Inquiry-Based Learning on Discovery Day

This year, we have re-envisioned our Community Day into a Discovery Day.

This exploratory reframe better reflects the inquiry-based nature of these learning experiences, which span across London, from Kew Gardens to London's Royal Air Force Museum and Tate Britain, among many other fine local institutions.

Discovery Days are an embedded part of the IB programme, designed to offer high-quality, real-world learning outside the classroom. 

Grade 6

Burgeoning Halcyon scientist Luna reflects on her experience at Kew Gardens: "We went to Kew Gardens with a brilliant tour guide who taught us how to measure different aspects of ecosystems like soil, temperature, moisture and humidity. We compared the outside conditions with the Palm House, a giant greenhouse containing a tropical rainforest.

"Inside, it was really hot and humid, and we learnt about plants with cancer-fighting properties, which was fascinating.

"We then explored another glasshouse containing different biomes, including desert, temperate rainforest, tropical ferns and rainforest sections. Having just studied carnivorous plants in science, we were excited to spot pitcher plants in the desert section.

"We also saw plants used to cure diseases. As we wandered around taking photographs, we discovered a bridge over a pond with a massive fish and impressively large lily pads. The pathways were lined with hanging vines that kept hitting our faces, and the humidity created water droplets everywhere.

"Instead of just looking things up online, we got to experience everything in person. Back at school, we created a Venn diagram comparing the tropical rainforest and urban ecosystem, noting the significant differences in temperature and soil moisture levels between the two environments."

Grade 7

Halcyon MYP and DP English B Teacher, Rahana Ahmed, says: "During the visit to the RAF Museum, students engaged in an immersive experience that brought history, technology and human stories to life.

The museum's extensive collection of aircraft, exhibits and interactive displays offered an opportunity for students to explore the history of aviation, the role of the Royal Air Force (RAF) in global conflicts and the technological innovations that have shaped modern flight.

"Through interactive simulations and hands-on displays, students had the opportunity to experience what it's like to be a pilot or an engineer. They engaged in flight simulations and learnt about the science of flight by participating in a workshop where they prepared an aircraft wing using newspaper and glue to test its design, demonstrating the challenges of aviation."

Grade 8

Halcyon Learning Systems Coordinator Guillermo Afonso, who was instrumental in organising and facilitating Discovery Day, reflects on the Grade 8 trip: "Our Grade 8 students embarked on an exciting journey to Canary Wharf, discovering a part of London many had never seen before! Guided by an AI-powered bot, they dived into research, asking brilliant questions about the finance sector's role in shaping their city. The highlight? A fascinating tour from Insider London, where students explored the architecture and history of the area. From finance to architecture—and even estimating the volume of One Canada Square—it was an unforgettable adventure of learning and exploration!"

Grade 9

Meanwhile, Halcyon Art Teacher Sue Dance shares a few highlights from the Grade 9 trip to Tate Britain: "Grade 9 had a wonderful day at Tate Britain discovering two specific art installations/murals created by two Black artists, Alvaro Barrington and Chris Ofili.

"Students spent time investigating the materials and images that Alvaro Barrington used in the three sections of his installation called "Grace", referencing his life with the three women who shaped his identity: his grandmother, mother and sister. Students were able to touch areas of the installation and take detailed photographs, allowing them to analyse these specific elements.

"The second piece was a very moving mural painting by Chris Ofili set on three walls above the staircase in the Museum called "Requiem", giving students an opportunity to explore his self-expression through a task of "SEE THINK WONDER" about the particular tragedy of the Grenfell Tower disaster. Students investigated the way Ofili used symbolism to express emotions of loss and hope, paying homage to artist Khadija Saye, who tragically died in the disaster.

"Before we left the gallery, we took a little discovery through other rooms, giving Grade 9 a chance to look at Turner's paintings and Pop Art paintings which they have been researching in our art classes!

"This was a wonderful opportunity for our students to understand how the British values of liberty (artists expressing their voice through their work) are supported in these public institutions."