Math and PE, English and Music… can you imagine them combined? Well, the students of OYIS can. For one week each year, teachers of different subjects come together and combine their skills, knowledge, and expertise to give students what is called: IDU Week.

IDU, which stands for Interdisciplinary Unit, allows students to combine their learning content from two or more subjects to create a fun and creative product.

So what did students do for IDU week this year?

The Grade 7s were exploring a combination of design and science to learn about, creating a cardboard boat that can float. They were not only focusing on the technical aspects of designing a boat, but also investigated climate change and how it makes living in certain places challenging. Ms. Fawcett, the Design teacher, explained how the Grade 7 students were blending “two subjects together into something meaningful” by “creating an informational pamphlet.” The grade 7s’ project sounds both informational and exciting!

While the G7s were inquiring into natural disasters and building a cardboard boat, the G8s tackled a more local issue. They were exploring mindfulness and well-being in the OYIS community. The G8s combined PE, math, and art to create a shared space outside of the gym that enables students to relax while they focus on their personal tasks. The G8s took on the roles of interior designers, artists, mathematicians, and lifestyle coaches to work collaboratively on a creative project that will benefit the school. Lio from grade 8 said that even with the hectic COVID-19 schedule, “teachers worked hard” to give students an exciting IDU week.

In a world where G9 students explore genetic technology and its impact, they create a product that combines skills and content from Individuals & Societies and Science. Have you ever heard of the phrase, "In a world"? It's a common trope created by Don LaFontaine that was used to introduce movie trailers. Their final product is a techno-thriller based movie trailer, book jacket, or excerpt that explains the possible effects of genetic technology on societies. The G9 students really enjoyed their IDU project. “IDU is really fun”, says Anna from G9. She also comments on how they “got to learn about really cool” topics.

The G10s also learnt about issues in society by investigating how we can inspire social change through music and language. “Through this unit, students can talk and express their opinions on issues and concerns they are passionate about,” said Mr. Jocic, the MYP and DP music teacher. The G10s created a bilingual protest song that addresses their chosen issue by combining, English, Japanese, and music.

Students’ IDU week projects are beneficial to their current skills and their futures. Learning about a topic through multiple disciplines gives students a unique perspective on issues that we often see in our community and the world. Think about it: how often do we use only ONE skill in the real world? Everyday challenges and worldwide issues require us to use our synthesis and lateral thinking skills. Overall, IDU week is a great opportunity for students to take a break from regular classes and prepare for the real world, and I'm sure we are all excited to see the incredible projects that we students have created.