The Interdisciplinary Unit (IDU) is a component of the International Baccalaureate Middle Years Programme (MYP), which encourages pupils to make practical connections between their studies and the real world.
The project – which incorporated a trip earlier this year to some of the World War I battlefields of northern France – aimed to explore practical ways of supporting wounded soldiers.
During the Interdisciplinary Unit day, pupils designed a range of devices that could be used to support the injured, including splints, stretchers, and medical bags.
Mr Evan Bett, MYP IDU Coordinator, praised the pupils’ efforts, saying: “It’s been amazing to see the pupils take what they’ve learned in different subjects and apply it to a real-world problem.
“Their designs show a real understanding of the needs of injured soldiers and the challenges they face.”
Mr Dmitriy Ashton, IB MYP Coordinator, was equally impressed with the pupils’ work, adding: “The designs the pupils have come up with are both practical and innovative.
“They show a real understanding of the materials and tools available, as well as a deep empathy for the needs of the injured. I’m proud of what they’ve accomplished.”
The Form 3 IDU project is part of Oakham School’s commitment to providing a holistic education, combining academic rigor with real-world problem-solving skills.
By bringing together different subject areas, the aim is to equip pupils with the skills and knowledge they need to make a positive impact in the world.
One pupil involved in the project explained: “It was great to explore our topic in different subjects and see how everything we learned came together. I feel like I’ve gained a lot of skills that will be useful in the future.”
