Explorations At Halcyon London International School

Explorations

What are ‘Explorations’?

Halcyon students are inspired to inquire, communicate, and investigate; the skills that drive success in the rigorous IB MYP and DP Curriculums. We recognise that embracing curiosity is the key to creating an environment where each student can flourish academically and personally. To pioneer an effective learning environment, we do everything we can to embrace students’ individual passions.

Our Explorations Programme invites Grade 6-9 students to select four options per year to explore in weekly two-hour periods. Our Exploration options are built around six learning domains: Creativity, Action, Service, Wellbeing & Citizenship, STEM (science, technology, engineering, mathematics) and Our World.

We also encourage our students to explore a variety of interests through our Extra-Curricular Activities.

Case study: Archaeology

In one session, Halcyon’s Archaeology Exploration students took their keen sense of inquiry to new levels by researching the background to artefacts they had discovered themselves. Gabriel (Grade 9) kicked off the session by presenting his own personal finds to the group, sourced from mudlarking on the shore of the River Thames. Students enjoyed carefully handling the artefacts, which ranged from prehistoric arrowheads to clay tobacco pipes to medieval hammered coins.

Case study: App maker

In the final session of their App Maker Exploration App, students used their newly-developed coding skills to carefully control drones. Throughout this period, students mastered the software Scratch and developed their general understanding of coding. Skilfully taking a selfie with the drone to mark the end of this Exploration together, these young learners are an example of how we can embrace technology to expand the boundaries of our creativity.

Robotics Programme

Participating in an Exploration that spans the course of an academic year, the students in our Robotics Team will go on a journey suitable for all abilities and experiences. Students will explore key concepts using the new Lego Robot Inventor, Robo-Master S1, Sphero, Drones, VR, and more. In the second half of the year, students will be using the VEX IQ and V5 system – building a robot to compete in an international competition.

The Robotics Programme supports students in their development of technological expertise as well as teamwork skills. Our students are prepared for the digital technology revolution: the IB embeds STEM skills across the curriculum, and the Robotics Programme, as well as other Explorations options such as Digital and Electronic Music Production, supports their growth into 21st century leaders, communicators, and more.

List of Explorations, 2022/2023

Session 1

The Great Grade 6 Adventure (mandatory for Grade 6)
Coding for Beginners
Horse Riding
Oral History – Westminster
Skip the Light Fandango
Squash
Tennis

Session 2

An Insider’s Guide to Unusual Information Sources
Digital Art and Animation
Finance and Investment
Ice Skating
Lab Science
Writers Circle

Session 1 & Session 2

Music Performance

Session 3

Active Citizenship
Cross Stitch
Dance
Halcyon Podcast
International Fiction – Hidden Voices
Makerspace
World Cinema

Session 4

Advanced Coding
Conscious Craft Market
Culture and Media
International Fiction – Hidden Voices
London Walks
Natural History
Vitality

Session 3 & Session 4

School Show (Actors and Off Stage Direction)

Past Explorations at Halcyon

Our Explorations offerings change slightly on a year-by-year basis, dependent on student demand and availability. We will be able to bring back some of our previous Exploration options in the future.

Past Explorations at Halcyon

– Debate
– Cross Country
– Electronic Music Production
– Future Entrepreneurs
– Sculpture
– Golf
– Baseline
– Track and Field Sports
– App Maker
– Social Media Management
– Football
– Graphic Novel
– Astronomy
– Coding
– Design
– Alternative Realities
– Archaeology
– Cyber Security
– Baking
– Flamenco
– Ice Skating
– Design your own board game
– Spin
– Cupcake Decorating
– Building Wearable Technology

– Forensics
– Bikeability
– Laboratory Science
– Track and Field
– Woodwork
– Yoga
– Swimming
– Basketball
– EcoSummit
– Mindfulness
– Photography
– Creative Writing
– Political Ideologies
– Handball
– Book binding
– Art studio
– Linguistics
– Speed Cubing (Rubix Cube)
– Podcasting
– Introduction to world religion
– Human rights
Where In The World Is That?
– Eco-psychology
– Playwriting
– Cricket
– Makerspace
– Research
– Rock Climbing
– Trashion
– Film
– Bikeability

Explorations at Halcyon

School Show
App Maker
Forensics
Robotics
Lab Science
Cross Country