fs/hubfs/sv_pdd_email/facebook.png?upscale=true&width=24&name=facebook.png)](https://www.facebook.com/SVINTLSchool/)  [![istp-email-logo](https://blog.siliconvalleyinternational.org/hs-fs/hubfs/sv_pdd_email/instagram.png?upscale=true&width=24&name=instagram.png)](https://www.instagram.com/SVINTLschool/)  [![istp-email-logo](https://blog.siliconvalleyinternational.org/hs-fs/hubfs/sv_pdd_email/linkedin-in.png?upscale=true&width=24&name=linkedin-in.png)](https://www.linkedin.com/groups/?about=&gid=3678595)  [![istp-email-logo](https://blog.siliconvalleyinternational.org/hs-fs/hubfs/sv_pdd_email/youtube.png?upscale=true&width=24&name=youtube.png)](https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCoCumv__A7wzB86YH0q8u7A)

 © 2026 All rights reserved.