The Process of Making a T-Shirt

Finishing off their guided inquiries, students found out about the process through which a T-shirt is made and also the connection with the triple bottom line and the impacts on people, planet and profit. 

Inquiry - Inquiring!

For the first part of their inquiries, students are working on finding answers to their questions using the internet. They are also encouraged to keep a clear list of resources. Students are working confidently and independently in google drive. 

Inquiry - Questions

Students have made their questions for the first part of the inquiry. Here, their task is to find out about a world problem connected with the theme of their project. Here's how they did it using the key concepts. 

Here are some examples of the amazing questions that students have begun thinking about. It's great to see them working in many different ways!

Interviews with NGOs and Sustainable Businesses

Students met with the owners of 3 sustainable businesses this week. We are very grateful to 
B-Green, LOOP and Alto Peru for coming in to share the amazing work they do with us!

Choosing Themes and Problems

One of the key parts of the Exhibition is to choose a theme or problem for independent research. Understanding of this theme or problem and inquiry into it leads to meaningful and thoughtful action that is sustainable. Here are examples of ways that students have chosen problems and themes. 

Students have recorded their ideas about these problems in different ways.

As the girls mentioned in the video, the teachers have also helped and guided the students where necessary. This is an important part of deciding on an area students can really find out new and interesting information about and also allowing the students to take effective ownership of their projects. 

Teacher notes during a conversation with one group - at the end of the conversation, you can see the group decided for themselves. 

Teachers help students to think carefully about their theme and make adjustments so it can include deep and meaningful inquiry before taking action. 

Week 3

This week we have been focusing in on clear areas for our Exhibition inquiries. Students have started the process of inquiry, action and reflection. We have looked at different models for this and made many connections between the different cycles. The students have been becoming familiar with these models during this year and through-out their time in the PYP. 

NGOs and their visions

As another way of thinking of different possibilities, students have been looking at the work of various NGOs. We will continue with this work thinking on a global, national and local scale. Some students are already coming up with great questions related to this area. 

The "Perfect Pitch"

In preparation for creating our own businesses, the students have been watching some short videos from The Dragons' Den and also have been looking at some of the new inventions and ideas on kickstarter.com. We've been thinking about how to make a great pitch for a new product. 

Analysing elements of a company and the triple bottom line

We have started looking at the elements of business, and analysing them in relation to the triple bottom line in terms of possible positives and negatives. 

The Story of Stuff

We have watched in our classes "The Story of Stuff" to help us get an understanding of the consumption cycle... although we found out that it is not really a cycle. 

What is sustainability?

Mr Gonzalo Tuesta gave a great introduction to sustainability, the triple bottom line, and the 8 doorways we work with here at Newton College. Here's what the students found out!

Neuro-marketing with Liliana Alvarado

This week we had an excellent presentation from a guest speaker and expert in the field of Nuero-marketing - Liliana Alvarado. The students learned an incredible amount from her detailed and clear explanation. 

Big Companies - sustainable or not?

As their first assignment, students investigated some well-known organizations and brands to evaluate whether or not they are sustainable. Here are some examples of what they found out!

Getting Organized!

Students have brought their own binders and are responsible for organizing their own work and projects. 

Understanding related concepts

Students used their reading comprehension and research skills to understand the related concepts: consumerism, development and globalization.

Analysing the central idea and lines of inquiry

Students made connections with their prior learning related to the central idea and lines of inquiry.