Embracing Diversity: A Journey through Primary School DEI at ISL
Every June, Year 4 students eagerly look forward to their much-loved field trip to Leysin, a highlight of the Primary Years Programme (PYP) at the International School of Lausanne (ISL). This year, the trip was a perfect blend of sunny moments and refreshing rain showers, adding an extra layer of adventure to the experience.
One of the camp counsellors used a fun and engaging chant to interact with students and keep them attentive. “Who lives in a pineapple under the sea? Sponge, Bob, Square Pants.” became a cute and excellent way to maintain order and add to the camp’s lively spirit. In fact, you could hear some students shouting these words in the school corridors after returning from the trip before they went on summer break.
Immersed in Nature and Camaraderie
From hiking through lush green trails to participating in team-building activities, the students were immersed in nature and camaraderie. “It was really cool. We got to have a lot of fun and explore nature more,” shared Laila and Chiara, Year 4 students. “We learned how to survive in the wild, roasted marshmallows, and went to the forest. It was really fun.”
Educational and Personal Growth
The educational benefits of the trip were also emphasised by the teachers. “Ultimately, we want children to grow up and act as participants in a complex world,” explained Mr. Hawkins, Primary School Assistant Principal and IB PYP Coordinator. “This includes having robust experiences, building resilience, and interacting with different people. It’s about holistically developing a child into a whole human being.”
One of the key highlights of the trip was learning essential survival skills, including making a fire. “Maybe hiking in the mountains and also making fire were my favourite activities,” shared Milan, Year 4. “But also reading maps and using a compass were fun too. I also like being here with my classmates.”
Mr. Dailly, Teacher in Year 4, added, “We link two units to the trip: animal adaptation and the human body. Activities like trekking teach resilience, perseverance, and social skills. They also practice teamwork through various activities. We have done a lot of walking, and that really put quite a few of them out of their comfort zone.”
Undeterred by the occasional rain, our students marched with pride and enthusiasm, proving that true spirit and determination shone even on the cloudiest days.“The rain makes it more fun!” exclaimed Rebecca and Vina, Year 4 students. Griffin, another Year 4 student, found joy in simpler activities. “My favourite part was going to the playroom to play ping pong.”
Ms. Drayson, Teacher of Year 4, highlighted the personal growth observed in students. “These trips are about developing lifelong skills like teamwork and independence. They make new friends, become more independent, and uncover new passions and talents. It is a place for them to shine outside the classroom, learning more about their learner profile attributes, seen in the Primary Years Programme (PYP), like being communicative, caring, and reflective.”
Logistics and Objectives
Ms. Weaver, Primary School Assistant Principal, provided insight into the trip’s logistics and objectives. ” We book trips a year in advance. For example, I just booked the trips for June 2025 last week. In January/February, we start communicating with the camp organisers to discuss trip details such as the daily activities, number of students, staffing, rooming, etc. We also start communicating with parents in March so they are aware of trip details and items needed for camp.”
She continued, ” The Year 4 trip educational objectives are: skill development (introduction to hiking and mountain skills), character growth (growth in independence and confidence), a connection to the natural world (experience and appreciate the mountain environment), and leadership and team building.”
A Culmination of Growth and Friendship
As the trip came to an end, the students were visibly happy and fulfilled. This annual excursion to Leysin is more than just a trip; it is a culmination of a year’s hard work and a celebration of friendships and growth. Experiences like these make the PYP at ISL truly special, providing a comprehensive education that extends beyond academics.
We look forward to many more adventures and invite everyone to discover the diverse activities that make ISL a nurturing and dynamic environment for young learners.
© Photo credit: Andrew Dailly, Frances Drayson & Mélody Spoerri
