Future Preparation Week: Looking Ahead with Purpose

Grade 11 students at UWC Thailand recently took part in Future Preparation Week—a dedicated time to deepen their academic engagement and prepare for the year ahead. The week brought together three important elements of their learning journey: Extended Essay (EE) development, Project Week presentations, and the Collaborative Sciences Project (CSP).

Each component offered students the chance to build momentum, reflect on their progress, and connect their classroom learning with practical, real-world experiences.

Throughout the week, students focused on refining their Extended Essay topics, conducting research, and consulting with supervisors—making meaningful progress on this key part of the IB Diploma Programme.

They also presented their Project Week experiences to both peers and grade 10 students, sharing what they learned through self-directed service or learning journeys. These presentations sparked ideas and inspiration for the upcoming cohort and reinforced the value of reflection and student agency.

Midweek, attention turned to the Collaborative Sciences Project, where students explored the processes involved in rubber manufacturing. A visit to a local factory provided a firsthand look at how rubber is produced using both traditional and modern techniques. The following day, students took part in a structured laboratory session, simulating key stages of the rubber-making process—from raw material selection to moulding and treatment. The experience offered a deeper understanding of the complexities behind industrial production and the many factors that influence how materials are sourced and transformed.

Reflecting on the experience, Rohini Salaskar, UWC Thailand Subject Area Learning Leader – Science and Design & Technology, shared:

“This project helped students see science through a broader lens & beyond the lab—It was an exploration of systems thinking, ethical considerations, and real-world impact. They saw how industrial practices can change if sustainability is truly prioritised.”

Future Preparation Week gave students time and space to reflect, explore, and move forward with greater clarity. With new insights and shared experiences behind them, they are now better equipped to step into their final year of the IB Diploma Programme.

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