IBChangemakers: ‘I developed strong communication skills’

Personal projects and e-PHE portfolios in the IB curriculum help students think independently and work with real ideas. They build research, reflection, and communication skills while encouraging personal voice. More importantly, they push students to connect learning with the world beyond the classroom in a meaningful way.

Meet one such student, Ada Bharati of MYP-5 at Apeejay’s IB School, Apeejay School International, Panchsheel Park, who talks about the challenges and skills learnt through the projects.

Why did you choose earthen pottery?

I chose this topic for my Personal Project (PP) because my mother is into art and has held exhibitions. That influenced me to explore different art forms, and I discovered pottery. I focused on earthen pottery because it is a traditional practice that is being overlooked in a globalised world.

What was your main objective?

I wanted to explore earthen pottery as a sustainable and health-conscious alternative to Teflon-coated cookware. I researched the dangers of improper use and compared them to the benefits of earthen pots. I created a detailed research booklet. It includes the history of pottery, different forms from across the world, how to use and maintain earthen pots, and insights from surveys and experts.

What research did you conduct?

I conducted two surveys. The first helped me understand people’s perceptions of earthen pottery and whether they see it as a good alternative. I found that while most people are aware of it, they avoid using it because they think it requires too much care.

There was a major challenge. Initially, I planned to create a compost bin to address sustainability issues in agriculture and waste. However, I realised that my design relied on ethanol and electricity, which made it unsafe and not truly sustainable. Since I was already midway through the process, changing my product was challenging.

What did you learn through this project?

I discovered that earthen pots are biodegradable and have alkaline properties, which is why they are traditionally used to store water. I also developed strong research and communication skills.

Did you encounter any myths about earthen pottery?

Many people believe that earthen pots are difficult to maintain, heavy, and not practical. But traditionally, they were widely used because they help keep food warm, cool, and fresh naturally.

What was the theme of your e-Portfolio?

The theme was embracing uniqueness under the global context of identities and relationships. I chose to explore the concept of belongingness. I explored ideas like identity, rituals, routines, expression, shared humanity, and personal experiences. These concepts helped shape my artworks.

Describe your artwork.

My first artwork is an installation inspired by Jean Rene (JR) and Jean Michel Basquiat. It shows normal faces on one side and distorted figures on the other, reflecting identity and expression. My second artwork is inspired by Angelica Dass and JR’s Face 2 Face. It represents shared humanity and challenges social divisions by presenting people side by side despite differences.

How long did it take you to complete your work?

My e-portfolio took about a month, mainly due to research. The first artwork took two to three weeks because of the detailed portraits. The second artwork took about two days. For my PP, the product took around two months, the research took two to three months, and the entire process, including the report, took about four months.