By: Tamara Afanasyeva, IB MYP Teacher and Personal Project Coordinator

One of the things that makes M’KIS special is how our students connect and mentor each other across grade levels. While learning is often thought of as something that happens in a structured classroom setting, some of the most meaningful moments at our school come from students teaching, mentoring, and learning from each other. Here are four inspiring examples of how students at M’KIS are building community while engaging in real-world learning through the International Baccalaureate (IB) education.

1.IB Personal Project: A Grade 10 Student's Journey to Becoming a Kindergarten Teacher

The Personal Project is a defining moment for Grade 10 students in the MYP, allowing them to explore a passion, develop new skills, and create something meaningful. One student has taken this opportunity to immerse themselves in the world of early childhood education, focusing their project on what it takes to be a great kindergarten teacher.

This project has been more than just an academic exercise; it has been about building relationships. By spending time in the kindergarten classrooms, the student has developed a deep bond with the younger learners, guiding them through activities, observing their development, and learning firsthand the patience and creativity required in teaching. 

2.Grade 2 and Grade 7 Buddies: Three Years of Learning Together 

A partnership that started as a simple reading buddy program between Grade 2 and Grade 7 students has now grown into a multi-year tradition of shared learning. Now in their third year, these buddy pairs have evolved from reading stories together to engaging in inquiry-based projects, collaborating on creative writing, and even exploring scientific concepts in hands-on activities.

Grade 7 students develop leadership skills as they guide and support their younger buddies, while the Grade 2 students gain confidence as they interact with an older mentor. 

3.Grade 10 Students Mentoring Grade 8 Students in Course Selection

Transitioning to high school comes with big decisions, and one of the first major choices Grade 8 students face is selecting their elective courses for Grade 9. To help them navigate this process, Grade 10 students met with Grade 8s to share their experiences, offer advice, and answer questions about different elective options.

4.Grade 6 Students Leading Schoolwide Data Collection

Inquiry-based learning is at the heart of the MYP, and our Grade 6 students recently took their math skills beyond the classroom by designing and conducting a schoolwide survey. As part of their data collection and statistical analysis unit, they visited every grade level’s advisory group to gather responses to a question of their choosing.

This experience wasn’t just about systematically collecting numbers. For our young researchers, the project was also about engaging in personalized communication, organization, and collaboration across grade levels.

A School Where Learning is Shared

At M’KIS, learning is not confined to a single grade level or classroom. Whether through mentorship, research, or long-term partnerships, students are proactively exploring ways to learn from and support one another. These cross-grade experiences strengthen our community, making our school a place where students don’t just learn side by side but truly grow together.