OUT and ABOUT

HISTORY

“Classrooms without walls” – The power of experiential learning.

At the heart of all learning is the way we process our experiences, especially our critical reflections on our experiences. Experiential learning engages students in critical thinking, problem solving and decision making in contexts that are personally relevant to them.

An IBDP History initiative, “Classrooms without walls” undertook an experiential trip to Bhopal to develop historical skills of examining, analyzing sources. From the Paleolithic cave paintings in Bhimbetka to the Museum of Mankind- The Indra Gandhi Museum of Anthropology, the history students examined historical sources: both primary and secondary. They also visited the Sanchi Stupa and understood the art of conservation. The concept of propaganda came alive in the Shaurya Smarak or the War Museum.

Team history also undertook another field trip, this time to watch the movie Uri. They analysed the credibility of the movie with regards to its historical accuracy and how does it inform a historian about a particular historical event.

GERMAN WEEK

The German students of standard 11 celebrated German week in March, while the Spanish students were away on the Spanish Exchange Programme.

As part of the immersion week, the Germans took each other on a German guided walking tour of the Fort area in Mumbai. We started with the Asiatic Library, walked through Horniman Circle, St. Thomas Cathedral, to the newly renovated Jewish Synagogue and ended up at the Goethe Institute Library at Kala Ghoda.

Each student had prepared a description of the different stops with historical facts and anecdotes. This was part of their IB curriculum “Experiences”, which explores and tells the stories of the events, experiences and journeys that shape our lives and how travel broadens our horizons.

The second part of the week was spent exploring the topic health and sport, where students spent one morning at the Willingdon Club, identifying different ways of identifying what ideas and images we associate with a healthy lifestyle, using the club’s sports facilities as a base for learning.

BUSINESS MANAGEMENT

KAL AAJ AUR KAL: AN SELF CURATED EXPLORATION OF HERITAGE MONUMENTS IN MUMBAI

The Business Management students of grade 11 went for an interdisciplinary field visit in Mumbai as a part of a project called “Kal Aaj aur Kal”.

This was a self-curated heritage walk where the students chose monuments of interest and examined their impact in the past, their current status and changing scenario in the future. A diverse range of buildings ranging from the University of Mumbai, High court, State Bank of India, BSE, St. Thomas Cathedral and the Bombay House were among those chosen. Interesting anecdotes were narrated by the business students as they became tour guides for the day and a lively discussion ensued on the impact and relevance of these on trade in Mumbai. Historical and architectural dimensions were also explored and the changing landscape of the city as it grew was analysed. The links to the key business concepts of Change, Culture, Innovation, Globalization and Strategy came alive through this fascinating journey.

PSYCHOLOGY

Year 11 Psychology students studied about the importance of scanning techniques in Psychological research. The focus was on the basic mechanisms of these machines when used in a study within Psychology and what the implications of such usage would be. To further their knowledge and understanding, a trip to the Sir H.N.Reliance Hospital was organised which allowed them to study the functioning and usefulness of brain scanning techniques. Dr. Meher Ursekar, Head of Department of Radiology and Division of Neuroradiology at the hospital not only hosted our trip but also gave the students an in-depth understanding of how these techniques have furthered our knowledge and understanding of the human brain and thus behaviour. One student was allowed to go through the scanning process (fMRI) whilst other students were allowed to watch as the live image was projected onto the screen! Students were also shown how readings of brain activity were analysed and studied by the department. It was a fantastic opportunity for students to understand the context of these techniques within the field of Psychology.

ENGLISH -

'Everybody's Talking about Jamie'

Celebrating individuality in a heart-warming, foot-stomping musical that enthralled students, teachers and parents alike, 'Everybody’s Talking about Jamie' was the IBDP’s first theatre trip of the year! The play was specially screened at the Godrej Dance Theatre (NCPA) on 19th September for the BIS community. Here’s what some students had to say after the performance:

“The cast had amazing singers and dancers. Jamie (John Mccrea) in particular was exceptional; he was an excellent singer, dancer and actor and left the audience stunned with his performance. The play was touching and funny and kept the audience engaged all through” - Diya Chitrabhanu

“Even though I saw a screening of the play, I felt a deep connection to all the characters and their individual stories” - Aarushi Shah