Experiential Learning

Experiential Learning results in a more capable student who has the agency to engage both locally and globally with a more internationally minded, confident and empathetic perspective. CDNIS Experience Week programmes take place both within and beyond our campus and can include local and international experiences. Students collaboratively undertake unique learning opportunities that build resilience, cultivate character and expand their team-building and leadership skills through a sequential and intentional progression of age-appropriate experiences.

Experiences are designed to push students beyond their comfort zones, challenging them physically, intellectually, and emotionally, while empowering them to develop the skills and perspectives necessary to understand and take steps to solve real-world problems. Programmes lead to impactful and lifelong memories, stronger friendships and a sense of community. The resilience gained from these valuable experiences will support students in their academic endeavours and life beyond school.

Experiential Learning Curriculum

Early Years - Grade 12

Community Building

Engaging in authentic experiences, students will build a sense of belonging which supports individual and community wellbeing. Students develop an appreciation of their personal identity and diversity within and beyond their community.

PYP, Early Years - Grade 2

Appreciate and identify the strengths they bring to a group/community.

PYP, Grade 3-5

Demonstrate an appreciation of their own personal identity and that of others and identify connections that link between themselves and others in the community.

MYP, GRADE 6-8

Value their own personal identity and that of others, identifying and developing connections that link themselves, others, and the community.

MYP, Grade 9-12

Appreciate their own personal identity and see connections within and beyond their community (e.g., identify connections between name and cultural heritage, comparing norms between cultures and perspectives).

Cultural Engagement

Students learn to engage and connect with a multitude of cultures, perspectives and backgrounds. This leads to open-mindedness, acceptance of diversity and develops confidence in fostering intercultural communication and relationships.

PYP, Grade 1-3

Recognize that other cultures celebrate differently in a variety of ways.

PYP, Grade 4-5

Understand that different cultures can have space to be celebrated and appreciated and that there is no best way to celebrate.

MYP, GRADE 6-8

Acknowledge different cultural perspectives and use culturally appropriate terminology and behaviours, demonstrating respect for others.

MYP, Grade 9-12

Acknowledge different cultural perspectives and use culturally appropriate terminology and behaviours, developing intercultural understanding.

Connection to the Outdoors

Connection to the outdoors

Students develop an appreciation of nature and the ability to safely engage with diverse outdoor environments. Through exposure to a variety of adventurous outdoor challenges, students develop perseverance, cultivate character and build an awareness and respect for the environment.

PYP, Grade 1-3

Appreciate being outside the classroom in a natural environment, viewing it as a valuable place for learning.

PYP, Grade 4-5

Appreciate the outdoor environment as an extension of the classroom and understand our responsibility to care for it.

MYP, GRADE 6-8

Describe the value of the natural environment and why environmental stewardship is necessary, making choices to preserve the environment.

MYP, Grade 9-12

Explain the value of the natural environment and why environmental stewardship is necessary, taking action as an environmental steward.

Character Development

Character DEvelopment

Students step outside of their comfort zones, develop self-confidence, utilize a variety of communication and collaboration skills based on the intended outcome and their role within their group, and experience adversity allowing for them to develop grit and develop a deeper understanding of how to approach complex problems.

PYP, Grade 1-3

Understand that problems arise in groups and that communication and conflict resolution skills are important when working with individuals.

PYP, Grade 4-5

Understand that group problem solving is a complicated process that involves taking steps in collaboration.

MYP, GRADE 6-8

Develop skills of teamwork, problem solving, conflict resolution, communication, resilience, and critical thinking through responding to feedback and practicing strategies to improve these skills.

MYP, Grade 9-12

Develop skills of teamwork, problem solving, conflict resolution, communication, resilience, and critical thinking, reflecting on challenges and interactions, setting goals and working to refine skills by making adjustments to their behaviour.

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Experiential Learning