More and more families are wondering whether the work their children do at school is truly relevant to real life. What skills do they develop? To what extent do these projects prepare students for the challenges of the future? And specifically, when the curriculum is that of the International Baccalaureate, what are the benefits of presenting Personal, Action and Inquiry (MYP) projects?
This concern is particularly common at key stages such as secondary education. It is at this stage that each pupil’s interests, talents and academic goals begin to take shape.
THE IMPORTANCE OF ADDRESSING THESE CONCERNS
In an increasingly complex social and academic environment, it is essential that students learn to manage their time, conduct independent research, make reasoned decisions and communicate ideas clearly. However, these skills are not always developed in depth within more traditional education systems.
The lack of genuine opportunities to experiment, make mistakes and learn along the way can have negative consequences. For example, students may become demotivated, lack confidence in their abilities, or be ill-prepared to take on personal and academic responsibilities at later stages, such as sixth form or university.
WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF MAKING A PAI PERSONAL PROJECT PRESENTATION?
Frente a esta necesidad, el Proyecto Personal del Programa de los Años Intermedios (PAI) del Bachillerato Internacional, desarrollado en 4º de ESO, se presenta como una de las iniciativas más enriquecedoras del currículo.
Each student chooses a topic for research that they are passionate about. This links it to a real-world issue or a objective for meaningful learning. They develop it independently and present it publicly at the end of the process. All of this, guided by a personal tutor and within a structured framework that fosters a33> structured framework that encourages reflection and continuous improvement.
1. PERSONALISED LEARNING THAT PROMOTES MOTIVATION
The project always starts with the student’s interests: music, science, sustainability, sport, literature, technology… This personal choice fosters a high level of motivation and commitment. At the same time, it enables each student to take on a genuine challenge tailored to their individual profile.
“I decided to develop an app to help me keep track of my income and expenditure. Thanks to the project, I learnt not only how to code, but also the importance of perseverance,” explains one of the students at Casvi Villaviciosa.
So, what are the benefits of presenting MYP personal projects? We outline them below:
2. DEVELOPMENT OF RESEARCH AND CRITICAL THINKING SKILLS
From formulating a research question to searching for reliable sources and organising information, the personal project enhances the ability to analyse, evaluate and synthesise data rigorously.
3. IMPROVING ORAL AND WRITTEN COMMUNICATION
One of the highlights of the project is the final presentation. During this, the pupils publicly present both the process and the outcome of their work. This exercise helps to improve their oral expression, reasoning skills and confidence when speaking in public.
4. FOSTERING CREATIVE THINKING AND INNOVATION
The project encourages students to come up with original solutions, explore new formats and create a final product that reflects their creativity and personality. Examples of work produced at Casvi Villaviciosa include social awareness campaigns, technological prototypes and illustrated stories…
5. CONNECTION WITH REALITY AND DEVELOPMENT OF SOCIAL COMMITMENT
Through their projects, students gain a better understanding of the issues affecting the world around them and seek ways to contribute to the common good. In this way, theIB learner profile is reinforced: informed, caring, reflective and committed to improving the world.
CASVI VILLAVICIOSA AS AN IDEAL ENVIRONMENT FOR DEVELOPING PERSONAL PROJECTS WITH IMPACT
At the Casvi Villaviciosa International School, the MYP Personal Project forms an essential part of the educational philosophy. Each year, the Year 10 pupils complete this process with the constant guidance of their form tutors and the support of the entire school community. The culmination of this work is a public presentation where they share what they have learnt with families, teachers and classmates.
The experience is highly valued by both the students and their families. And this is not only because of the level of maturity and skills they have acquired, but also because of the pride they feel at seeing a project they have worked on entirely on their own come to fruition.
Since its launch, our school has seen the completion of over a thousand projects, reflecting the talent, diversity and resilience of our students.
