As students graduate from the IB Primary Years Programme, they carry forward invaluable lessons in inquiry, reflection, and global citizenship, ready to embrace the challenges of the Middle Years Programme. Meet one such student, Vedant Sehrawat of Apeejay’s IB School, Apeejay School International, Panchsheel Park.
In a candid interview, he talks about his journey.
Can you share an example of when you were a risk taker or thinker this year?
One instance was during a Unit of Inquiry project where I used a website that wasn’t very reliable. I took a 60% chance the information might be wrong, but it turned out fine. A bigger risk was travelling to Europe during our PYP Exhibition. I left a lot to my group and had to coordinate across time zones, either early morning or late night. I also took a day off after returning, which was risky as it was right before final prep. Luckily, everything went smoothly. Even in football, I played rough once, which led to a painful injury—another lesson in risk-taking!
What was your PYP Exhibition topic, and why did you choose it?
My topic was Smart and Futuristic Cities. I chose it because I care about sustainability. Many cities, including Delhi, have serious pollution issues. My nani (maternal grandmother) passed away due to pollution-related health problems. That motivated me; I don’t want others to suffer the same way.
What did the exhibition process teach you about yourself?
I discovered that I prefer using tools like ChatGPT to organise my thoughts instead of just reading books. It also helped me realise that I tend to overreact to small things, like honking. During my trip to Europe, I learnt to stay calm and not let little things get to me.
Is there an IB learner attribute you’d like to improve?
Yes, being caring. I also want to improve as a communicator, especially when I’m angry. For example, after losing in badminton, I sometimes throw my racket or respond rudely. I’m working on staying calm and speaking politely, even in tough moments.
How did the school help you grow this year?
It taught me that research isn’t just about Googling; it’s about verifying sources, gathering opinions, and thinking critically. The teachers helped us reflect, ask questions, and work in teams. I also learnt from my parents. My mother helped in French, UI, and English, and my father supported me in Hindi and Math. They gave me encyclopaedias and encouraged me to seek others’ opinions too.
Which Unit of Inquiry was your favourite?
The unit on government. I didn’t know much before, but I got curious because my father is a Government Servant. I used to think the government was just about the Prime Minister. But I learnt about the three branches — Judiciary, Executive, and Legislative — and how they all work together. It changed how I view governance.
What advice would you give the next batch of PYP-5 students?
Don’t just rely on ChatGPT or Google; use encyclopaedias as well to verify facts. Don’t skip the PYP Exhibition; it’s a key experience. Don’t stress over exams. Focus in class, play outside, and take breaks. Most importantly, listen more, talk less in class, and always be open to learning.