Criterion Christmas

MYP1 and MYP2 have been helping prepare for a great Christmas this year using their Criterion A research work in MYP Digital Design.

Since week 44, MYP1 students have been brightening up our increasingly isolated lives by seeking a range of perspectives from multiple and varied sources. They have collected and analysed data to make informed decisions on paper folding techniques: origami, decoupage and pop- up mechanics in an attempt to bring back the vanishing art of greeting cards.

 They have also been digging deep into the subject of loneliness and have found that some people can often be quite happy spending time by themselves too- as long as it’s a personal choice. Mountaineers and monks quite often spend challenging times alone and find themselves all the better for it.

Now, what better time to put their paper crafting skills to use than at Christmas? MYP1 spent an intensive two weeks using the popular school Design workstations to create some original designs for Christmas decorations and clever pop-up cards (ATL: Thinking, transfer skills). By the time they had finished, the design room was looking very festive indeed (and there were a few smiling teachers too). As an encore, the designs were displayed in the School lunchrooms during the Christmas lunch, bringing good cheer to all the students!

Meanwhile, MYP2 have been researching menu designs for their Criterion A (Investigating and analysing). We have been looking at various design styles and schools. In particular, we have been looking at two extreme examples: the orderly and easy Bauhaus school compared to the zany and challenging work of Push Pin Studios.

It’s been very interesting to find out why restaurants put information in the paces that they do. 

Did you know: the top right-hand corner of a menu is known as the ‘hot spot’? That’s where customers tend to look first and where wise restaurants locate their biggest selling dishes for maximum exposure.

As a short side challenge, MYP2 were given the task of working as a group to promote the school’s annual Christmas menu (ATL- Organisation skills: planning assignments, meeting deadlines, achieving goals. ATL- Collaboration: help others succeed, exercise leadership, take on roles within groups, take on responsibility). 

Using their Digital Design skills to implement a Supplementary Design campaign, the MYP2s were able to cast a newer and even more elegant light on the school’s Christmas dining experience. They then juxtaposed their own designs with the main competition ( a sandwich from the local supermarket ) to create a set of ideas which were eye catching and thoughtful.

As a nice finale to their marketing campaign, the students gave the school Christmas lunch a Service as Action boost by turning up to arrange the Christmas tableware and serve festive drinks for hungry PYP and thirsty MYP diners (who were enjoying the smart MYP1 decorative ambience at the same time.)

These recent activities have allowed the students to embed the ATL skills they have learned through inquiry, by applying them in a realistic and practical context. 

We will be continuing with the units in the new year and we are looking forward to the students building on their skills to produce some excellent new ideas and final products for Criterion B (Developing Ideas) and Criterion C (Creating the Solution).

Merry Xmas MYP1 and MYP2, you have worked very well with your research this term and put it to some good festive use. Enjoy your holidays, you’ve earned them!