A Celebration of Learning: IBDP Cohort 1 TOK Exhibition and Sharing

On July 6, Cohort 1 students of the Diploma Programme (DP) organized a two-part event called Celebration of Learning Exhibition, which highlighted their Theory of Knowledge (TOK) presentations and notable outputs from DP subject groups.

A comprehensive look at DP

Bringing together parents, and Cohort 2 students as the audience of the event, the Celebration of Learning Exhibition mainly aimed to introduce DP to the new batch of the program: DP Cohort 2. Delivering the opening remarks, Cohort 1 President Caeley Laco shared her experiences about DP, stating that DP definitely changes its students for the better, for it drives them to persevere through challenging and complex processes.

An introduction to Theory of Knowledge followed through the presentation of Audrey Wong. Culminating the TOK subject, each Cohort 1 student also presented their work. The students presented three objects and their connection to the given prompt, which showed the very essence of TOK: developing students’ ability to connect epistemology to everyday life.

Following the TOK exhibition, Cohort 1 students proceeded to their respective subject group booths: Language & Literature, Language Acquisition, Individuals & Societies, Sciences, Mathematics, the Arts, Extended Essay, TOK, and Creativity, Activity, Service. In each booth, they featured their projects, presentations, assessments, and personal anecdotes. This allowed parents and Cohort 2 students to get a comprehensive look at the DP subjects.

A few Cohort 2 students expressed their thoughts about the exhibit. Luke Eron Sim referred to the exhibition as a “reflective, engaging way to introduce students to what they should expect in the IB.” Inigo De Guzman, meanwhile, mentioned that the event clarified his questions about DP, helping him understand the rigors of the program.

Success beyond the showcase

The organizers of the exhibition deemed the event successful. Cohort 1 President Laco shared that the Cohort 2 students were really engaged, and she was pleased to satisfy their curiosity.

“I believe that the Celebration of Learning was a success. I think it really helped them decide on their subjects and prepare themselves for this program. They were quite curious about many things, but I was glad our class could give them advice,” Laco said.

Several of DP teachers and mentors expressed their delight at the success of the event. DP Consultant Mr. Roman Gania shared some words of encouragement with Cohort 1 students.

“We’re all so proud of you. You’ve all grown to be so articulate and have improved so much,” Mr. Gania said.

DP Mathematics Teacher Mr. Manuel Kotah also remarked that the exhibition not only laid out the expectations of DP, but it also inspired them to leave the program with a sense of fulfillment. In a separate interview, DP Cohort 1 Adviser Mr. Layton Tee also expressed how proud he was of the students.

“I felt that the Cohort 1 students took ownership of their work and also had pride in their work because they really did everything there,” Mr. Tee said.

Beyond the success of this one-day event, Cohort 1 students realized that the Celebration of Learning Exhibition is more than displaying their outputs because it has also allowed them to continually develop their skills.