“Insight”— IBDP Camp for the Batch of 2016 at Mt. Opera

To provide a glimpse of the wonderful IBDP Program, the students of the batch of 2016 were provided with 2 days, 1 night Camp called “Insight” at Mt. Opera. This was primarily to give them an experience into the pedagogy and assessments in the DP through fun-filled activities. 

The two events which 24 students attended culminated with a brief presentation on the IBDP to the parents by Mr. Biju Baby, VP-IC and Mr. Samuel Osmond, DPC.

IBDP Orientation Camp — A Student’s Reflection

On 23^rd November, 2013, 24 students from the 10^th grade, accompanied by several teachers, set out towards Mount Opera for an IBDP Orientation Camp, our excitement still blazing despite the off-putting damp weather.

Through the course of two days, we got a good look into IBDP, understanding all of its aspects, requirements and the incredible amount of calibre that we would require to excel at it. Once we had been sorted into groups and had christened ourselves with names (i.e. The Rebels, The Simpsons, The Care Bears and The Mango People), we began our orientation.

One of the first things we were introduced to was the Learner’s Profiles, including, but not limited to Principled, Knowledgeable, Risk Taker, Reflective, Inquirers, Communicators, Open Minded and not to forget, Collaborative. Though the latter is not an IB profile, it is very important in today’s world, as well as in IB.

We became familiar with all of these profiles through various activities like making charts and penning our thoughts down, as well as creating posters, doing presentations and most of all, learning in the process. We had a treasure hunt, where we collected information on IB and then presented it. Every activity was graded and winners were awarded chocolates!

When the weather seemed like it was clearing up, we went outside to play some Monster Volleyball (volleyball with a beach ball larger than us). The objective was obviously to develop some teamwork skills, but regardless of who emerged a winner, we all had a great time. We also did rope walking, and that activity was a success only because nearly everyone had participated.

The first day ended with a warm bonfire and finally, skits from the four groups around the fireplace. We were shown our rooms and along with a fellow roommate, we settled in for the night.

We had an early start the next morning as we had planned to go up for a trek, but weather complications made us change plans. We did another team building activity called A-Formation, which required a lot of precision and of course, communication between our teammates.

We had more sessions throughout the day, and during one, we made a catapult using tape, rubber bands, pencils, scissors, bottle caps and marbles. We even got to use them and seeing them launch marbles into the air was at the least, very satisfying.

On the second day, we also had to create a product for a food company and advertise it. This is where our creative skills came in, and finally, we had to present it and make it appealing to our friends and teachers, who sat as the audience. 

Throughout the camp, Cyril Sir kept up the positive vibe as he walked around with a portable speaker playing music, and Samuel Sir and the other accompanying teachers guided us through all our tasks. The second day ended with an orientation for the parents by Biju Sir and Samuel Sir, after which we packed our bags and headed back to Hyderabad. 

The IBDP Camp was a very helpful experience. I think we’ve all made some good friendships along the way. And judging from the little preview of how our next two years would be, the Diploma Programme will definitely challenge us every step of the way.

But I think we all are still looking forward to it anyway. 

Apoorva Polisetty 10 CBSE