Our Young Forensic Experts in Action

From clues to conclusions — our students are cracking the case! This month’s enrichment session brought science to life as students explored fingerprints, DNA, and real forensic techniques. Through inquiry-based learning, students applied their critical-thinking skills to solve a series of hands-on challenges. They collaborated in small groups, demonstrating strong communication and approaches to learning (ATL) skills as they analyzed evidence. Our young investigators embraced the role of reflective, principled learners, considering how real-world scientists use ethics and precision in their work. By engaging in authentic problem-solving, students strengthened both their conceptual understanding and their curiosity about the world around them.

Our younger students explored germs up close, using microscopes to observe tiny organisms and learn how they can affect our health. They carefully examined and drew different types of bacteria. Through this hands-on inquiry, students acted as curious researchers, asking questions and making careful observations. They linked their learning to everyday life by discovering ways to stay healthy and prevent the spread of germs. This exploration encouraged students to think like scientists while taking responsibility for their own health and the health of others.

In the Early Years, music learning is joyful, playful, and deeply rooted in exploration. Young learners become inquirers as they experiment with sounds, rhythms, and instruments, discovering how music helps them express their ideas and emotions. Through singing, movement, and creative improvisation, they develop communication skills and confidence. Music becomes a transdisciplinary doorway to curiosity, connection, and creative expression.

Students using BlueBots become inquirers as they explore how coded commands translate into real-world movement. Through hands-on experimentation, they act as thinkers and risk-takers, testing sequences and reflecting on what works. Collaboration with peers helps them develop strong communication and social skills while engaging in meaningful transdisciplinary learning. BlueBots turn abstract concepts into authentic, student-centered experiences that nurture agency, curiosity, and creativity.

Students in both the PYP and MYP become confident thinkers, inquirers, and communicators as they take part in Mathlete competitions. These events invite learners to tackle challenging problems, collaborate with peers, and apply mathematical concepts in authentic, engaging contexts. PYP students build foundational reasoning skills and a love of inquiry, while MYP students extend their understanding through critical thinking, strategy, and real-world application. Mathlete competitions inspire agency, perseverance, and a positive mindset toward mathematics across grade levels.

Year 9s have been hard at work, learning about kinetic energy and potential energy through everyday activities.  Observing the concepts in real life makes learning so much more memorable. Physics is so much fun when we bring real-world experiences into the class.

Year 8 Spanish Collaboration in Action! As part of a collaborative Spanish lesson, students put their language skills to use by creating and translating the IB Approaches to Teaching and Learning statements for language acquisition. Learning new languages always helps us explore new perspectives; so connecting their growing Spanish vocabulary to their growth as lifelong learners is a great way to reflect. ¡Buen trabajo, Year 8

Year 11 Biology students explored how different forms of life have evolved by investigating fossil, rock and geological evidence for evolution and continental drift. Through a Pangea reconstruction activity, they connected biological evidence with Earth’s changing geology over millions of years.  An excellent way to explore the relationship between living things and their environment.

The influence that Greek culture has had on the Western world cannot be overstated.  So many of our values, our literary traditions, our politics, our priorities can be found in works like Oedipus Rex. Year 11 students have been exploring this all-important work to learn essential constants in literature like symbolism, dramatic irony, and foreshadowing as well as moral concepts like hubris, justice, and responsibility.

Over the month of November, our well-being focus has shifted into an exciting new theme: Surviving in the Real World. Across the PYP, MYP and DP, students have been engaging in learning that supports their development into responsible, capable and thoughtful global citizens. Our primary students have been introduced to core ideas around media and digital literacy, while our middle and high school learners have taken deeper dives into topics such as online responsibility, community participation, environmental awareness, and financial decision-making. These skills not only connect to our learner profiles but also empower students to make balanced, informed, and ethical choices in their daily lives.

We are incredibly proud of our Y6 students, who took the idea of community responsibility to heart. They organized and carried out a community garbage pick-up and also led an initiative to repaint the King’s Square (four square) lines on the playground, an act that immediately improved a shared school space for everyone. Moments like these remind us how powerful student-led action can be when learners feel ownership and pride in their community. Our Community Connections Parent Well-Being Group also met this month to explore the topic of social dynamics and how families and the school can work together to support healthy peer relationships both in and out of school. Thank you to all who joined and contributed; a follow-up survey sent out via Toddle in the next few weeks will help us shape the next session.

As we move into the holiday season, themes of service, gratitude, and giving come to life across our community. We look forward to the many joyful events and opportunities for connection that the upcoming weeks will bring. Wishing all of our families a warm, happy, and restorative holiday season. I am deeply grateful for the ISB community and for our ongoing collaboration in nurturing the well-being of every student.

• Whole School Christmas Music Concert
  

• Fundraising event for Nursing Home
  

• Secondary Sports Day
  

• Model United Nations Trip