Students and Faculty Cross Disciplines for IB

Students from IB Environmental Science & Systems, IB HL Economics, IB HL World Literature, and IB Global Politics recently came together to participate in an interdisciplinary project titled, Democratic Republic of the Congo: Global Responsibility in the Past, Present, Future.

“I thought the interdisciplinary work was a positive experience,” said Eva Kinnel ’20. “I really enjoyed working with the people from other classes with a presentation style that was unique for us and gave us freedom to be creative.”

Students and faculty gathered in the Mollie Dodd Anderson Library to watch Virunga, a documentary about a team of individuals that risk their lives to protect the last mountain gorillas. Later in the week, Dr. Leslie Ruyle, Associate Research Scientist with the Bush School of Government and Public Service and Assistant Director of the Scowcroft Institute of International Affairs, visited George School to discuss her work.

“Dr. Leslie Ruyle was an inspirational speaker, the students were thoughtful and engaged, and I had a great time working with my wonderful colleagues,” said IB Coordinator and English teacher Kim McGlynn.

After the presentation, students spent the entire day working in small groups on projects and presentations asking, “What is our global responsibility to invest in the betterment of other societies?”

“I think my biggest takeaway was that even though problems may not have solutions, if we focus on finding ways for people to feel empowered and in control of their lives, the closer we can get to healthy relations,” said Eva.

“This was an amazing day,” said faculty member Lyman Castle. “I got to work with four other passionate GS teachers, a fantastic mentor in Dr. Leslie Ruyle, and more than seventy-five creative, curious, and compassionate students.”