From Learning to Action: Apeejay’s IB school hosted an exhibition

The International Baccalaureate (IB) curriculum is a rigorous and comprehensive educational programme which aims to develop global-minded, critical thinkers, and effective communicators. An important component of the said curriculum is the organisation and participation in exhibitions, through which students have opportunities to apply their knowledge and skills in real-world contexts.

Recently, Apeejay School International, South Delhi, an IB continuum school, hosted an exhibition for its Primary-Years-Programme (PYP) learners. The exhibition showcased the intense research work of grade 5, who presented the topics they felt passionately about. Some of the themes picked by them were: endangered animals, food wastage, health and well-being, impact of internet and water pollution.

Further, the event was a collaborative and inquiry-based project which integrated all six transdisciplinary themes of the programme. It also provided students with authentic and meaningful learning experiences. Before the commencement of the main show, each student expressed why and how s/he chose the topic for their research. Besides, they also enlightened the audience on how every theme is interlinked with their daily existence.

Young minds worked tirelessly for months under the guidance of their mentors to conduct in-depth research using primary and secondary resources, including interviewing experts and going on field trips to learn more about their topics. Finally, their research was displayed in various formats such as posters, videos, and interactive presentations on the big day of the exhibition.

According to Ms Parbati, a PYP Facilitator in the school, “The showcase was all about the skills which students have imbibed from PYP 1 to 5. It was a culmination of all subjects learnt in the school. They had a choice to collaborate with each other or do it individually as well. Finally, the ownership of learning was on the students.” She mentored two students for their projects and taught them how an inquiry cycle works. Further, these young learners sought to gather a holistic view.

Student Vamika Tripathi worked on the topic health and well-being. As part of it, she explored five different aspects: mental, physical, emotional, spiritual and social health. “Many of the experts made me understand how each helps us attain a healthy living. This project added to my knowledge. It was quite fun,” she says.

During the presentations, the audience commended the students on their outstanding research work and expressed their delight at the quality of their presentations. Many of their reflections highlighted the importance of providing opportunities for students to engage in research-based learning and develop their critical thinking skills.

Another student Sarthak Raj Kapoor picked the theme ‘endangered species’ since he is passionate about animal welfare. He says, “Some of the animals I learnt about were Javan rhinoceros, Vaquita and the Royal Bengal Tiger. I also visited Gir National Park in Gujarat to know more about other endangered animals. During my trip, I closely observed sparrows, the Asiatic Lion and also interviewed an expert. Further, I urge everyone to save animals and not display cruelty towards them.”

The exhibition was a testament to the school’s commitment to providing a holistic education that focuses on critical thinking, creativity, and global awareness. It developed essential skills, celebrated achievements and aligned with the mission to nurture responsible citizens.

Highlighting the same, PYP educators Ms Poonam Nijhawan and Ms Monika Vasudev also shared their views. According to the former, “All the students were delighted and passionate to pick what they wanted. Sarthak told me how as a child he used to see birds. So, he wanted to explore further. He also did a great job at his project and made many join his environment-friendly campaign too. In addition to this, all the parents were mighty pleased to see how their children stood tall on the final day. In the process, students also learnt about ownership and agency of their work.”

The latter says, “My mentee, Mariam, wanted to discover why people throw garbage in water and pollute water bodies. She visited the Yamuna River Bank and noted down her observations. Eventually, she concluded that water conservation is the need of the hour.”

Overall, the event turned out to be a resounding success as parents, teachers and visitors appreciated the hard work and dedication of students.