SES Blog

Challenging Our Brains at Surabaya European School

In the bright and dynamic classrooms of Surabaya European School (SES), learning often takes unexpected and playful forms. Recently, students embarked on a series of activities under the theme Challenging Our Brains. What may look like simple games with colourful blocks and chopsticks actually carried deeper lessons in resilience, focus, and collaboration — all of which are at the heart of the International Primary Curriculum (IPC) approach to learning.

These challenges were not just about building towers or moving tiny cubes. They were about nurturing life skills that help students grow into confident, adaptable, and reflective learners. Each task encouraged students to engage their minds, practise patience, and support one another, showing how fun and meaningful learning can be.

A Well-Rounded Approach to Learning Through Challenges

The activities were carefully designed to develop a broad range of skills and personal goals:

  • Problem-Solving and Creativity: Building tall, steady towers from colourful cubes pushed pupils to think critically, experiment, and find creative solutions to balance and stability.

  • Focus and Perseverance: Using chopsticks to pick up small blocks tested fine motor skills and demanded concentration, control, and determination — important qualities for success in any subject.

  • Collaboration and Communication: Working alongside classmates gave pupils the chance to share strategies, encourage one another, and celebrate teamwork.

  • Resilience and Confidence: Each challenge reminded students that mistakes and setbacks are part of learning, helping students build the confidence to try again.

More Than Just Games: Living the IPC Personal Goals

The International Primary Curriculum highlights personal goals such as enquiry, adaptability, cooperation, respect, and resilience. These playful challenges were a clear reflection of those values in action. Students didn’t just complete activities — they embodied the IPC approach by asking questions, adapting strategies, cooperating with peers, and showing respect for one another’s efforts.

Through these experiences, SES students discovered that every challenge, big or small, is an opportunity to grow. They learned that success is not only about the end result but also about the journey of problem-solving, persistence, and teamwork.

Growing Beyond the Classroom

While these activities took place inside the classroom, the lessons stretched far beyond it. By challenging their brains in fun and engaging ways, SES students developed essential life skills that will guide them through future academic tasks and real-world challenges alike.

At Surabaya European School, Challenging Our Brains is more than a set of activities. It is a reminder of the school’s commitment to holistic education, where learning is active, values-driven, and always connected to the wider world. Through this approach, SES continues to empower its students to become reflective, resilient, and internationally minded students — ready to embrace challenges with confidence and creativity.

 

Exploring the Brain through Model Neurons

Surabaya, Indonesia – At Surabaya European School, we believe that meaningful learning begins when students are actively engaged in exploring the world around them. As part of the Brainwave unit, our students recently had the opportunity to investigate one of the most fascinating parts of the human body, the brain. This unit encouraged students to think about how their brains work, how they learn, and how they can become better learners.

Learning about Neurons

To deepen their understanding, students were introduced to the structure and function of neurons, the tiny cells responsible for transmitting messages throughout the body. Through interactive discussions and visual diagrams, they learned about important parts such as dendrites, axons, the nucleus, and synapses. These scientific terms, which could easily feel abstract, were brought to life in an engaging and practical way.

Hands-on Modelling

One of the highlights of the lesson was a hands-on activity where students constructed their own model neurons. By labelling each part carefully and comparing their models to diagrams on the whiteboard, students gained a more concrete grasp of how neurons work. The activity was not just about memorising scientific vocabulary—it was about applying knowledge creatively and learning through making.

Connection to the International Primary Curriculum

This approach reflects the philosophy of the International Primary Curriculum (IPC), which combines subject learning with the development of personal skills. In this activity, students practised enquiry by asking questions about how the brain functions, showed resilience when assembling their models, and demonstrated cooperation as they worked alongside their peers. The IPC encourages students to make links across subjects—in this case, combining science, creativity, and personal growth into one meaningful experience.

Personal Learning Goals

Through the Brainwave unit, students also reflected on how their brains help them learn and how they can become more effective learners. This activity supported the IPC’s personal learning goals, such as adaptability, inquiry, respect, communication, and thoughtfulness. By exploring how neurons connect, students began to see parallels in how people connect and learn from one another in their daily lives.

At SES, we strive to create learning experiences that go beyond the classroom. By building model neurons, our students were not only introduced to key scientific ideas but also inspired to think about the power of the human brain and the endless possibilities of learning. This experience highlights how, through the IPC, students are empowered to become curious, reflective, and confident students ready to take on challenges with creativity and enthusiasm.