Project inspires the next generation of innovators MYP student creates educational building blocks that help users think in 3D
Following in the footsteps of Friedrich Fröebel – pioneer of the kindergarten system and inventor of educational blocks – an MYP student from Bali International School (BIS), Indonesia, has created Fibonacci blocks to help everyone learn about the golden ratio – the mathematical proportions used to create pyramids and the Taj Mahal. For his personal project, Luke Hamilton worked with local craftsmen to create a set of wooden blocks with dimensions linked to the Fibonacci Sequence. The idea was to help users think differently, in the same way that Fröebel Blocks helped teach young students to think in 3D. He explains: “My project was to create an educational but fun set of wooden building blocks that reflected mathematical concepts. They encourage people to visualize things in 3D, as well as design creations using the golden ratio.” “I wanted to make a product that could be used by any age group, anywhere in the world,” adds Luke. “I also included a booklet to explain how artists and architects have used mathematics to create beauty during ancient times and the Renaissance, for example.” Luke posted pictures of his project on Facebook and was so inundated with responses that he turned it into a business
Luke’s Fibonacci blocks have been a huge success
venture. He has set up a website where people can buy the blocks, and has even received a request from IKEA.The blocks have also attracted the interest of Virgin entrepreneur Richard Branson, who has taken a set to his Caribbean island. “Luke’s project was a big success at this year’s grade 10 personal project exhibition at BIS,” adds Monica Coburn, the school’s MYP Coordinator. “It not only says a lot about his creative thinking, transfer of knowledge and self-management skills but even more about his international mindedness, whereby he set his vision on designing a worldwide educational tool for any age group.”
Diploma Programme gets thumbs up DP is the best preparation for workplace and university, says UK admissions report Nearly 90 per cent of university admissions officers in Britain believe the IB Diploma Programme (DP) encourages independent inquiry “well” or “extremely well”. In addition, 18 per cent cite the programme as the best preparation to thrive at university, compared to A levels (8 per cent), and Scottish Highers (3 per cent), while 51 per cent rated the qualifications equally. The latest annual University Admissions Officers report, which explores views on the three main UK post-16 qualifications – A levels, DP and Scottish Highers – revealed the extent to which the three qualifications prepare students for the world of work. Skills best provided by the DP include workplace skills (57 per cent); selfmanagement skills (76 per cent); an ability to cope with pressure (72 per cent), and an entrepreneurial or positive approach to risk taking (23 per cent).
Dr Peter Fidczuk, IB Development and Recognition Manager, UK, says: “The figures in favour of the DP are striking. I am particularly pleased that the admissions officers recognize, by a very large margin, that the DP encourages independent inquiry as this is such an integral component of the programme.” Commissioned by ACS International Schools in partnership with the IB and the IB Schools and Colleges Association (IBSCA), the study was conducted among university admissions officers across 80 different universities and colleges. Jeremy Lewis, Head of School at ACS Egham, adds: “Over the past 10 years, we have seen the DP repeatedly outperform the other main qualifications. It is a challenging qualification but the results speak for themselves in terms of student readiness and ability to thrive at university and beyond.”
School report
International School of Estonia, Estonia Founded 1995 Programmes PYP, IB Diploma Programme, and currently an MYP Candidate School Age range of students 3-20 Website ise.edu.ee For the past five years, the International School of Estonia has achieved a 100 per cent IB Diploma Programme pass rate, which it attributes to its ‘compassionate space’. Teachers offer a wide range of activities to help students achieve a balanced life. Described as ‘a tiny school noted for innovative practices’, ISE believes the best way to promote a balanced life is to lead by example: the Director teaches ashtanga yoga; the art teacher offers indoor archery, and the professor of chemistry provides tap and ballet classes. The school also serves free breakfast to staff and students to make sure they start the day properly. Director of the International School of Estonia, Kathleen Naglee, says: “Our approach is to help students learn how to find balance in their lives. We don’t pay lip service to this part of the IB Learner Profile, we live it every day. “Our compassionate space embraces 21st-century practices as a celebration of inquiry, creativity, collaboration, and diversity, and allows students to use the tools (technological or otherwise) to have meaningful and deep learning experiences. “We believe a balanced life is a combination of emotional, social, academic and physical wellbeing. Student activities, both in and out of the classroom, use this framework as a base for learning.” The Centre for Innovation in Education at Tallinn University, Estonia, chose ISE as an example to the nation. They now work together to offer high-tech laboratories for students and professional development for teachers. “We pay attention to a student’s ability to manage stress. It’s not unusual for teachers to counsel them about strategies in finding balance,” adds Naglee. “All older students know that I am here to help guide them and, on a bad day, a cup of tea and handful of nuts will be waiting for them in my office.” ISE helps students manage stress
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