Service-learning in Design and Technology: Creating impact through real-world projects

At St Andrews International School Bangkok, we believe that learning extends beyond the classroom. Our Key Stage 3 Design and Technology curriculum integrates Service-Learning to help students develop a deeper understanding of real-world challenges while applying their design and problem-solving skills in meaningful ways.

This year, students used project-based learning to identify the needs of a Burmese migrant/refugee community in Thailand and explore how design can create meaningful solutions. Creative solutions were proposed once the key challenges were identified, and fundraising efforts to support the initiative were organised. Through their research, students better-understood issues such as limited access to education, inadequate school facilities, and the importance of sustainable materials in design solutions.

This learning extended beyond the curriculum through an extracurricular activity, where IB Diploma students further refined these ideas to support a migrant children's school. They worked on practical design improvements, ensuring that the proposed structures were functional, cost-effective, and met the community’s needs. The project culminated in a trip to Mae Sot, where 17 students from Year 8 to Year 12 collaborated with NGOs and architects to help build essential parts of the school. Students had the opportunity to work on construction tasks such as building adobe bricks, measuring and laying out walls, mud plastering and other construction activities on site.

The impact of the experience was profound.

Beyond the hands-on work, the initiative also fostered peer mentorship, as older students guided younger ones in both design thinking and practical skills. More importantly, it reinforced the idea that design has a role to play in social change, inspiring students to think critically about how their skills can contribute to the wider world. Through this initiative, students enhanced their technical and creative abilities and gained a stronger sense of social responsibility. We are proud to see how they applied their skills to support a community in need and look forward to continuing this meaningful learning experience in the future.