Discovery Week 2025 Trips: Learning Beyond the Classroom

At the International School of Bologna, learning does not stop at the classroom door. Each September, our students embark on Discovery Week, an integral part of our educational journey designed to promote curiosity, resilience, and collaboration through authentic, hands-on experiences. This year, our MYP and DP students set off to three extraordinary destinations — Umbria, Piemonte, and Ljubljana — each trip carefully planned to align with the developmental stage of our learners and the aims of the International Baccalaureate (IB) programme.

International School of Bologna Grade 9-10 students

Discovery Week in Umbria – MYP Grades 6–8

For our younger MYP students, Discovery Week in the scenic region of Umbria was all about adventure and teamwork. Across four action-packed days, students pushed themselves outside their comfort zones, engaging in activities such as wall climbing, archery, and even crafting their own arrows. These challenges were not only physical but also opportunities to build self-confidence and perseverance. Games and a thrilling escape room required collaboration and problem-solving, reminding students that success often comes through teamwork rather than individual effort. The week concluded with a lively Hawaiian night, a joyful celebration of friendship, belonging, and new shared memories. In true IB spirit, students learned that risk-taking, creativity, and open-mindedness can turn challenges into opportunities for growth.

Discovery Week in Piemonte – MYP Grades 9–10

For Grades 9 and 10, the mountains of Santuario di Oropa in Piemonte offered a different kind of learning environment: nature as both teacher and classroom. Hiking to a pristine alpine lake, constructing their own shelters, and testing their courage on high ropes and zipline courses gave students the chance to discover the power of resilience, resourcefulness, and trust. Orienteering activities sharpened critical thinking and decision-making, while shared meals — including those prepared by renowned chef Marco — highlighted the social and cultural dimension of learning. Beyond the thrill of outdoor adventure, this experience strengthened bonds within the group, laying the foundation for a cooperative and supportive year ahead. In line with the IB’s focus on holistic education, these activities nurtured not only physical and intellectual growth but also emotional and social development.

Discovery Week in Ljubljana – DP Grade 11

For our Grade 11 students, Discovery Week in Ljubljana, Slovenia, was a meaningful introduction to the Creativity, Activity, Service (CAS) component of the IB Diploma Programme. This trip blended cultural immersion with a focus on sustainability, encouraging students to think globally and act responsibly. Highlights included visiting the local university and botanical gardens, where students explored innovative sustainable practices. Hands-on workshops allowed them to repurpose recyclable materials into new creations, giving concrete expression to abstract concepts of environmental stewardship. Exploring Ljubljana’s vibrant cityscape also fostered intercultural understanding, an essential IB learner attribute. Most importantly, students returned with a renewed sense of purpose, ready to integrate what they learned into their CAS projects and daily school life.

Learning That Lasts

Discovery Week is more than a trip; it is an educational journey of the mind, body, and heart. Whether navigating an escape room in Umbria, building shelters in Piemonte, or exploring sustainability in Ljubljana, our students experienced learning that was adventurous, reflective, and deeply collaborative. By stepping into new environments and embracing new challenges, ISB learners developed the skills, values, and friendships that will support them throughout their academic journey and beyond. Discovery Week continues to remind us all that the most powerful lessons are often those learned outside the classroom.