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Last week, students from Nord Anglia schools all around the world came together for an exciting and unforgettable week at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT). As part of our collaboration with the world’s #1 university, our students joined workshops, lectures, and activities that challenged them to think like real-life innovators. Let’s dive into what our students got up to during their trip.
After arriving on the MIT campus, students met doctoral student Shon Mackie, who introduced the trip’s central challenge: to design innovative tools in support of MIT’s research for an upcoming expedition to Alaska.
Each student came prepared—having been selected from an application process that asked them to imagine, “If I were an innovator at MIT, I would…”. This prompt set the stage for a week focused on curiosity, creativity, and collaboration.
Throughout the first day, students engaged in preparatory workshops, learning about the practical applications of robotics, the importance of engineering precision in printmaking, and how slow-motion photography can capture intricate changes in water—a true “physics in action” experience. These sessions sparked excitement and a deeper understanding of how science, technology, engineering, and math intersect with problem-solving in the real world.
Day 2 began with an enlightening talk by MIT researcher Loika, who shared her experiences working on marine conservation in Antarctica. Students were captivated by her research on penguins and other endangered species, bringing to light the environmental responsibilities that come with scientific discovery. This session resonated with many students who are passionate about conservation, reminding them of the larger impact that their studies and future careers could have on the world.
Next, an admissions panel gave students valuable insights into MIT’s admission process, emphasising that success at MIT requires curiosity and commitment beyond just high grades and test scores. As Leonard, a student from the British International School of Kuala Lumpur said, “I was surprised to hear how much they valued having a passion for learning and exploring ideas—not just your GPA.”
Students wrapped up the day with a fun, interactive experience at the famous Boda Borg, an escape-room challenge that both MIT and Google use for team bonding. According to Nell from the British International School of Chicago South Loop , “One of my favourite things about the trip was the escape room. I found it really fun, and we got to mix with even more new friends from all around the world.”
On the third day, students attended a lecture by PhD student Stewart Isaacs, who discussed his research on solar panels and how dust affects their performance. Intrigued by the hands-on nature of his work, students asked numerous questions, spurred on by the practical possibilities of engineering. Inspired, they broke into groups, each representing a different global interest, with the ambitious goal of devising solutions to help achieve a net-zero temperature increase by 2100.
After that, students hopped into a workshop to learn about the surprising links between engineering and origami, which involves precise folding techniques that are also crucial in building complex structures. They also explored ways of converting 2-D designs into 3-D objects, a valuable exercise in spatial awareness and structural thinking.
On Day 4, teamwork took centre stage as students worked on group projects constructing 17 specialised cameras, which will be deployed by MIT PhD students in Alaska in January to gather essential environmental data.
Guided by what they learned throughout the week, the students applied concepts from each workshop to ensure their cameras would be ready for Arctic conditions. It was a hands-on challenge that required precision, creativity, and, above all, collaboration. “We could really make our projects unique,” said Maka from Nord Anglia International School Manila, who particularly enjoyed the freedom of creativity on Project Day.
As Kate Erricker, Group Head of Education Research and Global Partnerships, remarked, “The MIT programme is designed not only to ignite curiosity but also to foster skills essential for the future. Our students are not just learning about science—they’re doing it, with a sense of purpose that will stay with them throughout their lives.”