By Donita Bell
Assistant Head Primary PYP Coordinator
SLT-Academic
At Northbridge International School of Cambodia (NISC), we believe that the most impactful learning happens when students engage with the world around them. For our diverse community of international families in Phnom Penh, real-life learning is central to the IB Primary Years Programme (PYP). It empowers students to gain knowledge, develop deep understanding, and apply their learning in meaningful, real-world contexts.
Why Real-Life Learning Matters in the IB PYP
Real-life experiences enhance student learning by:
- Bringing abstract concepts to life through hands-on exploration.
- Building essential skills such as communication, collaboration, and critical thinking.\
- Fostering curiosity through student-led inquiry and investigation.
- Creating transferable understanding that students apply at home, in their communities, and in future studies.
Through inquiry-based learning, our students grow into caring, principled, and balanced individuals—hallmarks of the IB Learner Profile.
Early Learning 4: Exploring Life Cycles Through Chick Incubation
In Early Learning 4, students explored the life cycle of living things by incubating chicken eggs in the classroom. They observed the transformation from eggs to chicks, which now live in the NISC chicken coop.
Students learned:
- Where food comes from by collecting and cooking eggs.
- Healthy eating habits through tasting and preparing food.
- Environmental responsibility by caring for animals.
This authentic experience helped students understand the interconnectedness of living things and the importance of sustainability.
Kindergarten: Creating a Living Playground
Kindergarten students transformed their playground into a vibrant living garden. They planted seeds, nurtured plants, and created habitats for minibeasts like worms and insects.
Through this project, students discovered:
- How ecosystems function and plants grow.
- The role of small creatures in nature.
- The importance of caring for the environment.
This daily connection to nature brings science learning to life and fosters environmental stewardship.
Grade 2: Building Empathy Through Community Collaboration
Grade 2 students partnered with the People Improvement Organization (PIO) school to share learning experiences and build community connections.
Highlights included:
- Designing and sharing math games during a visit to PIO.
- Hosting PIO students at NISC for sports and swimming activities.
This collaboration promoted empathy, respect, and appreciation for diversity, while reinforcing academic skills.
Grade 3: Cooking Healthy Meals at La Khmere Kitchen
Grade 3 students visited La Khmere Kitchen, a local restaurant, to prepare a healthy, locally sourced meal.
They learned:
- Practical cooking skills and food preparation.
- The importance of nutrition and healthy eating.
- How to apply classroom learning in real-life situations.
This experience connected directly to their unit of inquiry and provided valuable life skills.
Learning from Community Experts
Throughout the year, students engage with local professionals who enrich their learning. Upcoming visits include Roomchang Dentists, who will teach students about oral hygiene and healthy habits.
These expert-led sessions inspire students to take action and apply their learning at home.
Action Learning Camps: Extending Inquiry Beyond the Classroom
Our Action Learning Camps offer immersive experiences in natural environments where students:
- Build teamwork and independence.
- Strengthen research, communication, and creative thinking.
- Apply classroom learning in new and challenging contexts.
These camps are a highlight of the school year and exemplify the power of experiential learning.
The Power of Transferable Learning
Real-life learning helps students develop conceptual understandings they carry beyond the classroom. Whether they are:
- Cooking meals,
- Caring for pets,
- Growing plants, or
- Discussing health and sustainability,
NISC students use their learning to make a positive impact on their world.
A Community of Lifelong Learners
At Northbridge International School of Cambodia, we nurture a community where real-life experiences and inquiry-based learning create meaningful education. For our international families, these learning journeys are shared celebrations of growth, curiosity, and connection.
By embracing the world as our classroom, we ensure every child develops the skills, understanding, and passion to thrive—now and in the future.
