The International Baccalaureate (IB) learner profile describes a wide range of human capacities and responsibilities that go beyond academic success. They imply a commitment to help all members of the school community learn to respect themselves, others and the world around them. The profile aims to develop learners who are: inquirers, knowledgeable, thinkers, communicators, principled, open-minded, caring, risk-takers, balanced and reflective.
Having worked with many international schools for their outbound programmes, teachers sometimes struggle to ensure that children imbibe these values. Outbound programme is one such opportunity for students to explore themselves and the values that IB encourages them to have.
Trailblazers organised an adventure programme in the scenic environs of Lower Himalayas for a group of students from MYP 4, 5 and DP in February 2017. Students enjoyed their stay in tents and did wide range of activities including valley crossing, jummaring, bridge slithering, hiking, kayaking, local village interaction and rafting. The teachers on this programme ensured that students were away from technology for four days and that made all the difference. Away from their gadgets, it was nice to see students communicating with each other, playing and observing. Their evening reflection sessions turned very interesting where Trailblazers experts gently nudged the students to reflect and introspect on the day’s activities through discussions, sketches and writing down their thoughts about their experience.
Trailblazers wishes that more schools would undertake such focused outdoor programmes instead of visiting ten places in four days under the garb of ‘Educational tours.’ A focused outdoor programme can be designed to give more meaningful experiences and specific learning outcomes for our young generation. Do email us on contact@trailblazersindia.com to design an outdoor programme for your school.
