Essential skills for lifelong learning
"I enjoyed IDU week because we got to do lots of science experiments, including popping balloons full of helium."
Jack Dodds
During Week 11 of the Autumn Term (Term 2), our Year 6 students celebrated their IDU Week.
IDU, which stands for Interdisciplinary Unit, provides a unique opportunity for students to combine their learning content from two or more subjects to create a fun and creative product.
As part of the International Baccalaureate (IB) Middle Years Programme (MYP), IB World Schools like Scotch College are required to engage students in at least one collaboratively planned interdisciplinary unit per year.
These units are designed to weave together the content of different subject courses, integrating disciplinary knowledge in innovative and meaningful ways.
Throughout the week, teachers from various subjects within the Middle School collaborated to bring their skills, knowledge, and expertise to the forefront, creating an enriching experience for our Year 6 students.
This year, the focus of IDU Week was on Science and Maths, and it served as an introduction to the boys' Science Fair in the Winter Term.
As part of the IDU Week activities, in addition to taking part in a variety of science and numeracy activities, all Year 6 students embarked on an exciting excursion to SciTech, where they had the opportunity to engage with interactive exhibits and participate in hands-on workshops that complemented their classroom learning.
These workshops included everything from physics experiments to mathematical puzzles, designed to stimulate curiosity and deepen understanding.
Experiences like IDU Week and the excursion to SciTech play a crucial role in enhancing the educational journey of our students, encouraging them to see the connections between different areas of knowledge and inspiring them to think creatively and critically.
By combining theoretical learning with practical application, students not only solidify their knowledge but also develop a love for learning that transcends the classroom.
"My favourite part of the IDU week was when we went to SciTech. We did so many interactive activities and it was a lot of fun. My favourite SciTech activity was the planetarium because we were able to see and understand the solar system in a 360-degree room."
Jeter Lee
Mr Michael Campbell
Year 6 Coordinator | Mathematics & Science Teacher
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