By Cade Sommerville
Personal Project Coordinator
Recently, Northbridge International School Cambodia Grade 10 students presented the outcome of their learning journeys at the Middle Years Programme (MYP) Personal Project showcase event. The event is a significant marker in the education of all MYP students as they draw on the knowledge and skills gained throughout the five-year program with an eye on the next step in their journey - the Diploma Programme (DP).
For all attending the exhibition, viewing student projects offers a glimpse into the MYP's philosophy in action, showcasing how students can take ownership of their learning and translate it into something creative and meaningful.
The Personal Project, which is first introduced in Grade 9, takes a little over 9 months to complete. At the start, students choose a topic they are passionate about and are assigned a supervisor to guide and support them but, from then on, all of the decision making is student driven and the work is completed outside of normal school hours. Students begin by identifying a learning goal based on personal interest and then create a product or outcome that demonstrates the achievement of that goal.
At the core of the Personal Project are the Approaches to Learning (ATL) skills developed throughout their MYP courses. For students to be successful in the project, they need to draw on research, critical thinking, communication, and collaboration skills as well as manage their time, resources, and the gathering of evidence.
At the end of the project, students submit an academic report which requires deep reflection on the use of ATL skills throughout their learning journey and present their product to the public in an exhibition. The Personal Project also encourages students to make connections between subjects, potentially incorporating knowledge from science, the arts, design, and languages into their project.
This year, the Exhibition displayed an amazing breadth and quality of student work. There were video games with intricate coding, a VR sky map that transported you to another world, visually stunning portraits and paintings that addressed mental health, showcasing a depth of artistic talent. There were beautiful fashion and jewelry creations.
Literature enthusiasts explored student-authored works on diverse topics, from political discourse to captivating short stories and a number of students presented insightful business reports. Culinary delights tempted the senses, while students proudly showcased the results of dedicated strength and conditioning programs. Basically, the exhibition was like a giant showcase of everything students are passionate about – super cool!
Overall, the MYP Personal Project Exhibition served as a testament to the diverse passions and talents of Northbridge students. As Personal Project Coordinator, I was proud to be part of an exhibition showcasing such a range of student interests and global contexts explored, reflecting the well-rounded, internationally-minded graduates the MYP program strives to create.
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