DP Retreat: A Journey of Higher-Level Learning

Our Secondary School recently organized a DP Retreat where Grade 11 and Grade 12 students embarked on an enriching learning exploration of the International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Programme (DP). The IB DP is widely regarded as the most academically rigorous pre-university curriculum in the world and is highly respected by leading universities globally.

“The retreat was designed to orient and equip students for the demanding academic journey ahead,” said Ms. Angela Fox, DP Coordinator. “They were engaged and challenged, but also had fun, which is what IB should be about.”

The Grade 11 session laid the groundwork by introducing students to essential concepts such as Theory of Knowledge (ToK) and Creativity, Activity, and Service (CAS) that underpin the IB curriculum. The addition of team-building activities encouraged students to step outside their comfort zones, fostering fresh perspectives and exchanges with peers. For Grade 12 students, the first day of the retreat took on a reflective tone, focusing on consolidating knowledge and navigating university applications. Teacher-led discussions on mastering Internal Assessments (IAs) and guidance on crafting the first full draft of the Extended Essay were invaluable for our incoming seniors. In addition, the newly introduced strategic calendar approach aimed to aid Grade 12 students in judiciously managing their final year's workload.

An exceptional highlight of the retreat was the “Group 4” Sciences Project Day, exclusive to Grade 12 students. Collaborating with unfamiliar peers, they engaged in a multidisciplinary challenge where they took on the roles of experts who had a world problem to solve with science-based solutions – issues ranged from radiation to rising sea levels, viral outbreaks, and even the evacuation of Earth to Mars. With just four hours to tackle the task, students worked against the clock to develop solutions and presented their findings to an audience of teachers and peers.

“It was a great chance for me to build on my leadership skills and my knowledge in Biology,” said Sofia from Grade 12. “This is actually a very good preparation for university and the world of work, the world of internships. After high school, we’ll be on an individual learning journey, and it’s up to us to take advantage of opportunities like this, to work with people we’ve never met, and produce something that's actually of good quality, and that we can be proud of.”