MYP Co-Curricular

Ahmed Moeed Yusuf - 2nd Place in the 34th Inter-school Chess Championship

Field trip to Green fields

The 1st National Junior Ranking Archery Championship 2023

IBDP & MYP at the iFEST'23

Inter-house Throwball Tournament

TRASH TO TRIUMPH - Sport of Picking up Garbage or Marine Litter - SPOGOMI

INQUIRY IN THE IDU

Celebrating the Incredible Constant - Pi !!!

Celebrating the 'Spirit of Punjab'

MEET & GREET with the IB World School Senior Manager from IBAP, Singapore

INSET : Making INQUIRY visible in IB

4th International Collaboration of Extended Essay

WELCOME TO THE MAD LAB!

Visual Arts Unit on Prehistoric Art

The phantom Tollbooth

AN IMMERSIVE JOURNEY THROUGH TIME

Celebrating Allama Mohammad Iqbal,"Hakeem-ul-Ummat"

A Yummy Science Summative !

BAKE SALE

The Mind & Matter
At the Junction of History, Art & Science

The International Day of Democracy

International Literacy Day Celebrations

NATIONAL DEFENCE DAY

Indepence Day Music Video by Meenal Kashif for National Music Academy!

GOLD and a BRONZE at the International OWLYPIA Global Virtual Round 2022!

Getting to Know IB MYP

CONGRATULATIONS - IB MYP eAssessments result 2022.

FINAL - Owlypia Global Round Summer Challenge in Boston, USA.

Newsletter

Newsletter Jan-Jun 2022

Class of 2022 Celebrations

DP II Farewell and MYP V Good Luck Party

International OWLYPIA Global Competition 2022

International OWLYPIA Global Competition 2022

International OWLYPIA Global Competition 2022

English Language and Literature

BLESSINGS IN A BOX

WEVOI NATIONAL!

The Spirit of Pakistan Day

Marching into Spring

Punjab Cultural Day Celebrations

Celebrating International WOMEN'S Day

Celebrating International Mother Language Day

International Kangaroo Linguistics Competition 2021

BACK to SCHOOL - 2022

Newsletter

Newsletter Aug - Dec 2021

MYP & DP trip to 'Gurdwara Darbar Sahib Kartarpur'

WE RISE BY LIFTING OTHERS - LAI MYP CELEBRATES EMPATHY WEEK

AN ODE TO - ALLAMA IQBAL

Reading Week & Character Parade

MINI SPORTS GALA

Sciences in collaboration with PHE : Summative Display : Meal Plans

LAI MYP II students worked as dieticians and developed one day meal plans in their Sciences. Very creatively, and with much ingenuity these meals in plates were created in 3D for the summative display. The meal plan was based on the food preferences and nutritional needs of their clients, also according to their respective activity levels, lifestyles, and goals for a healthy and fit body.

Bake Sale

In order to inculcate the spirit of community service, the students of IB MYP at Learning Alliance International held a Bake Sale this weekend. The students expressed immense interest and zeal in the activity where some even went a step ahead and baked healthy food items themselves to be put up for sale. The MYP Bake Sale was a Student Led Initiative to help them be more aware of their social responsibility. All proceeds from the Bake Sale, in collaboration with the IBDP Community Action Service (CAS), will be contributed to LAI Rizq Chapter.

The Scientist's Environment

Scientists carry out their investigations in a special environment: The Laboratory! During this week, MYP I visited the LAI school lab amidst a lot of excitement. The young learners examined the equipment and apparatus required to perform and conduct experiments. The ATL skill practised during this activity was 'Critical Thinking' with a specific strand of 'practice observing carefully in order to recognise problems'.

International Day for the Preservation of the Ozone layer.

The Ozone layer, a fragile shield of gas, protects the Earth from the harmful portion of the rays of the sun, thus helping preserve life on the planet. On September 16, 1987, the United Nations and 45 other countries signed the Montreal Protocol, on substances that deplete the Ozone layer. Every year, this day is celebrated as the International Day for the Preservation of the Ozone layer.
The LAI MYP students learned about the history and significance of the day in their science lessons, they observed and celebrated the day by talking about various ways to protect the ozone layer from the use of controlled and ozone depleting substances, so that human and other life forms can continue to exist and flourish for current and future generations that inhabit Mother Earth. They also had discussions on how to contribute significantly to united global efforts to address climate change, protect human health and sustain the ecosystems for a better tomorrow.

LAI Observing 73rd death anniversary of Quaid-e-Azam

The 73rd death anniversary of the father of the nation, Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah, who gave the Muslims of South Asia a separate country on the basis of Two Nation Ideology, is being observed today.
Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah is counted among people who have achieved prominence owing to their struggles and accomplishments.
Students of LAI IBDP engaged in a discussion regarding the importance of freedom, human rights and the significance of a seperate nation. The MYP students, in their INS class discussed the challenges and problems people of Pakistan face today; and how to make it a prosperous country by following Quaid’s principles. In Language Acquisition - URDU, The MYP I wrote an essay on 'Mera Pyara Pakistan, and had conversations about the struggles of making an Independent State by Jinnah."
A moment of silence was observed as tribute to the "Founder of the Nation". People from different walks of life visit the Quaid’s mausoleum in Karachi to offer Fateha and lay floral wreaths on his grave.

Newsletter

Newsletter - Jan - June 2021

Art for Change – 7th International Child Art Competition & Exhibition 
The theme for Art for Change – 7th International Child Art Competition & Exhibition was "Local & World Heritage”.
World Heritage is the shared wealth of humankind. Protecting and preserving this valuable asset demands the collective efforts of any community. IB PYP & MYP students of Learning Alliance International, made artworks expressing their creativity about local and world heritage sites. They learned about their communities, cities and countries in the Visual Arts class and submitted their artwork for the competition. Multiple entries were sent in by LAI students but some mention worth accolades received are :
Syed Bahadur Ali of PYP IV won the 3rd Prize in the Category II ( 7-9 year )
Naymet Qamar of PYP IV won the Special Mention Badge
Rahaymah Azam Hafeez of MYP IV is the exhibition Runner Up
but most of all, the selected artworks will be exhibited in multiple exhibitions across Pakistan and internationally.

 

Spreading Smiles

Nashmia Malik MYP V, Huda Malik MYP II, Anabia Malik PYP II of Learning Alliance International are volunteering for the SPREADING SMILES initiative this RAMAZAN. They are a part of this initiative every year to make Eid enjoyable and Special for Children at Orphanages. 

 

Celebrating International Day of Human Space Flight

On 4 October 1957 the first human-made Earth satellite Sputnik I was launched into outer space, thus opening the way for space exploration. On 12 April 1961, Yuri Gagarin became the first human to orbit the Earth, opening a new chapter of human endeavour in outer space.
The MYP students learned about the amazing history of human presence in outer space and the remarkable achievements since the first human spaceflight. They discussed in detail in particular Valentina Tereshkova becoming the first woman to orbit the Earth on 16 June 1963, Neil Armstrong becoming the first human to set foot upon the surface of the Moon on 20 July 1969, and the docking of the Apollo and Soyuz spacecrafts on 17 July 1975. The past decade humanity has maintained a multinational permanent human presence in outer space aboard the International Space Station also.

COLOUR AND EMOTION - A study in MYP Visual Arts Class

The students of MYP II in their Visual Arts class explored connections between Colour and Emotions. Study has revealed that colours can evoke an array of emotions when used in an artwork. Warm colors – such as red, yellow and orange – may spark a variety of emotions ranging from comfort and warmth to anger and drama. Cool colors – such as green, blue and purple – often induce feelings of calmness as well as sadness.
The students made analysis of prominent paintings of the masters from the past, and attempted to decode the emotions or mood that the artist wanted to create.

DISTANCE LEARNING PROGRAMME

"The need for imagination, as a sense of truth, and as a feeling of responsibility -- these are the three forces which are the very nerve of education."
― Rudolf Steiner
The Distance Learning Programme at LAI resumed after Spring Break, as students excitedly returned to their classrooms ready to move on with their learning. The teachers welcomed the students with interesting plans for their Google meet sessions and the children enthusiastically told stories about the much awaited break - It was interesting to see the varied and colourful interactions between the teachers and students through the use of Jamboards, Padlets, interactive white boards and informative videos. The students enjoyed their Unit of Inquiry, Numeracy and Literacy lessons focusing on ATL skills and the activities involving Gymnastics, Public Speaking and Visual Arts. As the MYP worked on their Personal Project with their mentors, DP students planned the next phase of their learning journey after their success in securing admissions into the sought after universities around the world and PYP students pored over their PYP Exhibition plans, the first day after the resumption of DLP remained an exciting affair throughout.
Through the use of a carefully planned and coherent curriculum DLP at Learning Alliance International continues to provide an interactive and effective platform in these unusual times. This structure and planning was visible in all the classrooms today as the teachers and the learners engaged in an invigorating experience of sharing and learning about the various concepts together.

Celebrating the 23rd of March, Pakistan Day

Celebrating International Women's Day 2021

International Women's Day is a global day celebrating the social, economic, cultural and political achievements of women. The day also marks a call to action for accelerating gender parity. Significant activity is witnessed worldwide as groups come together to celebrate women's achievements or rally for women's equality.
Marked annually on March 8th, International Women's Day (IWD) is one of the most important days of the year to:
celebrate women's achievements, raise awareness about women's equality, lobby for accelerated gender parity and fundraising for female-focused charities
The campaign theme for International Women's Day this year 2021 is 'Choose To Challenge'. A challenged world is an alert world. And from challenge comes change. So let's all #ChooseToChallenge. The students of DP I and II spoke about the various situations we all need to challenge in a collective or an individual manner. They wrote speeches and shared their thoughts about the initiatives being currently taken in Pakistan for women. MYP II made a compilation of vdos to express what they feel about IWD. The younger students of PYP wrote small notes about their role models and some drew significant maternal figures in their lives.

International Day of Women and Girls in Science

In 2015, through United Nations Resolution, February 11th was established as the International Day of Women and Girls in Science, in recognition of the key role women play in the scientific and technological community.
Today, in the face of a strong social demand for the recognition of women’s rights, historically counted to an unequal relation to that of men; Gender inequality is still persistent and there is no equal access to power and decision-making positions for even the modern woman.
Learning Alliance International celebrated this day to promote full and equal access to, and participation in science for women and girls. Our students of MYP II highlighted some great women scientists in history who contributed to the World of Science. By dressing up as these prominent females, the students spoke of their wonderful impact and influence on mankind and served as inspiration for young girls to follow suit.
Ayra Shahryar hosted the show and gave a speech about the International Women’s Day in Science. Dina Saad represented Tu Youyou (Pharmaceutical Chemist), Zoya Ahmed represented Marie Curie (physicist and chemist), Eshaal Haseeb represented Katherine Johnson (Space scientist, Astrophysicist and Mathematician) and Huda Malik represented Segenet Kelemu (Molecular Plant Pathologist). A presentation was displayed with the photos of these scientists and their most important contributions.
Aiza Hussain and Eshal Ahmed presented some women scientists of Pakistan also. Despite all the challenges at multiple levels, women’s contributions to science and technology are extraordinary in our country. The significant ones are Tasneem Zehra Husain, Dr Nergis Mavalvala, Asma Zaheer, Arfa Karim, Mobina Zafar, Zartaj Waseem and Yumna Majeed.
We believe that gender equality in the field of Science and Technology along with supporting young girls should be a global concern. Their education and their full ability to make their ideas heard should be high priority for development and peace.
To conclude the whole session, a video was played about the importance of women working in the fields of science.

Newsletter

Newsletter

Inter-class Parliamentary Debates competition MYP & DP

The student Council and the CAS @ Learning Alliance International organized an Inter-class Parliamentary Debates competition, on February 9th, 2021.
Two students from each grade across the MYP and DP represented their class in the competition. The MYP and DP students presented their arguments for the given prompts with much fervor and articulation.
The following prompts were given for the MYP & DP Inter-class Parliamentary Debates Competition:The House believes that self-driving cars will make driving safer.
MYP-I (A) & MYP-I (B)
The House believes humans should fear AI (artificial intelligence).
MYP-II (A) & MYP-II (B)
The House believes that we should not expect our online activities to remain private in the digital age.
MYP-III & MYP-IV
The House believes that a bilateral solution is key to solving the Kashmir issue.
MYP-V & DP-I
The following are the winners of the MYP & DP Inter-class Parliamentary Debates competition:
MYP-I (A) vs MYP-I (B) winner : Mehak Nabil Ikram and Dina Umair
MYP-II (A) vs MYP-II (B) winner : Eshal Ahmad and Aiza Hussain
MYP-III vs MYP-IV winner : Rahaymah Azam and Afnan Shafqat
DP-I vs MYP-V winner : Riva Khan and Rahym Faisal

Newsletter

Newsletter

International Math Meet (IMM)
International Math Meet (IMM) is a worldwide math contest hosted at institutions all over the world designed for students from grade 1 – 12. IMM gives students carefully selected mathematical challenging questions and asks students to combine both their intelligence and intuition in attempting all questions. 

SOUTH ASIAN ONLINE CHESS FESTIVAL
Ahmed Moeed Yusuf of LAI MYP I secured the 3rd PLACE in the U-14 Cadet level in SOUTH ASIA at the SOUTH ASIAN ONLINE CHESS FESTIVAL on the occasion of the UNIVERSAL CHILDREN’S DAY in conjunction with the Platinum Jubilee of the UNITED NATIONS.

 

Delegate Award
We are pleased to announce that Rahaymah Azam Hafeez of IB MYP IV was granted the Outstanding Delegate Award for her leadership at the UNITED NATIONS Young Ambassadors MUN on the 22nd November 2020. United Ambassadors is a leading global education non-profit organization with a mission of building future leaders and global citizens through Model UN Education.

INTERNATIONAL DAY for TOLERANCE
“Tolerance is respect, acceptance, and appreciation of the rich diversity of our world's cultures, our forms of expression and ways of being human.”
This is the basic theme of International Tolerance Day. IB MYP II investigated the global context “personal and cultural expression" and integrated it with the unit of Masks in Visual Arts. The students explored various patterns and elements of the World's Cultures and painted their own interpretations on the masks. This exercise helped them realise the importance of tolerance in societies. Discussions were also held throughout MYP especially in the Individuals & Societies class on tolerance in communities and about ways to build stronger relations between people belonging to different nations, sects and religious beliefs. Celebrating this day all over the world aims to foster mutual understanding among cultures and people.

World Children’s Day
“Children are the world’s most valuable resource and its best hope for the future.” - John F KennedyWorld Children’s Day is celebrated on the 20th of November every year to promote international togetherness, awareness among children about their rights and improving their welfare. At LAI the day was stretched into a weeklong celebration (on campus as well as on DLP) , where the concept of Identity and the rights of the children were discussed with the PYP students .
An Art Competition was held to bring out the creativity and artistic talents among young artists, encouraging them to research, think and express themselves using the art medium of their choice. The fantastic displays of colour and unique insights into the minds of our young learners were a treat to witness , bringing forward the issues faced by children everywhere in the world.

A TRIBUTE TO IQBAL - 'POET OF THE EAST'

“The ultimate aim of the ego is not to see something, but to be something” Allama Iqbal

IB@LAI celebrated Iqbal Day on 9th November, with utmost zeal and gusto, to commemorate the life and vision of Dr. Allama Muhammad Iqbal, “Poet of the East”.
Iqbal's philosophy and vision had been discussed in class in the weeks preceding the performance and teachers as well as students were thoroughly involved in the process. Iqbal's writings especially with reference to his poems with a message for children was a favourite topic in class discussions both on campus and virtually.
During the ceremony to commemorate the poet the students recited his all time favourite poems and spoke about the poet with reference to IB learner profile attributes like "principled ", "knowledgeable" and "thinker". Discussing these attributes gave them a real life context of philosophy and ideology present in the poems of Allama Iqbal. In MYP and DP students explored the philosophy, political views and intellect of the great poet through his work and studied in depth the impact he had on shaping the identity of Muslims of the Subcontinent.
There was a Q & A session at the end to spark some interesting points of view and insights from our young learners.
The recitals, speeches and performances gave an opportunity to the students to gather on a platform and reflect upon the great influence of Allama Iqbal on the spiritual and political awakening of Muslims of the subcontinent paving the way for the birth of Islamic Republic of Pakistan.

WORLD CITIES DAY

World Food Day

In 1979, the Food and Agriculture Organization of the UN (FAO) designated 16 October as World Food Day. World Food Day promotes global awareness and action for those who suffer from hunger and ensures healthy diets for all. As countries around the world suffer the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, World Food Day launched a call for global solidarity to help the most vulnerable people to recover and make food systems more sustainable, stronger and resilient to shocks. The responsibility doesn’t only lie with the governments but also with individuals. We all have a role to play in this global cause. The theme for this year is: “Grow, nourish, sustain. Together. Our actions are our future."
The LAI MYP students observed this day with much enthusiasm, actively took part in class discussions, made presentations to educate their peers about world hunger, food wastage and sustainable systems of food production.
They also spoke about how they can be a catalyst for change in this global and regional concern.

Hybrid Learning Programme

Some glimpses of Hybrid Learning Programme in PYP @ LAI , where our students worked on strengthening their concepts in their Unit of Inquiry , Literacy, Urdu and Numeracy lessons . Our MYP students continued to work on their Design projects and enjoyed interactive Math lessons. Our learners are thoroughly enjoying their time on campus and making the most out of it in these uncertain times. Their smiles (behind the masks !) say it all .

SCHOLARSHIP AND AWARD CEREMONY 2020

What’s better than working hard towards an achievement and getting acknowledged for that hard work!!
It was in this spirit of celebrating the hard work, resilience and brilliance of our students that Learning Alliance International hosted a Scholarship and Award Ceremony for IB MYP and DP on 9th October 2020. The ceremony was attended by award/scholarship winning students and their parents.
IB Student of the year award/scholarship was given for outstanding academic achievements as well as extra curricular activities. As for the MYP assessments 2020, the students achieved a phenomenal MYP V result, where Eshaal Fatima Bashir scored a glorious 54 out of a total of 56, winning the prestigious Naim Salam Mehta Scholarship that is awarded to the highest scoring graduating MYP student each year.
At the end of the ceremony, Principal Ms Anjum S. Ahmad addressed the audience in attendance, praising the efforts of students, teachers as well as the parents for the wonderful achievements setting high standards for everyone who would follow in the footsteps of our high Achievers.

INTERNATIONAL DAY OF AWARENESS OF FOOD LOSS AND WASTE

This year students in IB observed the International Day of Awareness of Food Loss and Waste. Since this happened to fall during these unusual times, that has brought about a global wake-up on the need to transform and rethink the balance of the way our food is produced and consumed.
Reducing food losses and waste is essential in a world where the number of people affected by hunger has been slowly on the rise since 2014, and tons and tons of edible food are lost and/or wasted every day. Food loss and waste also puts unnecessary pressure on the natural resource base and on the environment, depleting the natural resource base and generating greenhouse gases. Students in PYP discussed what it meant for people in different parts of the world to go without food and what can be done to resolve the issue. MYP and DP classes had interactive sessions about the importance of creating awareness regarding the food wastage.
Observance of international days like these correspond to an important component of learning in IB to take meaningful action. For the people. For the planet.

CELEBRATING INTERNATIONAL DAY OF PEACE

Each year the International Day of Peace is observed around the world on 21 September. The UN General Assembly has declared this as a day devoted to strengthening the ideals of peace, through observing 24 hours of non-violence and cease-fire.
This year, it has been clearer than ever that we are not each other’s enemies. Rather, our common enemy is a tireless virus that threatens our health, security and very way of life. COVID-19 has thrown our world into turmoil and forcibly reminded us that what happens in one part of the planet can impact people everywhere. Learning Alliance International as an Educational Institution stands in solidarity with The United Nations in inviting all nations and people to honour a cessation of hostilities during the Day, and to otherwise commemorate the Day through education and public awareness on issues related to peace.
IB MYP & DP had talks and activities during their 'Hybrid Learning Plan' to learn and discuss how the International Day of Peace should be dedicated to fostering dialogue and collecting ideas. How we as a society need to stand together with the UN against attempts to promote discrimination or hatred. and how to celebrate this day by spreading compassion, kindness and hope in the face of the pandemic.
PYP V learnt about the International Day of Peace and why it is observed around the world on 21st of September every year.
Connecting back to their learning earlier during the UOI, the students looked at some quotes about Peace by Martin Luther King and discussed them for better understanding. PYP V also wrote their own "I Have a Dream" speeches to raise awareness about issues close to their heart in the present times. They also brainstormed ideas about peace keeping using the Jamboard.|
In Numeracy, students of PYP did numerical analysis of the text. Lesson started with the 'See-Think-Wonder' activity. Later they analyzed different texts on International Peace Day, practised the numerical information and made posters.

International Day for the Preservation of the Ozone Layer

This year, we celebrate 35 years of the Vienna Convention and the 35th anniversary of global ozone layer protection. Life on Earth would not be possible without sunlight. But the energy emanating from the sun would be too much for life on Earth to thrive were it not for the ozone layer. This stratospheric layer shields Earth from most of the sun’s harmful ultraviolet radiation. Sunlight makes life possible. The MYP III Design class made graphic posts for the Social Media to highlight this cause. This exercise was done as part of the Design Key Concept of Communication.
The phaseout of controlled uses of ozone depleting substances and the related reductions have not only helped protect the ozone layer for this and future generations, but have also contributed significantly to global efforts to address climate change; furthermore, it has protected human health and ecosystems by limiting the harmful ultraviolet radiation from reaching the Earth.
World Ozone Day, held on September 16, celebrates this achievement. It shows that collective decisions and action, guided by science, are the only way to solve major global crises. In this year of the COVID-19 pandemic that has brought such social and economic hardship, the ozone treaties’ message of working together in harmony and for the collective good is more important than ever. The slogan of the day, ‘Ozone for life’, reminds us that not only is ozone crucial for life on Earth, but that we must continue to protect the ozone layer for future generations.

Celebrating Defence Day

Defence Day is celebrated each year at Learning Alliance International to mark the historic event of 6th September 1965 when the brave Pakistani soldiers fought at enemy lines and accepted martyrdom while defending their homeland. On 6th September 1965, India attacked Pakistan and crossed the international border without prior warning.
IB MYP students commemorated this day to pay tribute to the Armed Forces of Pakistan.
The day started with a prayer for the soldiers and their families after which students watched a documentary and had a discussion on the role of 'military' and 'defence' in the sovereignty of an Independent State.
In English and Urdu lessons the students wrote motivational messages and letters to soldiers who sacrificed their lives to protect our country and the future generations of Pakistan.
In Individuals and Societies lessons they had a detailed discussion on the topic of war and the importance of a homeland.
In their Art and Design lessons they created illustrations based on Defence Day.
The students made a promise to protect their homeland and stay loyal to their work and country.

DLP - Middle Years Programme

Middle Years Programme with its range of various concepts brings together an interesting array of ideas and thought processes, which is surely refreshing to witness across different grade levels in these interesting times. This week the virtual classrooms in the MYP were abuzz with the discussions on Sustainability, Extreme Weather & Natural Disasters especially in context of the current state of affairs in the country. Students learned about how to manage and overcome such situations and the factors influencing socio-economic development of countries. In Individual and Societies, students talked about World Change Makers; qualities of great leaders and their struggle to propagate peace in today’s world. Mathematics revolved around Algebra and simultaneous equations. The MYP V Visual Art working on their e portfolios made sketches and doodles for the six Global Contexts in their process journals. All this was conducted as the very first step in familiarizing the MYP V with what to expect with the partially filled unit planner for Visual Arts this year.

Expressions of a Free MIND and COUNTRY

Freedom stands for something greater than just the right to act however one might choose - it also stands for an equal opportunity of life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.
Learning Alliance International has been celebrating Independence with great enthusiasm and fervor throughout the past years. This year for 14th August the students of IB MYP were asked to create art work and write about what Freedom means to them .
In Language Acquisition
the students wrote about Pakistan and our leaders, past and present. They also expressed opinions about what it means to be independent and the importance of a Sovereign State and freedom.
Students shared their write-ups and also took pictures of their work.

Expressions of a Free MIND and COUNTRY

Freedom stands for something greater than just the right to act however one might choose - it also stands for an equal opportunity of life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.
Learning Alliance International has been celebrating Independence with great enthusiasm and fervor throughout the past years. This year for 14th Augustthe students of IB MYP were asked to create art work and write about what Freedom means to them .
In Visual Art and Design
IN MYP students expressed their thoughts with Illustrations, graphics and created fabulous art work reflective of their unique insight about the evolving society.

Expressions of a Free MIND and COUNTRY

Freedom stands for something greater than just the right to act however one might choose - it also stands for an equal opportunity of life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.
Learning Alliance International has been celebrating Independence with great enthusiasm and fervor throughout the past years. This year for 14th Augustthe students of IB MYP were asked to create art work and write about what Freedom means to them .
For Individuals and Societies
IB MYP students wrote Statements on Pakistan in relation to its importance in the region and the challenges in that context. This also included their views on how Pakistan has survived the pandemic and how has it changed the people and our perceptions - for better or worse.

14th AUGUST - CELEBRATING PAKISTAN

73 years ago, at the stroke of midnight on August 14, 1947, Pakistan became a self-ruling nation. "Land of the Pure" is celebrated all over the globe on this day, commemorating the efforts and the vision of the leaders and the resolve of the people. Keeping up with the traditions, green and white was the colour seen everywhere in IB @ LAI today, from the jubilant faces of our learners in PYP, with the little flags painted and waving, to the fabulous backdrops visible in our virtual classrooms. The strings of twinkling lights, balloons and little flags were hand held by our younger students while our students in MYP and DP spoke about what it means to be a Pakistani. After a celebratory start of the day with the National Anthem and recitation, there were documentaries about the magical northern areas, interactive Jamboards and exciting conversations including colourful posters and measurement of the dimensions of the flag - speaking about what Green and White stand for. The festive atmosphere was thoroughly enjoyed by the teachers and students alike and everyone had something to say about the love of their country, whether it involved virtual colourful post-its on the online forums to singing along of patriotic songs .The colors represent peace and prosperity, but to most celebrants they signify pride to be a part of a resilient and strong nation, ready to take its place in the forefront of the globe.

NEW BEGINNINGS - IB ORIENTATION & WELCOME BACK PARTY

Beginning of the school year is marked with vibrance and wonderful colours exuded by the bright and shiny welcome notes and book packs tied with ribbons and name tags. IB @ LAI (PYP, MYP & DP) had its Orientation with the students and books pack collection held on the 5th and 6th of August, where teachers met the students in a virtual class and parents collected the book packs from the school building. A virtual Welcome Back Party for all the new students in their brand new grade levels was held on 7th of August, where students and teachers after getting to know each other on Orientation Day, interacted on online platforms, playing games and having fun filled ice breaker activities. The students introduced themselves and got to know their new friends and facilitators through various ingenious games and activities designed by the Homeroom and Subject teachers. The spirits were high and the environment all around was festive, despite the unusual nature of the circumstances surrounding a very non-traditional beginning to a new school year. As the Distance Learning Programme is set to resume with its standard protocols on the 10th of August, we wish our students and the entire school community a wholesome start to a new and exciting year ahead.

 

DISTANCE LEARNING PROGRAMME @ LEARNING ALLIANCE INTERNATIONAL
WEEK 2

This week the virtual classrooms of DLP@LAI were abuzz with the discussions on Human Rights, Non Violence and Rights of the Children, in light of the World Day against Child Labour , where students looked at the various factors that push families to engage their underage children to toil under extremely hazardous circumstances, negating their right to safety and education among others. Students in PYP and MYP also talked about World Change Makers; qualities of great leaders and their struggle to propagate peace and "Ahimsa" in the world. The myriad of themes involved Patterns in Nature in Visual Art and Patterns in a Story in Literacy classrooms along with the concept of Supply, Demand and Factors influencing economic development of countries. Since the PYP is working under the transdisciplinary theme, Sharing the Planet, Conservation remains a binding concept for many class presentations and discussions.

The DLP@ LAI with its range of various concepts brings together an interesting mix of ideas, which is surely refreshing to witness across different grade levels in these interesting times.

June Distance Learning Programme Week 2

The Distance Learning Programme @ LAI is in full swing with our commitment to provide a high-quality learning experience for our students. The virtual classrooms remain a hub of scintillating interactions between our eager students and fully trained teachers. This week was about finding out the Central Idea of Poems in Urdu and Vincent Van Gogh's artistic wonders in their art classes. While our DP students discussed HL and SL courses, MYP and PYP lessons revolved around clarification of concepts involving Types of Sentences, States of Matter, Fractions and Shapes. It is indeed fantastic to witness the energy with which our young learners communicate their thoughts and ideas, trying to grasp the sense of a rapidly evolving world around them.

World Environment Day
“The greatest threat to our planet is the belief that someone else will save it.”

Robert Swan

World Environment Day is celebrated every year for environmental action on June 5, to engage governments, businesses and citizens to focus their efforts on a pressing environmental issue.

This year, the theme, biodiversity took center stage in all virtual classrooms at Learning Alliance International. Recent events, from bushfires in Brazil, the United States, and Australia to locust infestations across East Africa all the way to Pakistan – and now, a global disease pandemic were discussed by the MYP and DP students; Google meet sessions became the platform where they expressed their opinions about the ways and means to spread awareness regarding the concerns facing us as a human race.

PYP with its transdisciplinary approach, dabbled in the topic through whole numbers and decimals in Mathematics, Recycling in the Unit of Inquiry, Animal and Plants life cycle in Science, and Summarizing the where and how of Ecosystems in Literacy. Since PYP is brushing up on its concepts under the theme “Sharing the Planet”, students were already studying renewable energy and conservation in their different subject groups. The theme brought together an invigorating thought process across different grade levels, where threats to  plants, animals and even marine life were discussed. It was insightful to witness our learners gathering their thoughts and ideas together to decipher the message Nature is sending us.

DISTANCE LEARNING PROGRAMME - JUNE 2020
“When the untapped potential of a student meets the liberating art of a teacher, a miracle unfolds.”
– Mary Hatwood Futrell

The Distance Learning Programme at LAI resumed after a month long Summer Break, as students excitedly returned to their classrooms before transitioning to their next grade levels. The teachers welcomed the students with interesting plans for their Google Meet sessions and the children enthusiastically told stories about their summers - It was interesting to see the varied and colourful interactions between the teachers and students through the use of Jamboards, Padlets, interactive white boards and informative videos. The students enjoyed their Unit of Inquiry lessons focusing on ATL skills and the activities involving Gymnastics, Public Speaking and Visual Arts.

Through the use of a carefully planned and coherent curriculum DLP at Learning Alliance International continues to provide an interactive and effective platform in these unusual times. This structure and planning was visible in all the classrooms today as the teachers and the young learners engaged in an invigorating experience of sharing and learning about the various concepts together.

Newsletter

Our entire PYP, MYP and DP staff at Learning Alliance International has done an amazing job!! They made a seamless transition to remote leaning in just a couple of days!! Incredible passion, dedication and commitment!! They did not leave our IB students alone in these trying times!! Highlights of LAI Distance Learning Program: Newsletter

Distance Learning Programme

If there was ever a time in which the phrase 'taking the learning beyond the classroom' was more relatable, this is it. And if there was ever a time, where teachers went over and beyond to assist the children in learning, this has been it. While the world has come to a standstill following the COVID 19, the school closure has given our learning community an opportunity to organise and express themselves in ways that are non-traditional, challenging but certainly rewarding. IB Distance Learning Programme was put into place as a result of hard work and dedication of teachers and administration to minimise the effect of unprecedented situation affecting millions around the globe. The online curriculum was whetted, and teacher trainings took place over the course of the days during which every aspect of regular teaching in the classroom was discussed and simulated.
DLP @ Learning Alliance International (IB) was put into active practice and regular classes using online platforms were organised. The students and teachers on a virtual platform thoroughly enjoyed each other’s company and worked together to develop a seamless fluent communication with each other through Google Classrooms and Google Meet. This high-octane energy was witnessed by the parents as well who became their children's learning companions. As the weeks are progressing, we, as a school community, are joining hands together with our students and parents to become lifelong learners, even in these extraordinary times; striving to emerge, more powerful and better equipped with new skills set in a new, more resilient world, hopeful in the power of the human spirit.

NEW BEGINNINGS in IB

Students of IB@LAI commenced the new academic year with a range of engaging activities aimed at developing their mental focus and energizing and immersing them in the framework of student centered learning. Students started their first day with the usual gusto through various mindfulness and physical activities. These self-management skills in the Approaches to Learning (ATL) skill framework works on enhancing the discipline and reflection in students.
In PYP, students took a round of the PYP block, with the new students familiarizing themselves with the sights and sounds and the administrative block. Taekwondo, Gymnastics, Life Skills, Kathak, Yoga and Music lessons made learning and orientation a fun experience. The entire first week, overall, kept the students captivated with a creative introduction and recapping of IB concepts such as Learner Profile, Command terms, Key and related concepts, global contexts etc. through games such as Missing numbers and alphabets, Pictionary, Scrabble and multiple other competitive team activities, allowing students to socialize and foster healthy collaboration with each other.
In MYP there was an activity revolved around the symbolic analogy of a glass jar of water and glitter to the human mind, cluttered with thoughts. Following this, a one minute meditation routine was also conducted in selected classes. The Science classes conducted in laboratory along with activities in Yoga, Performing and Visual Arts captivated the students and made them connect their learning to real life.
Students in Diploma Programme with the subjects of their choice including but not limited to Film, Business Management, Sciences and much more, were introduced to different career pathways. An interesting activity was the Rubik’s Cube, the solution of which requires memorization and spatial reasoning skills.
Throughout the first two weeks of new academic session, the IB block was an interesting place where new learning pathways were discovered and thoroughly enjoyed by the students.

Annual Sharing of Performing Arts
‘Heidi’s Dreams'– Showcase of Work from Idea to Execution.
"Let's enjoy the beautiful things we can see, my dear, and not think about those we cannot." - Heidi

Classic tales have their magic rooted in their timelessness. Their wonder never ceases to amaze us - no matter how many times we tell and retell them.

IB Middle Years Programme I-IV showcased its Annual Play on Saturday, 1st February 2020. After weeks of planning and hard work, the students put on a fascinating adaptation of the classic 'Heidi' by Johanna Sypri. Students retold the Victorian tale by imagining the dreams of a young orphan who has been moved from mountain to mansion with no friends, no real parents and no one to talk to.

The obvious highlight of the show was the brilliant performance of our children who had worked tirelessly to make this play a success. Everything from lights, sound, costume, and backstage to media management, acting and scriptwriting was entirely led by students of MYP. The production was in collaboration with; Visual Arts for costumes, sets and props, and Design for publicity and exhibition of work.

The stage had been divided into two, where the real world was shown through a shadow screen, whereas the dream world was brought to life at the front of the stage. Heidi's vivid dreams were beautifully portrayed by the students and the shadow screen depicting the real world in the background was truly awe-inspiring.

Through the music, which was exclusively created for an IB students, the performance that focused on Plutchik's theory of emotions was top notch keeping the audience engaged till the last scene. The music was composed in 4 by 4 rhythm or "Teentaal" in eastern music, aiding mathematical thinking and developing focus in students as they were listening, counting and performing, all at the same time.

Platforms like these provide a safe place for students to be themselves and help them explore relationships and develop compassion amongst other things. Through this performance, the students of MYP I-IV worked together on building their skills of teamwork and uplifting each other's confidence. This show proved to be an inspiring experience for both students and the audience.

International Earth Day

International Earth Day is observed globally each year on the 22nd of April; however, the Earth Day 2020 is no more the same what it has been over the past so many years!! Now, it is a time to hold hands digitally with people all around the globe and rise up in a united call for the creativity, innovation, ambition, and bravery that we need, to meet our climate crisis and seize the enormous opportunities of a zero-carbon future.
Learning Alliance International along with its students and teachers celebrated the Earth Day 2020, with an unusual zeal and vigour. In their DLP Literacy class, they reviewed their concept of Figurative Language while talking about how they can help protect and care for our planet. In their Numeracy online class, the concept of Recycling was revisited during the problem solving , whereas in Visual Art, it was about how little things can make a big difference, inspired from the story of 'The Dot'. In MYP and DP, there were discussions on the concept of environmental degradation and Citizenship along with the responsibility that comes with it. There was a unanimous agreement that Climate change represents the biggest challenge to the future of humanity and the life-support systems that make our world habitable.
It is interesting to note that learning in IB takes place on different levels of generating Inquiry, Reflection and then undertaking Action; this time around on Earth Day, the IB community at LAI, vowed to flood the digital landscape with hope, optimism and action, joining the global conversations on saving our planet.

International Women’s Day

International Women’s Day is being observed worldwide to acknowledge the outstanding contributions by women in different fields across the globe with the theme “I am Generation Equality: Realizing Women’s Rights”.
The United Nations first celebrated International Women’s Day during International Women’s Year in 1975. By 1977, the UN and its member states declared March 8 as an official day for women’s rights and world peace. In her statement for International Women’s Day, UN Women Executive Director Phumzile Mlambo-Ngcuka highlighted 2020 as the year for gender equality and calls on everyone to tackle the persistent barriers against gender equality.
“We don’t have an equal world at the moment and women are angry and concerned about the future”, she said. “They are radically impatient for change. It’s an impatience that runs deep, and it has been brewing for years”.
Just like every special occasion, IB @ LAI celebrated International Women’s Day with much fervor. To mark the day that represents both the history and the significance it has for women across generations, a panel discussion and debate on the topic was held with the MYP and DP students. The students actively participated and expressed their views on 'Gender Roles' observed in our society, the 'Aurat March' and the status of women in our religion & Pakistan; which was a treat to observe. The PYP students held interactive sessions with their homeroom teachers, making posters, watching informative videos and sharing their opinions about the most inspiring women in their life.
As today’s women stand on the shoulders of those who have fought and made sacrifices in the generations past, they likewise carry the legacy of the movement forward. Here’s to the women across industries, sectors, nations, ages and cultures, who persist tirelessly to take charge together - paving the way for future generations to come.

IB - Information Session and Teacher Training Workshops
with
Helen Barrett and Malcolm Nicolson

We, at Learning Alliance International continue to strive for excellence and provide the best quality experience for our students, parent body and faculty. In this spirit Learning Alliance held an information session conducted by seasoned educators, Ms. Helen Barrett and Mr. Malcom Nicolson, for our Learning Alliance International parent body and their guests on Thursday, 5th March 2020 from 9:00 a.m. – 10:30 a.m. in the Learning Alliance DHA Amphitheater. This was targeted towards two types of audience; our existing PYP, MYP and DP parents who wanted to know more about the scope of IB education in Pakistan and the rest of the world with special emphasis on University placements after MYP V and DP. This session also aimed to address the potential IB parent body who is in the process of deciding about their child’s future learning pathways as parents from other branches of Learning Alliance which run CAIE O and A level programmes were also invited.
Helen Barrett is the Director of On Route Education, an educational consultancy company that provides complete support to schools around the world implementing IB programmes. Helen joined the International Baccalaureate in the Hague as Head of PYP Development where she initiated and directed the successful review of the PYP. Malcolm Nicolson is the Director of Erimus Education, an educational consultancy company that also specialises in providing bespoke support for schools around the world implementing IB programmes. Malcolm started working for the IB in Cardiff and the Hague. He was Head of MYP Development from 2007 - 2013 and initiated and directed the first ever review of an IB programme, MYP: the next chapter. After successfully revising the MYP he became Head of DP Development from 2013 -2015, where he introduced DP Approaches to Teaching and Learning (ATLs).
Later on, training workshops were held for the PYP faculty by Ms Helen Barrett, and for MYP and DP faculty by Mr Malcolm Nicolson, where they worked with the PYP teachers on Assessment, Inquiry and Agency, MYP teachers on Approaches to Learning and Developing e-Portfolios & Personal Projects and DP teachers on Internal Assessments and Incorporating Approaches to Learning in the curriculum.
The day ended with both the parents and the entire International Baccalaureate faculty leaving with updated information and knowledge about the IB programme.
Continuous Professional Development is what makes the learning and teaching in IB unique from the usual way it is conducted otherwise. We believe in lifelong learning and this is manifested through the carefully orchestrated Master Training Sessions which prove to have great takeaways for everyone.

Sustainabili-tree Project

Communities play an important role in highlighting the issue of environment and sustainability and learning institutions have the power to champion this cause based on their interaction with the future citizens of the world.
Learning Alliance International is proud to be associated with Prime Minister’s “Tree Plantation Drive” since last year and our students make a continuous effort in making Pakistan Green. The ‘Sustainabili-tree Project’ is one such initiative by LAI for planting trees on our own campuses as well as neighboring areas.
MYP I & DP I as part of their Personal Project and CAS ( Community , Activity , Service ) respectively, planted saplings around the ground at the School Campus Phase VIII, DHA. The MYP I students also designed name tags for their trees using various graphic softwares. The DP I students not only mentored the MYP I but also managed and documented the event. It was a great opportunity for all students to learn about sustainability and to become an active member of making Pakistan Green again!

7th Annual Sports week

Learning Alliance DHA organized its 7th Annual Sports Week for the Classes VI to A level, MYP & DP from 3 rd February to 7 th February 2020. All the students actively participated in this week and displayed a high level of sportsmanship. The student's excitement was unmatched as they rushed to their Captains and Vice Captains to sign up for a variety of games like football, basketball, throw ball, table tennis and cricket.The opening ceremony in itself was a hit as the audience enjoyed an enthralling gymnastics performance.
Boys and girls from different classes fought for the glory of their respective houses that boosted a sense of healthy competition among the students as well as inculcated the element of responsibility and strategic thinking in our students. Each house displayed outstanding skills and sportsman spirit and after a nail biting tie-breaker between Griffin and Titans, Griffin lifted the winning trophy. The house mates cheered for their house
ecstatically which was a sight to see. The medals were given to the winners by the Middle School Vice Principal Ms. Nadia Mir. The week ended with the proud winners bagging medals home delightedly after a finesse performance in all events.

Student Council Elections 2019

The Student Council elections at Learning Alliance & Learning Alliance International were held in September this year with IB and CAIE students both campaigning for seats in the winning office. The students campaigned tirelessly the entire week with a lot of enthusiasm to ensure a sturdy vote for their ballot. The young campaigners prepared many interesting and eye catching posters to encourage and motivate voters. All the candidates promoted peaceful values and showed their willingness to contribute towards the Learning Alliance and Learning Alliance International community. Their meticulously planned speeches were the pinnacle of this creative process, which allowed the students to further hone their communication skills.

IB @ LAHORE DISTRICT JUNIOR QUALIFYING CHESS CHAMPIONSHIP 2019

Learning Alliance International encourages students to excel in co-curricular activities. We regularly engage our students in activities that sharpen their minds and develop confidence.
International Baccalaureate, Primary Years Programme and Middle Years Programme’s chess players participated in the Lahore District Junior Qualifying Chess Championship 2019 on Sunday, 15th September 2o19. The event was organized by "Pakistan Strength and Conditioning Association"
Our chess players competed with some of the best chess players in Lahore and bagged the following positions:
First Position in Under 12 Category: Saad Hussain, MYP II
Second Position in Under 10 Category: Ahmed Moeed Yusuf, PYP V
Way to go, boys!

IB World Schools Manager visits LAI

IB Worlds School Manager, Mr. Clarke Stroupe visited Learning Alliance International on Tuesday, September 24, 2019.

Mr. Clarke toured the campus and met with the faculty and administration of all three departments: PYP, MYP and DP. He recognized the commendable efforts and the seamless implementation of all three IB Programmes and the IB philosophy by Learning Alliance International.

During his visit, he engaged with our learners and was amazed by their quick-witted responses to his questions. A normal day at IB LAI consists of different activities conducted during and around the lessons focused on building skills.

At home time, Mr. Clarke also had a chance to meet with some of our active parents who greeted him and provided him with positive feedback regarding LAI.

The Nation's Pride

Defence Day is celebrated in Pakistan every year on 6th September, as a national day to commemorate the sacrifices made by Pakistani soldiers in defending its borders in the war of 1965.
IB@Learning Alliance International observed Defence Day with an assembly in the amphitheater where they spoke about what it means to be a proud Pakistani and the sacrifices of the soldiers for the love of their homeland in the line of duty.
PYP started off with their heartfelt speeches about how it’s important to stand with the soldiers and Pakistan army, while at the same time understanding the importance of global peace. Students of MYP spoke about the current state of affairs in Kashmir and the significance of solidarity with the soldiers and the sanctity of borders as India continues to oppress the basic human right of freedom for Kashmiris. DP students expressed their opinion about how war is never a solution but it’s imperative to have an ever vigilant army to defend the borders against any unwarranted hostile situations.
The highlight of the event was when our little learners from PYP spoke impromptu about their feelings for their homeland. There was a cheer from the crowd and everyone present, when the little voices expressed their views confidently.
Throughout the day, the spirit of patriotism was prevalent in school, with the colourful displays, handwritten messages to the armed forces, posters and relevant videos where everyone stood proud to be a part of a progressive nation.

NEW BEGINNINGS in IB@LAI

Students of IB@LAI commenced the new academic year with a range of engaging activities aimed at developing their mental focus and energizing and immersing them in the framework of student centered learning. Students started their first day with the usual gusto through various mindfulness and physical activities. These self-management skills in the Approaches to Learning (ATL) skill framework works on enhancing the discipline and reflection in students.

In PYP, students took a round of the PYP block, with the new students familiarizing themselves with the sights and sounds and the administrative block. Taekwondo, Gymnastics, Life Skills, Kathak, Yoga and Music lessons made learning and orientation a fun experience. The entire first week, overall, kept the students captivated with a creative introduction and recapping of IB concepts such as Learner Profile, Command terms, Key and related concepts, global contexts etc. through games such as Missing numbers and alphabets, Pictionary, Scrabble and multiple other competitive team activities, allowing students to socialize and foster healthy collaboration with each other.

In MYP there was an activity revolved around the symbolic analogy of a glass jar of water and glitter to the human mind, cluttered with thoughts. Following this, a one minute meditation routine was also conducted in selected classes. The Science classes conducted in laboratory along with activities in Yoga, Performing and Visual Arts captivated the students and made them connect their learning to real life.

Students in Diploma Programme with the subjects of their choice including but not limited to Film, Business Management, Sciences and much more, were introduced to different career pathways. An interesting activity was the Rubik’s Cube, the solution of which requires memorization and spatial reasoning skills.

Throughout the first two weeks of new academic session, the IB block was an interesting place where new learning pathways were discovered and thoroughly enjoyed by the students.

Student Council Installation Ceremony - Learning Alliance Senior School and Learning Alliance International IB MYP & DP

The Installation Ceremony for the Academic Year 2019-2020 was held on Wednesday, 25th September.

Parents of newly installed council also attended the ceremony where Council members from O Level/MYP and A Level/DP received their badges which was followed by the oath-taking.

Lahore ALMA MUN 2019

Students of Learning Alliance & Learning Alliance International participated in the first MUN of the season – hosted by Lahore Alma from the 20th – 22nd of September 2019. The team comprised of students from the CAIE main stream, A Level and the IB programme.

We are extremely proud to announce that the team brought back 3 Honourable Mentions:
Ibrahim Saad AI
Irha Hassan OIISB
Riva Khan Tareen IB MYP IV

The over whelming critiques received for Shameer, Irha, Imaan, Rafay, Ibrahim Faruqi, and M. Shohaib shows how diligently our speakers worked to make their mark in this competition.

'Immense potential and confidence' were the remarks received for our team from Learning Alliance & Learning Alliance International.

How does sound affect our mood?

IB Art Therapy Session for Mental Health Awareness Week

Students’ mental health and well-being are increasingly becoming an important part of the social fabric of our schools. In International Baccalaureate because it is part of the curriculum to build a student body that is sensitive to emotional intelligence, caring towards those with special needs and those who are coming from different backgrounds and places in the world.

In learning to understand how to deal with the emotions of our peers, we must begin by learning how to understand our own emotions and mental states. In light of this, IB at Learning Alliance International held an art therapy session for the students of MYP.

The all-day session involved the music teachers playing live music of various genres using electric guitar i.e. pop, rock, jazz and blues to create different moods such as happy, sad, excited, angry and melancholy. The students reacted to this musical stimulus by drawing and colouring on multiple sheets of paper, expressing their emotions at the time and proving that our environment affects us instantly and profoundly.

Our students enjoyed the therapy session immensely and we hope to make this an annual activity. All the artworks created will be displayed in and around the campus during mental health awareness week starting 10th October 2019.

IB Visit to the Nestle Factory

Students of MYP 5 and DP 1, accompanied by teachers and management, visited the Nestle Sheikhpura Factory on 5th September 2019. The trip aimed at acquainting the students with the operations of an FMCG manufacturing unit. Through this in depth visit, students were able to see the real life relevance of crucial departments of the factory namelyproduction, storage, supply chain, quality assurance, health and safety, packaging and transportation.Additionally, students of DP 1 were given an assignment in their subjects Business Management and Environment Systems and Societies, for which they were required to gather relevant information and ask meaningful questions during the visit. The visit’s itinerary included safety brief and factory overview session, visit to the quality lab, Milk Reception Unit (MRU), Dairy and Juice plant, Nestle Pure Life (NPL), National Distribution Center (NDC) and testimonial recording.
This trip aimed at fostering connections of our students’knowledge to the real world, which is a pivotal aspect of the IB curriculum as we believe only through practical experiences, students are better able to grasp the relevance of knowledge, understand functioning of the real world, identify and explore what interests them and eventually make wiser career decisions.

Professional Development Workshop

Learning Alliance International conducts workshops for not just the professional and intellectual growth of its staff but also to ensure proper implementation of the three International Baccalaureate Programmes i.e. PYP, MYP and DP. In consideration of this, the second Professional Development Workshop for this term was held on Saturday, 28th September 2019,providing an essential learning opportunity for all.

The five diverse and intensive sessions were on the following key areas:

• Building Theory of Knowledge (TOK) within the School Curriculum
The workshop focused on backward mapping of Theory of Knowledge within the school curriculum. Teachers were introduced to Theory of Knowledge Concepts such as Areas of Knowledge, Ways of Knowing, Personal and Shared Knowledge. The teachers were also given tools to integrate this conceptual learning within their lessons.

• Approaches to Learning – (ATL skills)
The session was a platform for teachers to reflect upon their teaching practices and identify how they can improve classroom experiences for the students by using strategies that allow them to inculcate and nurture the ATL skills. In addition, teachers were also informed about how ATL skills go hand in hand and cannot function in isolation.

• Inter-disciplinary Unit (IDU)
The IDU workshop aimed at fostering a deeper understanding of interdisciplinary learning and teaching in the MYP. After discussing the nature and characteristics of effective interdisciplinary learning, teachers were instructed on how to design an interdisciplinary unit and the various ways in which planning can be carried out.

• Supervising the Extended Essay (EE)
The workshop equipped the Diploma faculty with tools to supervise their Extended Essay candidates effectively. Teachers were given a detailed insight into the Assessment Criteria as well as various tools which they can use to facilitate the research process.

• Managing Assessments in the MYP
The workshop explored the targets of MYP assessment strategies in Design. Teachers discussed the appropriate application of our knowledge of the holistic MYP framework for teaching and learning to build successful assessment practices using the design specific objectives and assessment criteria.

• Behavioral Issues in Students
The school psychologist Ms. Huma Akbar informed the teachers about various signs that the students display in different cases of psychological distress. The teachers were also given a diverse range of strategies which they can use within their learning spaces in order to respond to behavioural issues.

The sessions were interactive, created a transformative experience for the school educators and it ended on extremely productive Q&A session.

IB MYP Swimming Champion: Sereen Yusuf
September & October 2018

Sereen Yusuf, a student of IB MYP III, participated in four swimming competitions in the months of September & October 2018.
It is an honour for us to announce that Sereen bagged a total of 15 medals with 6 Gold, 6 Silver and 3 Bronze medals.

Details are given below:

Punjab Women’s Open Interschool Swimming Championship:

• A Gold medal for Backstroke (100 m)
• A Silver medal for freestyle relay
• A Bronze medal for backstroke (50 m)
• A Bronze medal for butterfly stroke (50 m)
• A Bronze medal for individual medley (200 m)

Gramnanation Competition at LGS 1-A/1:

• A Gold medal in backstroke (50 m)
• A Gold medal in butterfly (50 m)

Inter-Campus Learning Alliance Swimming Competition:

• A Gold medal in backstroke (50 m)
• A Gold medal in butterfly stroke (50 m)
• A Gold medal individual medleys (100 m)
• A Silver medal in relay race

Annual Gym Khana Swimming Gala:

• A Silver medal in butterfly stroke (50 m)
• A Silver medal in backstroke (50 m)
• A Silver medal in breaststroke (50 m)
• A Silver medal in freestyle (50 m)

Sereen has also signed a contract with Pakistan Army for National Swimming Competition which will be held in Islamabad from 29^th October to 1^st November 2018.

Congratulations and Way to go Sereen!

Maths Trivia 2018
8th to 10th October 2018

Playing with numbers “is an art” and since it’s an art, once you get it, the thrill of solving the mystery behind these numbers is never ending. Inspired by this concept, a Mathematics Trivia was successfully conducted by the IB MYP from 8th to 10th October 2018. Students participated in the competition with much enthusiasm and were extremely eager to know what each day of the competition held for them in the creatively constructed rounds. This trivia helped the students to not only polish their mathematics skills but also boost their confidence, instill a sense of competition and hone their collaborative skills.

The trivia was divided into three rounds. The first round was a buzzer round, held for all sections, which consisted of a General Mathematics IQ test. Each class was divided into teams of 4. The winning teams from each class were taken to the next round called Investigating Patterns. MYP I and II teams competed with each other in an activity based on the golden ratio in which MYP I won the round. MYP III and IV worked to identify the mathematical formula representing permutations of letters and in this round, MYP III emerged as winners. In the last round, MYP I & MYP III participated in a race in which they answered various mathematics riddles hidden at different spots of a designated area in school.

The MYP 3 team, consisting of Hania Zubair, Sereen Yusuf, Tanya Tolentino and Hafsa Tanveer, won the final round. The winning team was awarded a trophy!

How does sound affect our mood?
IB Art Therapy Session for Mental Health Awareness Week

Students’ mental health and well-being are increasingly becoming an important part of the social fabric of our schools. This is especially so for International Baccalaureate because it is part of the curriculum to build a student body that is sensitive to emotional intelligence, caring towards those with special needs and those who are coming from different backgrounds and places in the world.

In learning to understand how to deal with the emotions of our peers, we must begin by learning how to understand our own emotions and mental states. In light of this, IB at Learning Alliance International held an art therapy session for students of PYP and MYP.

The all-day session involved the music teachers playing live music of various genres using drums and electric guitar i.e. pop, rock, jazz and blues to create different moods such as happy, sad, excited, angry and melancholy. The students reacted to this musical stimulus by drawing and colouring on multiple sheets of paper, expressing their emotions at the time and proving that our environment affects us instantly and profoundly.

Our students enjoyed the therapy session immensely and we hope to make this an annual activity. All the artworks created will be displayed in and around the campus during mental health awareness week starting 10th October 2018.

Peer Pressure
Thursday, 4th and Friday, 5th October

Students of MYP I-V participated in a workshop about Peer Pressure and ways to deal with the negative aspects of that pressure. The workshop was conducted by our School Psychologist, Ms. Huma Akbar on Thursday, 4th and Friday, 5th October. Since teens are generally seeking acceptability, our students were encouraged to share their personal experiences and discuss about the voice of reason, the silent voice of conscience that pull and push towards right and wrong, the accompanying anxiety and the guilt after voicing their rejection against Peer Pressure.
The session comprised of three parts where informative videos were shared with the students to help them identify, describe and define Peer Pressure; as well as learn ways of coping and skills needed to deal with this pressure. Emphasis was laid on when to say NO, standing up for one self and keeping communication channels open with Parents and Teachers for positive support and guidance.
The workshop ended with an interesting Question and Answer session in which the students deliberated on how Peer Pressure can change or influence personal identity. A home task was assigned to students to write about their personal experiences in order to get a better understanding of their personal struggles of dealing with Peer Pressure.

‘The Mind & Matter’At The Junction of History, Art & Science
Friday, 23rd February 2018

On the 23rd of February, the students of MYP demonstrated their knowledge, understanding and implementation of the various elements studied in both the Visual Arts and Science disciplines. Students, alongside their respective facilitators displayed elaborate art pieces that ranged from a 3D display of The Starry Night by Vincent Van Gogh to a chandelier made of Mandala Art.

They also created a 3D think box to challenge the age old notion of “Think outside the box” through a visual and more tangible experience.

As the parents took in the enthralling sites, students set up stalls allowing them to demonstrate the learnt skills in Science. They conducted various experiments such as turning milk to plastic, setting soap on fire, creating illusions making a model of the Tesla Coil, phone app controlled car, fully functional robotic arm made out of recycled material and a Sustainable Model for the School.
Students also came up with various games such as “word search” in English, Urdu and French to keep their audience involved and to ensure the fun element of the fair was not lost. The students made their parents and teachers proud of their learning experience and the confidence, dedication and passion with which they took charge of the event.

It was a daylong event open to parents and PYP students which was thoroughly enjoyed by everyone.

The Lahore Science Mela by Khwarizmi Science Society
Saturday, 27th & Sunday, 28th January 2018

The students of MYP presented their science projects on a two day event organized at Ali Institute of Education by the Khwarizmi Science Society on Saturday, 27^th and Sunday, 28^th January. The event aimed at creating a platform where students of all age groups from all over Pakistan displayed their work and got a chance to learn from each other. The students of MYP took six working models and displayed them for all. These projects included:

• A vacuum cleaner created from recycled material
• Oobleck
• Liquid Experiments
• Illusion Box
• Matchbox Rocket
• Tabletop Waterfall

Each group working on the project confidently presented their work, answering questions from the specters and showing their understanding of the principles behind the work. They demonstrated a good command over their communication skills as Learning Alliance International stall turned out to be the most popular among all. The event also gave our students a chance to be troubleshooters when needed, improvising confidently if something did not work out.

All of the students also got a chance to visit works of other institutions including LUMS, UET, LGS, Beaconhouse School System, Aga Khan University, IBA, Pakistan Science Club, National Museum of Science and Technology and the Lahore Astronomical Society to name a few. They got to see models such as Tesla coil, Radar systems, Mobile Science Lab (established in a bus), Liquid nitrogen experiments, Robots and drones. They were also allowed to use instruments such as microscopes and telescopes. There were also stalls that allowed students to play various games using interactive skeleton systems and logical mind and math games.

This was a good learning experience for the students since they got an exposure to how Science works in various ways that they had only read about in books and class.

5th Annual Sports Festival, Inter-House matches, 2018
22nd to 26th January 2018

Sports Society of Learning Alliance were organized 5th Annual Sports Festival, Inter House matches, 22nd to 26th January 2018, The opening ceremony took place at 10:00 at the Learning Alliance football ground, when our chef guest Miss Anjum S Ahmed arrived. The day of the sports week started with the recitation of Holy Quran and with the National anthem that everyone sang with pride and dignity.

After the permission given by our chief guest the day began with a great performance by the Gymnastic students who showed all and they pay off all their hard work and practice. Then all the students from 6 to A levels were aligned according to their houses with their captains that were Sphinx, Griffin, Titans and Pegasus. They marched in a qui with their Sports Presidents and Vice Presidents in front.

Sports week in different 4 categories of Senior Boys, junior boys, Senior Girls and Junior Girls which included 28 Boys and Girls events at 4 different venues of the Learning Alliance in which teams from each house participated. sports week ended with athletic events, Athletic is the mother of all games which engulfs Jumps, Throws and different races; certain events could not executed due to the shortage of time. Every team of each house put a lot of effort to win the match and played really well and all of them were motivated and happy even though they win or lose as all their crowd and supporters cheered for them.

At the end of the fifth day at closing ceremony the Winning house trophy received by the House Captain and House mistress of Griffin.

Overall in Sports, Griffin got First position by securing 210 points; detail of positions holders of all houses and images are enclosed.

IB MYP Students Visit LUMS Science & Design Laboratories
Thursday, 18th January 2018

Students of MYP III and IV visited the research labs at the Syed Babar Ali School of Science and Engineering, LUMS to witness how science is being used as a tool for innovation and discovery. The students got a chance to find out how machines such as a scanning electron microscope and 3D printer works, what sort of apparatus is needed for experiments involving light and lasers, how quickly liquid nitrogen can be used to condense and freeze, the process of DNA mutation in houseflies, process of extracting DNA from any cell, working of a Tesla Coil, etc.

They were given guided tour of the labs by the scientists working there who explained to the students how and what they were working on. Students got a chance to observe some cutting edge research happening in the labs and found out first-hand the thought process and hard work involved in research.

Regional Champion of the 13th Dawn In Education Spelling Bee
2017

We are thrilled to announce Zuha Fatima Haider of MYP III as the Regional Champion of the 13th Dawn In Education Spelling Bee.

Zuha qualified for the first pool round and reached the Regionals of the 13th Dawn in Education Spelling Bee. In this round she competed against schools from all over Lahore and won the Regional Championship 2017.

These competitions not only inculcate the love of words in young children, they also provide an opportunity for them to stand confidently in front of an audience and make their presence felt.

Three cheers for our Regional Champion!!

Three Cheers!!!

The great engine that drives innovation and invention in society comes from people whose flame of creativity was kept alive in childhood!!

International Baccalaureate at Learning Alliance International is all about nurturing this spark and our students are a proof of that.

The latest in the series of our young learners making us proud is Nawal Haider Butt from MYP II, who had her travelogue published in Dawn News; Experience: A dream trip to Gwadar.

Nawal also has a Bronze Certificate in Queen's Commonwealth Competition to her credit. We wish her best of luck in all of her future endeavors and hope that she will continue making us proud.

Trip to Greenfields Club and Resort
October, 2017

The students of MYP I and II of Learning Alliance International were taken to an overnight camping trip to Greenfields Club and Resort on the 28th of October 2017. The intent of the trip was recreational and was inclusive of various outdoor and indoor activities such as horse riding, motor boating, ATV driving, rock climbing, table tennis, badminton, cricket, foosball and several others.

Students left the campus on an early Saturday morning and were welcomed at the resort with Some scrumptious snacks. Soon after breakfast, they were taken on trolley rides across the farm where they got to experience various fun activities. To further contribute to the experience of the students, there was a fun bonfire and barbecue night arranged. It was an exhilarating experience to watch them enjoy the atmosphere, food and music.

As a contribution to their IB learning experience, the students of MYP I and II developed camping skills and learnt fun ways to accommodate their friends in an unfamiliar environment. The trip was a success where the students were witnessed enjoying and experiencing interesting and challenging activities with a newfound passion.

Maths Trivia

The Mathematics Trivia week was successfully conducted in the IB MYP department. Students actively participated in the competition with much zeal and enthusiasm and were extremely eager to know what awaited them every day in the creatively constructed rounds. This trivia helped the students to not only polish their mathematics skills but also boost their confidence, instill a sense of competition, motivating them to study further.

The trivia was divided into three rounds:

• The first round was a buzzer round, held for all sections, which consisted of a general mathematics IQ test. Students passing in this test were taken to the next round, which was different for each section.
• MYP I and MYP II students were involved in building patterns using dominoes and fidget Spinners.
• MYP III and IV formulated complex equations using mosaic tiles.
• In the last round, MYP I & MYP IV participated in the Mathematics relay race in which they answered various mathematics riddles which were paired up with various physical activities like pushups, jumping jacks for students to fully use their capabilities.

Mathematics Task: Mini Golf Course
MYP 2

Project-based learning is one of the essentials for the development of skills, like research and critical-thinking. Keeping in view the IB philosophy, the young IB Learners of MYP 2 were given a summative task to investigate patterns and design a challenging pro mini golf course for Learning Alliance school ground field using different lines, angles and geometric shapes. This task was aimed to enhance their knowledge on the topic "Lines and Angles" and put their learning into practice. Using mathematics in real life, they developed their own workable mini golf course using lines like parallel and perpendicular lines; angles such as acute, obtuse, reflex and straight angles along with various geometrical shapes (square, triangles, rhombus, trapezium etc).

Spoken Word Poetry Recital by MYP

"Poetry isn’t an island, it is the bridge. Poetry isn’t a ship, it is the lifeboat. Poetry isn’t swimming. Poetry is water." ― Kamand Kojouri

On November 20th, Learning Alliance International organized an event as a part of their IB Public Speaking curriculum. Students of MYP were introduced to “Spoken word poetry” or “Performance Art poetry” in their regular classes. They learnt this unique art form as a distinctive mode of communication with a crowd.

The event showcased students’ original work produced over the course of a few weeks. It was aimed at allowing the students to share their poetry with courage, clarity and most importantly the artistic sensibility to turn their words into thoughts and emotions into powerful expressions.

Spoken word poetry is an art form that breaks barriers of human division and allows individuals to bring to the stage subjects like love, loss, and family, schools through intimate and challenging personal expression. It allows them to connect to the audience in an authentic and raw manner inducing a harmonious and cohesive global community.

Students watched poems by poets like Sarah and Phil Kaye, Olivia Gatwood followed by making lists on topics such as, 10 things I know to be true, 10 things I should’ve learnt by now and others. This was followed by discussions and brainstorming sessions to help the students understand how to approach a mundane topic that means something to them and turn it into food for thought for an audience.
The intention of this event was to teach students confidence, courage, clarity and expression through spoken word poetry.

The Incredible Growing Gummy Bears!
The Gummy Bear Experiment

MYP IA and IB

If we are to practice our thinking skills we have to get into the habit of reflection. Now, one can wonder about anything under the sun. For example:
• Does the colour of the gummy bear effect its growth in water?
• Does the temperature of the water effect its growth?
• What is the relationship between time and growth of the gummy bear?

In MYP I, students were taught the scientific model of investigation. The purpose of this experiment was to transfer their knowledge and apply it practically. Since this was their first laboratory setting experiment, the students were given clear instructions on how to go about the procedure and were guided every step of the way.

Some students chose to investigate the relationship (if any) of the different colours of gummy bears when placed in test tubes of water for regular intervals of time. They recorded the length of the bears before starting the experiment, the temperature of the water and the amount of time they were placed in the water. After regular intervals of 5 minutes, they took the gummy bears out one by one and recorded the change in length that may or may not have occurred. Others chose to investigate the effect of different temperatures of water on the size of the gummy bears.

They collected raw data initially and by raw data, we are talking about loads of gummy bears. Some people do have all the luck!

Create Your Own Creature!
Putting together a procedure

Every great scientist possesses the ability to methodically document each and every step of their process. Whether it’s a procedure to performing an experiment, the instruction manual to an invention or simply a written document of the scientist’s thoughts, organization is undoubtedly an essential element.

For this classroom-based activity, students of MYP I were provided with an instruction sheet. The task was explained in detail after which the materials were provided. Each student was given a styrofoam cup to act as a base for their creation. Playdough, toothpicks, markers of a variety of colours and cotton buds among other materials were also given.

It was time to let their imaginations run wild! Drawing, cutting, colouring and moulding, ensued till they reached their desired creation. With every new step that they performed in the construction, they wrote it on the blank side of the instruction sheet as accurately as they could till they had a complete written guide to creating their unique model. The students ended this activity by naming their creations.

This exercise was very well received by the students and they thoroughly enjoyed every minute of the process. Not only did they learn the importance of documentation and the need for accuracy in their instructions in order to be able to reproduce the models or experiments purely from reading instructions but they also explored their creative potential.

English Summative Task
MYP I & II

MYP I was given a summative task to investigate and document any aspect related to the novel ‘The Boy in the Striped Pyjamas’ that is, Holocaust, Concentration Camp/ Auschwitz or the World War II, and compose a poem, in a creative manner, following the general rules of poem construction. This task gave them an opportunity to elucidate their understanding of the global context Orientation in Space and Time where they explored how historical context and authors’ perspectives affect readers’ interpretations of literary texts and the concept of truth. It also enabled the students to have a different perspective on war as portrayed in the novel by John Boyne. Students created poems that weren’t only heart touching, due to their amazing vision, but also extremely well-scrutinized. Later they recited their poems to all the MYP students.

To wrap up the unit “Here’s to the crazy ones”, students of MYP-II were exposed to Science Fiction while focusing on the impact of innovations on the modern world. They enjoyed the journey through the novel 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea, by Jules Verne, and were introduced to the Industrial Revolution and its importance. To assess their understanding, they were given a task to write a reflective essay on an innovator whose initial research led to a world changing invention, and present it in class, dramatically. This was to annotate their comprehension of the global context Scientific and Technical Innovation where they delved into history to know how innovation has a strong relationship with personal creativity and self –expression.Students exhibited their research and views on their chosen inventors prolifically in the form of a Reflective Essay. Their essays were displayed as an exhibition.

1ST TERM ENGLISH SUMMATIVE ASSIGNMENT
To Kill a Mockingbird

MYP III was given a summative task to identify and document the evolution of Scout Finch, the protagonist in the novel “To Kill a Mockingbird” by Harper Lee. The novel was read August onwards and the task was based on the 20 chapters read and discussed in class.

The students were required to create scrapbooks in the form of timelines to classify how Scout evolved in relation to other characters within the book. This was to elucidate their understanding of the global context Personal and Cultural Expression where they explored how social constrictions shape an individual’s reality. The scrapbook itself was their experience of the novel and understanding of Scout’s world as defined by Lee.

Their work was displayed as an exhibition where some students made 3D scrapbooks using images as symbols that represented Scout’s growth. Others gave the traditional idea of scrapbooks a creative and personal spin.

In contribution to their IB experience, this task enabled students to analyze various characters within a set context and draw stark similarities and differences between the respective centuries thus, allowing them to understand the complexities of expression in various cultures.

Hip Hip Harrappa

Field trips rock! And we, the students live for them.

This term, we had a chance to visit the world famous archeological site, Harappa. Friday morning, all the MYP students gathered at the gate for their field trip to the Harappa Museum & Ruins. With all our goodies packed, cameras charged and in our trip gear; our excitement level was too high. Having studied in detail about the Mohenjo-Daro and Harappa civilization in our Individual and Societies class, we were familiar with the topography and the landscape as the bus ride went on. There was an arrangement of a guide in each bus who fascinated us with stories about the different locations and folk tales associated with them.

Upon reaching Harappa, we were taken to the museum with the actual artefacts preserved. We were engrossed in taking notes of our observations. After spending a while in the museum, we were taken on a round of the tourist sites. Scenes were enacted as instructed by the guides, to give us a glimpse of the actual lives of the people who settled there. After a thoroughly interactive session, we were taken to a farmhouse where we got an ethnic feel with traditional food prepared for us; 'Makai ki roti with Saag and Achari Gosht with Lassi.'

Trip to Science and Technology Museum

Students of the ‘Science and IT society’ of Learning Alliance International from Senior School and IB MYP were taken on a day excursion to the Museum of Science and Technology with their respective Science and Design & Technology facilitators.The Museum of Science & Technology houses the largest pendulum in the sub-continent and multiple exhibits of the various ages of Earth, planetary systems and antique mechanisms. Some of the exhibits were also about the principles of physics, chemistry experiments, obsolete technology and computers.

The students were seen thoroughly enjoying the various interactive light and lens displays also.

Their experience of seeing the history of inventions and its display under one roof helped them realize how man has iterated the design of technology to absolutely complicated 21st century marvels.

Designing an Aluminium Boat

The aim of this experiment was to study the relationship between the shape and form of a hand moulded aluminium boat and its capacity to bear load.

For this activity, the class was divided into three groups. Each group had to create its own unique boat using a standardized 16x16 cm piece of aluminium foil.

The students then placed each boat in water to check for any leaks and make sure that their boat was stable and able to float on water on its own. Once this was established, paper clips were placed in the boat, one at a time, till the boat sank. The maximum number of paper clips the boat was able to hold was recorded. This was repeated for each boat.

Some of the boats could hardly carry more than 10 paper clips while others gave way in the 60’s. Going back to the theoretical basis of floating, sinking and density; students came up with scientific reasons for the variation in their results.

The raw data that has been collected by the students by this experiment will now be presented in an organized table that is easy to interpret. Conclusions will be drawn from the data to justify their results. Additionally, changes and improvements that can be made to the experiment will be discussed.

International Day of Charity

On 5th September 2017, the entire world celebrated the UN initiated International Day of Charity. The students of IB MYP I-V attended a scintillating session conducted by members of the most charitable institute in the Country, SOS. In spirit of inducing a more charitable mindset in the lives of the future generations, the National Director, alongside her team, was invited to visit the students of Learning Alliance. The team prepared a presentation that involved:

1. A brief on what charity is?
2. How can teenagers become more charitable?
3. How SOS functions for orphans and families.
4. What kind of contributions the students can make on their own time.
5. How to demonstrate humility to those who are seemingly less fortunate.

The presentation was followed by 20 minute long interactive session where students asked questions and voiced their grievances in terms of how they think the world should have changed and can be changed.
Upon returning to their classrooms, they wrote a reflective paragraph on the session attended.