PYPTrailblazers: ‘I became more open-minded this year’

Completing PYP-5 is a big achievement for any IB student. It’s the final year of the Primary Years Programme, where students bring together all the skills and knowledge they’ve built over the years. Now that they’ve stepped into MYP-1, they can look back at how much we’ve grown as learners. Meet one such student, Arshee Sachdeva, of Apeejay’s IB School, Apeejay School International, Panchsheel Park.

In a candid interview, she shares her journey.

Which learner profile attribute do you think you developed the most?

I think I became more open-minded this year. I started listening to different opinions and trying to understand them better. Whether it was during group work or when learning something new, I tried to be respectful and accept ideas that were different from mine.

Can you share an example of how you showed being a risk-taker or a thinker this year?

I was a risk-taker when I took part in activities I hadn’t done before. Even though I felt nervous, I said yes to group presentations and new competitions. I knew I might make mistakes, but I still gave it a try and learnt from the experience.

How has your school helped you become a better researcher, communicator, or thinker?

My school gave me a lot of chances to express myself. I learned how to look up information from good sources and use it in my work. Also, I got to speak in front of others, which helped me become more confident and a better communicator.

What ATL (Approaches to Learning) skill do you feel most confident in now?

I feel most confident in my research skills. I’ve learnt how to ask good questions, find useful answers, and understand the information. My work became much better once I started using these skills properly.

Which unit of inquiry was the most exciting for you this year?

Geography was my favourite. I loved learning about different places and how the Earth has changed over time. It made me think about how people and nature are connected.

How did the unit change your thinking?

It helped me see how technology helps us understand the Earth. I started thinking about how we can take care of our planet better by knowing more about it.

Which transdisciplinary theme do you connect with most, and why?

“How we express ourselves” is my favourite because I love showing my thoughts through drawings, writing, and even the way I do my projects.

What is your most memorable learning moment?

The times I tried something new during competitions stood out. I didn’t win every time, but I felt proud because I dared to try.

What advice would you give to a future PYP-5 student?

Be yourself and don’t be scared to speak up or try new things. This is full of fun and learning — enjoy every bit of it!