As the Personal Project Coordinator, one of the most rewarding aspects of my role is observing how the Personal Project allows students to develop essential skills that will benefit them long after they leave school. Through this almost-year-long inquiry-based project, students explore their passions, learn new skills, and work towards crafting their own solutions. While the project is designed to allow students to demonstrate subject-specific learning, its true value lies in the development of transferable skills—skills that have wide-reaching applications in both academic and real-world settings.
A significant focus of the Personal Project is the development of the Approaches to Learning (ATL) skills. ATL skills like thinking, research, communication, self-management, and social skills are woven into every stage of the Personal Project. For instance, during the research phase, students must demonstrate critical thinking as they analyze different sources, evaluate their reliability, and synthesize information to answer guiding questions. The project also emphasizes self-management skills, as students must plan and organize their time efficiently to meet deadlines and produce a high-quality product. Effective communication skills are essential when students present their final outcomes, whether through written reports or presentations at the exhibition.
Moreover, the project provides a platform for students to showcase their passions and creativity. Whether designing an innovative product, exploring a cultural issue, or achieving personal goals, students have the opportunity to make their interests and ideas come to life. This autonomy fosters a sense of pride and accomplishment, reinforcing the connection between effort and achievement.
This year’s Personal Project Showcase featured a vast array of meaningful and diverse projects, reflecting students’ creativity and innovation. In the field of technology and innovation, students developed impressive projects like fish tank ecosystems, remote-controlled gliders and cars, and digital environments. Creative pursuits were equally vibrant, with students composing original hip hop songs, designing intricate patchwork quilts, crafting culinary delights, and producing culturally-inspired fashion pieces. Additionally, community impact projects, such as first aid manuals designed for local workers and trash sorting systems, highlight the students’ dedication to making a positive difference in their surroundings.
The Personal Project not only provides a platform for students to develop and apply their ATL skills but also showcases their subject-specific abilities, which are essential for success. For example, in Design, students must generate product success criteria and construct logical plans to meet those criteria. In Individuals and Societies, the ability to conduct thorough research and critically evaluate sources is crucial to developing a thoughtful project. Language and Literature empowers students to write reflective reports and communicate purposefully, refining their written communication and analytical skills. These subject-specific skills ensure that students are well-prepared for the demands of the Personal Project. At NISC, students consistently perform well above the global average in the Personal Project, demonstrating the effectiveness of the program as a whole.
From my perspective, one of the most valuable aspects of the Personal Project is the opportunity it gives students to reflect on their learning journey. In examining this closely, I’ve noticed that many students are reluctant to speak critically about themselves or the project process. This could be cultural, where there’s a stronger focus on positive outcomes rather than embracing mistakes. While students tend to reflect on their successes, they sometimes hesitate to acknowledge setbacks. I believe embracing the messiness of a large project is essential. Bumps in the road often teach us the most. The end goal is important, but it’s the journey—the problem-solving, learning from failure, and adaptation—that truly shapes students’ development. I’d love to see more students embrace this process and view setbacks as opportunities for profound learning.
As we approach a key milestone in the academic journey of our Grade 10 students, I am pleased to share the significant strides we have made in streamlining the transition process to Grade 11 and the IB Diploma Programme (IBDP).
With the UK university application deadline now behind us, there’s a palpable sense of excitement—along with a sense of relief on my part! Thirty of our students successfully submitted their applications, each able to choose five different universities on the UCAS application.
As students approach their final few months, the pressure to perform well intensifies. The IB Diploma Programme is known for its rigorous curriculum and high standards, making effective exam revision crucial for success. Here’s why exam revision and the upcoming mock exams are particularly important for Grade 12 students.
In a rapidly evolving world, where artificial intelligence, automation, and environmental challenges reshape our societies, the value of STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics) education has never been greater. At Northbridge International School Cambodia (NISC), we believe that fostering creativity and innovation is at the heart of preparing students for the future.
