Empowering Students Through Authentic Learning: A Journey Across the Grades

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In our dynamic classrooms, learning is more than mastering content - it’s about cultivating skills that empower students to thrive in school, their communities, and beyond.

Across the primary years, students engage in authentic experiences that not only align with curriculum standards, but also foster vital Approaches to Learning (ATL) skills. As the International Baccalaureate Organisation (IBO) notes, “All teachers foster and support the development of these skills by providing opportunities embedded in authentic learning experiences” (IBO, 2024).

Our Grade 1 students embark on their "How We Organize Ourselves" unit exploring the concept of balanced communities by creating their very own. Acting as doctors, bankers, and business owners, they develop research, collaboration, and communication skills as they design and run their mock community. Inviting their parents to experience the project brings their work full circle, showcasing how thoughtful organisation and teamwork contribute to a thriving society. These foundational skills are as essential to their play-acting as they are to the real world.

Moving on to Grade 2, students explore wellness during their "Who We Are" unit by hosting a Wellness Fair for the school community. At the fair, they demonstrate the benefits of yoga, share bedtime stories with calming effects, and introduce healthy smoothies they’ve created using their knowledge of nutrition. These hands-on experiences foster creative thinking and communication, as they must research wellness practices and articulate their value to an audience. Such transferable skills ensure that these young learners are prepared to contribute meaningfully not just within school walls, but throughout their lives.

In Grade 3, the journey takes students into outer space - metaphorically, of course! During their "How the World Works" unit, they don the roles of scientists, explorers and astronauts to host an engaging Space Expo. Students exercise agency by delving into topics of personal interest, from exploring the phases of the moon to calculating gravity’s impact on weight across planets. By becoming experts in their chosen areas, they build research and self-management skills that prepare them for a future of independent learning. Their enthusiasm for discovery mirrors the IBO’s belief that “these ATL help students think, research, communicate, socialize and manage themselves effectively” (IBO, 2024).

The entrepreneurial spirit comes alive in Grade 4 for “How We Organize Ourselves” unit, where students tackle sustainability head-on in their "Market" project. They design, produce, and sell products, while seeking advice from Grade 12 Economics students to refine their ideas. This collaboration emphasises the value of cross-age learning and highlights how research and critical thinking underpin successful enterprises. The event culminates in a vibrant marketplace, where the community gets to appreciate the ingenuity and dedication of these young entrepreneurs and get some handmade gifts for friends!

Finally, in Grade 5, creativity and advocacy converge in their "How We Express Ourselves" unit, titled "Art Attacks." Inspired by visits to Prague’s local art scene, and artists like David Černý and Banksy, students explore art as a medium for addressing injustice. They identify global issues, such as fast fashion or social inequality, and create art pieces to raise awareness. Paired with persuasive writing, their work becomes a call to action, blending empathy, communication, and creativity into a meaningful expression of their learning. These experiences equip students with skills that go beyond the classroom, instilling confidence to make a difference in the world.

Through these units, students at every grade level engage in meaningful, authentic experiences that build the skills they need to think critically, collaborate effectively, and navigate complex challenges.

As Trilling and Fadel aptly note in their book '21st Century Skills: Learning for Life in Our Times' (2009), these skills are “crucial in supporting students to effectively learn and succeed inside and outside of school.” Across every grade, these opportunities highlight the importance of transferable skills - ensuring our students are ready to not only excel academically but also to thrive as compassionate, competent changemakers.