In Early Years, our young learners explored the concepts of full, half full, and empty through painting, sorting, and hands-on experimentation. Through purposeful play, students investigated how containers can hold different amounts and used rich mathematical language to describe what they observed.

By pouring, mixing, comparing, and creating, children developed their understanding of measurement and quantity in meaningful and engaging ways. These experiences encouraged curiosity, collaboration, and confidence as students tested their ideas and reflected on their discoveries.

It has been wonderful to see our learners building both their vocabulary and their conceptual understanding while demonstrating the PYP spirit of inquiry through play.

In our Early Years classroom, students have been developing their thinking skills by assembling picture puzzles numbered 1–20. As they carefully match, count, and sequence the pieces, they are strengthening their number recognition, problem-solving skills, and fine motor development.

Our puzzles connect to our current Unit of Inquiry as students explore the important roles of community workers, with a special focus on firefighters. Through play-based learning, children are making meaningful connections between numbers and real-life contexts, deepening their understanding of how community helpers support and protect us.
It has been wonderful to see our young learners demonstrating persistence, collaboration, and curiosity as they build both their puzzles and their understanding of the world around them.

In Year 3, Czech students are inquiring into how language works by exploring the difference between soft and hard syllables. Through hands-on, engaging learning experiences, they are developing a deeper understanding of spelling patterns and pronunciation.

Using songs, manipulatives, and building blocks, students actively construct their knowledge in meaningful ways. These interactive activities support different learning styles and encourage collaboration, creativity, and confidence.

It has been wonderful to see students so enthusiastic and motivated as they strengthen their language skills while embodying the attributes of reflective and enthusiastic learners.

Through the “Sun in the Socket” workshop, offered by Open Garden, students had a hands-on opportunity to explore how the sun’s energy can be transformed into electrical energy.
As inquirers, they investigated how solar panels work and discovered how sunlight can be converted into usable power. Through interactive experiences and guided exploration, students deepened their understanding of renewable energy and its impact on our world.

This engaging workshop supported our Unit of Inquiry by encouraging students to think critically about energy choices and sustainability. It was inspiring to see them ask thoughtful questions, make real-world connections, and grow as knowledgeable and responsible learners.

Year 8 students launched their new science unit by investigating chemical reactions and learning how observations become scientific evidence.  Bringing the practical and the theoretical aspects of Science together, ensures that students understand how Scientific Knowledge works. 

Year 7s are exploring the world of politics in their Individuals and Societies unit.  As they dig into the ways in which political messages are communicated, they’ve held a political husting:  presentation of manifestos and policies that inform the voters. To test how persuasive they were, the class held a vote on the best presentation.

Year 10 and 11 went on a Spanish Language Immersion trip to Malaga, Spain.  The experience offered the students the chance to live in Spanish-speaking homes, shop at the local market, prepare traditional dishes like paella and tortilla de patata in a cooking class, and take their Spanish Learning to the beautiful beaches. An incredibly valuable experience.

Year 10 students tracked the motion of a beetroot, measured distance and displacement, analysed trajectories, and calculated speed - instead of just copying formulas. Hands-on experience first, and theory after, is a way to make sure that students have real life experiences that they can refer to when learning theory, which makes Physics much more accessible to all learners.

This past month, our well-being program at International School of Brno (ISB) has been filled with meaningful learning, reflection, and positive action across the whole school community.

In the PYP, students have been learning about kindness, teamwork, cooperation, and emotional well-being. A particular highlight has been our focus on random acts of kindness, including the much-loved “Fill Each Other’s Buckets” activity. At the end of each day, students write anonymous, kind notes to their classmates, helping to fill one another’s buckets with words of encouragement and positivity. We have seen how acts of kindness truly have a snowball effect, reminding us that even small gestures can make a big difference and are a simple yet powerful way to make the world a better place.

Since September, our school has been working through a checklist from the Random Acts of Kindness Foundation, in pursuit of becoming a recognized kindness school. I am delighted to share that as of last week, ISB has officially achieved Distinguished Kindness School certification. Our pledge and certification are now proudly displayed in the PYP cloakroom - an achievement that reflects the commitment and compassion of our entire school community.

In Secondary, students this month have participated in an assembly focused on the dangers of substance use and have been exploring how and when to ask for help in relation to emotional well-being. They have also been conducting research into the physiological and psychological benefits of various stress-reducing and calming strategies, learning about the sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous systems and the important roles they play in supporting overall well-being.

We have also begun discussions around media and digital literacy, a focus that will continue to be strengthened across the school from PYP to DP. This learning will culminate in assemblies led by Johannes Claasen, an educational consultant and former school leader with international experience in Germany, the Middle East, and Asia. Johannes specializes in holistic education, AI in schools, and online safety. Through his Smart & Safe Online program, he supports schools, students, and parents in navigating social media, gaming, Artificial Intelligence, and digital well-being in a balanced, practical, and trust-based way. These assemblies will focus on online safety for ISB students.

To further support our community, Johannes will also be hosting a parent session. The session will take place on March 9th at 17:00 and will be hosted here at the International School of Brno, in Mr. Ondřej Kala’s classroom on the second floor.

To help us tailor the session to your interests and questions, a short survey has been sent via email where you can indicate the topics you would most like addressed. 

The well-being program in our school has been full of meaningful and educational moments - with much more still to come! 

• ISB Ball
  

• Online Safety Workshops
  

• Math Olympics on Pi Day
  

• Ice Skating
  

• IB MYP Authorisation Visit
  

• Primary Book Week