Recently, our Year 12 students have returned from a fantastic week in Tioman, where they engaged in a science and experiential learning trip. This enriching experience supported both academic inquiry and personal development, with students taking part in either subject-specific fieldwork or an experiential learning programme focused on sustainability and service.
The Biology and Environmental Systems and Societies cohorts focused on data collection for their Independent Assessment. We visited four different ecosystems - coral reef, mangroves, the intertidal zone, and tropical rainforest - and explored ecological survey methods in each, before students identified their own research questions for investigation. On data collection day, our students worked with focus and efficiency to gather robust datasets in record time.
The rest of the year group engaged in an experiential programme that included coral restoration, visiting a turtle conservation centre and hiking across the island’s lush rainforest. A highlight for both participants and onlookers may have been when students were asked to model turtle behaviour on the beach! Team-building challenges, kayaking, and snorkelling helped build resilience, communication, and collaboration; skills that support both the IB’s Approaches to Learning (ATL) and students' skills needed for Creativity, Activity, and Service (CAS).
We were delighted to have all students come together for a full day of snorkelling at the end of the trip. They enthusiastically took part in a mangrove clean-up, before enjoying sightings of blacktip reef sharks, hawksbill turtles, clownfish, rays, and more as we snorkelled off the beach and around the nearby islands. It was a highlight of the trip for many, and we finished the day with a delicious BBQ and toasted marshmallows around the bonfire.
Many happy memories were made on this very enjoyable residential. Our students showcased the DCIS values and IB Learner profile attribute displaying excellent behaviour, eagerness to participate and learn from all activities and strong support for one another.
Charlotte Wright
Deputy Head of Science and Trip Lead
