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IC NEWSLETTER -
SUMMER 2009 7
preschool including computer, PowerPoint presentations,
websites, research, library, and public speaking.
But more importantly, they had to rely heavily on skills that
are expected from them at this time: collaboration and
cooperation.
“All the skills they have acquired are going to be skills that
they use for the rest of the school and university years,” he
said.
Watching proudly was Elementary School Director, Julia
Kozak. She was pleased to see students engaged in
“authentic learning related to real life”she said. “Throughout
the six week period, students reflected the PYP learner
profile attributes. They were inquirers, communicators, risk-
takers, thinkers, principled, etc. There was a lot of reflection
onwho they are as Lebanese. They were thinking about the
action that can be taken and that action is very important
because it shows that students have really learned.”
One group decided to decrease their own CO2 emissions
by carpooling.
Their survey showed that only 28% of the public (75
questionnaires) were willing to use public transportation.
So they had to set the example. Why not just carpool to
school?
“Each of us used to come to school in his own car before,”
explained Ramzi. “Now, one car picks up all of us.”
Some parents found themselves under scrutiny. One
student was upset to see his mother taking up smoking.
He was part of a group that had chosen to study the effects
of smoking. After a strict sermon, the mother threw away
her cigarette.
The group called themselves “Take-Action” and have
designed anti-smoking posters, produced a small
documentary, and created their own website.
“It is our civil rights to breathe clean air,” declared Amer 10.
In a corner of the exhibition, Ghida, sat silently watching
visitors. As a piano player, she found herself questioning
her use of learning music. She wanted to quit but her
father kept telling her that one day she will understand the
importance of music. And now she has.
“Music affects your mood,” she said. “It is a cure for people
with mental illnesses. It’s therapeutic. People don’t realize
its importance.”
In a nearby display, Nadia and Fatima were lobbying for
environmentally friendly homes. Old Lebanese houses
which are being pulled down are “much more eco friendly
than modern skyscrapers,” they explained. “They were
designed to use the solar energy and had gardens.”
All believed that they could and should make a difference.
“A child is nature’s way of giving the world another chance,”
said Ali, whose group researched Climate Change. “So
maybe I’ll be that child.”