Celebrating Learning in the High School’s PRAXIS Program

Thirty-eight Grade 9 PRAXIS students gathered at the Robert B. Gaw Theatre in August, eager to present at their first Blueprint .5 learning celebration in front of their peers and teachers. This was the first of the learning celebrations, which are part of the one-year PRAXIS program available to Grade 9 students at High School in ISKL.

For students just starting High School, Grade 9 offers two unique learning pathways. They can opt for the traditional model where each subject is taught on a stand alone basis or PRAXIS, an innovative, interdisciplinary program that uses a problem-based learning approach within a smaller, collaborative community. Regardless of which path they choose, all Grade 9 students are well-prepared for the challenges of Grade 10 and beyond.

So what is a PRAXIS learning celebration all about? High School PRAXIS Coordinator and English teacher Ryan Murfield explains, “Celebrations of learning are all about giving students the opportunity to present what they have learned to an audience. Each PRAXIS "Blueprint" (teacher-guided project modules) starts with a complex, real-world question from the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals and the Fourth Industrial Revolution (World Economic Forum) that students explore over six to eight weeks to complete. This is an opportunity for them to present how their learning in each PRAXIS subject (English, Science, World Studies, and Art) has helped them find an answer to the question or a solution to the problem.” 

Throughout the Grade 9 year, PRAXIS students participate in four Learning Celebrations. The first event is a mini-celebration for Blueprint .5. The second celebration, for Blueprint 1, is scheduled for November, with parents invited to attend. The third and fourth will take place later in March and June in Semester 2, providing ongoing opportunities for students to showcase their learning.

Murifield shares further on how the celebration is the students' chance to present their findings and solutions to an audience of peers, teachers, parents, and administrators. “It's a key part of the program, designed to highlight the interdisciplinary nature of their learning.” During the learning celebrations, students lead as presenters and get a chance to practice their public speaking skills while highlighting their solutions to assigned projects. For example, in a blueprint on sustainable cities, students examined urban planning challenges and each group proposed specific strategies to integrate environmentally friendly infrastructure, such as green spaces and renewable energy sources. In another project, students created multimedia case studies by analyzing the concept of truth in media, closely examining the credibility of various news sources, and considering ethical implications. Some students also developed eco-friendly products, conducting their own market research among High School peers and building working prototypes.

Murfield reflected on a notable PRAXIS blueprint project last year, in which students partnered with ISKL’s Community Service Partner, Greater Action, a local organization that supports Afghan refugee women through textile work. PRAXIS students investigated current trends in sustainable products and visited Greater Action to learn firsthand about textile production processes. “They assessed the environmental impact of available materials and then used their findings to design practical items, such as reusable bags and accessories. Prototypes were created and tested with peers for feedback on function and appeal. Students then presented marketing pitches to Greater Action representatives, explaining the usefulness, attractiveness, and ease of production of their products. Selected student designs proceeded to actual production, demonstrating real-world problem-solving and community engagement,” he adds.

Reshmaa ML (’29) and Hridya B. (’29) are two students in a team of four who presented a blueprint on responsible production and consumption during the first PRAXIS mini learning celebration in August this year. “Fast fashion is harming the environment. We hope our presentation encouraged students to question themselves on the topic: Is harming our planet really worth buying more clothing? By informing others, we aim to encourage responsible choices.”

Asked about her overall project experience, Hridya said, “My favorite part was collaborating with my team, especially when we were cramming, memorizing, and trying to get everything to go right. That was one of my very favorite parts as we all worked together. Even though a lot of us had a lot of differences or are coming from different backgrounds and characters, we all ended up collaborating beautifully.”

“Beyond the projects and presentations, there's a 'little bit of magic' that happens during each celebration. The live audience raises the stakes, encouraging students to be more creative and innovative with their presentations. It's a fantastic opportunity for the community to see firsthand the incredible work students are doing in the PRAXIS program,” shares Murfield.

Ready to find out more about PRAXIS? Read up on our PRAXIS Program guide to explore our curriculum and experience how ISKL’s PRAXIS program inspires innovation and leadership.