SES Blog

A hands-on learning journey that connects classroom knowledge with cultural experience through the lens of the International Primary Curriculum

This term, students from Surabaya European School took their learning beyond the classroom on an unforgettable field trip to Yogyakarta—a city rich with history, culture, and artistic tradition. The trip was thoughtfully designed to align with the learning goals of the International Primary Curriculum (IPC), encouraging students to grow not only in knowledge, but also in personal development, global awareness, and intercultural understanding.

One of the highlights of the trip was a visit to the iconic Borobudur Temple, the largest Buddhist monument in the world. Standing among the ancient stupas, students engaged in discussions about world religions, symbolism in art and architecture, and the ways in which civilisations have preserved their beliefs across time. As part of the IPC’s History and Society strands, this moment allowed students to connect the past to the present while developing respect for cultural heritage.

The learning continued as students took part in a hands-on batik workshop, where they practised the traditional technique of wax-resist dyeing on fabric. Dressed in casual clothes and gathered around a shared workspace, they used canting tools to carefully trace patterns—an activity that developed both patience and precision. This directly supports the IPC’s focus on Art and Design, as well as Technology, giving students the opportunity to learn about materials, processes, and cultural context through doing.

Equally important was the development of personal learning goals such as resilience, cooperation, and thoughtfulness. As students navigated group tasks, tried new things, and reflected on their surroundings, they demonstrated growth in self-awareness and empathy. These traits are essential to IPC’s Personal Goals and are nurtured most effectively in real-world contexts like this.

Moreover, by being immersed in another region of their own country, students cultivated a sense of international mindedness—one of the key pillars of IPC. They came to understand that being globally aware doesn’t always require going abroad; it also means appreciating the diversity, complexity, and beauty within their own nation. Observing different languages, customs, and crafts helped them appreciate how local traditions form part of a broader human story.

The trip to Yogyakarta exemplified the SES commitment to holistic, inquiry-based learning. It was a celebration of curiosity, connection, and courage—values that the school and IPC share deeply. More than just a school trip, it was a transformative experience that made learning meaningful, memorable, and truly alive.

As the students returned to Surabaya, they didn’t just bring back souvenirs, but also questions, reflections, and a deeper understanding of the world and their place within it.