Keira B., grade 9
Through what lens does the future generation see the world? With what passions do they walk through their lives? What would happen if they could raise their voices to be heard?
The PYP exhibition has begun in the Junior School and the fourth-grade students are busy at work pursuing their passions. It is the students’ last big project in the Junior School before they move on to the journey of Middle School. The topic this year was Sharing the Planet
One student, Dante H. likes the exhibition because “You can choose your own topic and learn about it and then take action to make it better.” Dante H. has chosen to write a letter to the government about alternative energy for cars, specifically hydrogen refueling stations. He connected this topic to sharing the planet through the environmental benefits of hydrogen powered cars. Electric cars peaked Dante’s interest, however, he said that when he did research and discovered hydrogen fueled cars, he knew he wanted to explore this further.
Another student felt more stressed about the project than Dante did, “I’m so stressed” said Gabriel U. “A big part is reaching out to the community; I rely heavily on a translator.”
Gabriel explains that he has only just moved to Germany and finds the language barrier quite difficult to manage, since his project is renovating a bus stop and he will require communication with the community.
Niamh C. feels a mixture of both. Niamh was behind on her research and encountered problems with her survey. Her library account got frozen, since she had already checked out so many research books about racism, which her exhibition is about.
Now, Niamh feels a lot better, and even gives a specific mention of her teacher Ms. Ingrid, “I feel completely good, many people are responding to my survey and Ms. Ingrid let me use her account to get books.” Niamh said
Niamh’s final project will be an “Artwork with different colours and textures to show that we can all fit together in one piece, that piece being the world.” Niamh said.
Bertie C. and Ferdinand S. agreed that “At first it was fun but then it got a little boring.” Said Bertie C.
Bertie would like to educate and raise awareness about dyslexia “I want dyslexic people to feel more welcome at MIS.” Said Bertie C.
Ferdinand has chosen to do his exhibition on fair play because “Many people on the playground don’t use fair play.” Said Ferdinand S.
Both students have most of the research and material they need already, hence why they find the exhibition has gotten boring.
Victoria H. who goes by the nickname Tara is teaching younger students in the Junior School how to eat healthier. She has crafted fun games to make it interactive. “I’m feeling like (exhibition) is really fun, but I actually wanted to be with a partner.” Tara said.
It is clear that the students’ exhibition will be a successful event, and the perfect goodbye to the Junior School. Those that are staying at MIS will all be joining the Middle School next year, and each brings with them different passions and interests, as you can see through even just six of the students.
They all have different concerns and reasons for excitement about moving up to the Middle School, however, Gabriel U. sums up the feelings that each of the students expressed about the Middle School.
“…I think it’s scary but cool.” Gabriel U. said.