Middle School in Action: Students Leading the Way to a Greener Future

International School Bangkok (ISB) aims to develop learners who will become caring global citizens. In practice, this looks like connecting our students to the people and the environments that make up the world they live in. This enables students to not only discover their passions but also build up confidence in their ability to enact change. In our Middle School, one way our students have connected to each other and to our environment is through our Grade 7 Action Trips and Projects.

Action Trips: Service through Experiential Learning

Last semester, Grade 7 students went on a series of experiential learning trips where they worked with environmental organizations on a variety of issues facing the world today. Before the trips, students spent time learning about the organizations they would be working with: what they do, what issues they tackle, and how they as students might help.

On these trips, students got to experience everything from helping elephants in human-elephant conflict zones to swimming with sharks and learning about shark conservation to fighting plastic pollution, discovering different biomes (wetlands, reefs, & mangroves), working with sustainable, regenerative farmers and social entrepreneurs, and feeding people in need. You can see a selection of these trips and experiences on our social media linked above and below.

Action Projects: Applying Learning to Affect Change

After these incredible experiences, students then reflected on all they had learned and began developing action projects. One student reflected on their Human-Elephant Co-Existence trip, 

“The experience was eye-opening for me, learning firsthand what has happened to our elephants and why it’s happening now was heartbreaking. The stories we heard about elephant rides and elephants in captivity urged me the most to make a difference, since no animal in this world deserves to be treated like that. This made me want to use my voice and learn how to make an end, and allow elephants and humans to coexist happily.” 

This student then developed an action project based on their experience which focused on helping the community of farmers near the organization by supporting their social enterprise through selling products they make on their farm. In the end, the students on this trip were able to raise 24,396 THB for the organization.

Action Assembly & Fair

ISB's Grade 7 students showcased their projects, learning, dedication, and innovation in an assembly and fair where they educated others on all they had learned from their experiences.

This assembly highlighted the incredible potential of the next generation to drive meaningful change. 145 students were involved in presentations or booths at the fair, which raised collectively over 110,000 THB for the local organizations and non-profits associated with each trip. 

Some students even carried their projects beyond the assembly and fair and planned their own events. Students on the Shark Guardians trip planned their own “Swim for Sharks” event at ISB for all ages to highlight the critical role sharks play in maintaining the health of our oceans. The goal of the event was to raise awareness by swimming 3.4 km, which could be done individually or as a team of any size. It was a fun-filled event with students, teachers, and parents in attendance. These same students also presented their project to 200 international students at the 13th Annual Bangkok ServICE conference last month. 

Nurturing Tomorrow's Leaders

The experiences that we provide at ISB foster critical thinking skills, a sense of stewardship and responsibility, teamwork, problem-solving skills, leadership, and other life skills that are critical for the leaders of tomorrow. The Grade 7 2023 Action Trips, Projects, Assembly, and Fair was a testament to the power of education, empathy, and action. Each project presented offered a unique perspective on sustainability and environmental stewardship. The students' enthusiasm, creativity, and dedication exemplify the potential of the younger generation to drive meaningful change in our world. As we reflect on the insightful initiatives shared during this assembly, we're reminded that a brighter, more sustainable future is within our reach, thanks to the passion and innovation of these young minds.

Interested in learning more about our Middle School programs, inquire today to learn more.