Across our classrooms, students are turning curiosity into creativity — celebrating global cultures and developing future-ready STEAM skills through collaborative Minecraft projects.

Celebrating Culture and Community: International Day with Year 1 Tigers

written by Ms. Sam

International Day was an exciting and memorable experience for the Year 1 Tigers class, bringing together students, parents, and teachers in a wonderful celebration of culture, teamwork, and creativity. This year, our class proudly represented Vietnam, and the children worked incredibly hard in preparation for the big event.

In the weeks leading up to International Day, the students spent time during their Global Perspectives lessons learning about Vietnam’s culture, traditions, famous landmarks, food, animals, and national symbols. The children eagerly memorized interesting facts about the country both in class and at home with their families. They practiced speaking confidently so they could share their knowledge with visitors on the day of the event. It was wonderful to see how enthusiastic the students became as they learned about a culture different from their own.

To make the experience more hands-on and meaningful, the students created a variety of crafts inspired by Vietnam. One of the highlights was the beautiful lotus flower art, representing Vietnam’s national flower. The children also used clay to make miniature figurines that showcased important parts of Vietnamese culture. Their creations included tigers, elephants, pho noodles, Vietnamese flags, and the traditional non la hats. The students took great pride in their work, and their imagination truly came to life through these creative projects.

International Day would not have been possible without the incredible support from our parents. Families worked closely with teachers to help organize decorations, prepare food, and plan activities for the booth. Their dedication, encouragement, and teamwork created a welcoming and vibrant atmosphere that reflected the spirit of community within the Year 1 Tigers class. It was heartwarming to see everyone come together with such positivity and excitement.

On the day of the event, the students could hardly contain their excitement. Dressed proudly and full of energy, they transformed into little business owners and cultural ambassadors. The children enthusiastically sold drinks and delicious spring rolls while interacting with visitors in a confident and friendly manner. They also invited guests to answer “passport questions” about Vietnam before stamping their adventure cards. The students loved taking responsibility for their roles and enjoyed engaging with people from across the school community.

The event provided the children with an unforgettable hands-on learning experience. Rather than simply reading about another culture, they had the opportunity to actively explore, create, communicate, and share their learning with others. It encouraged collaboration, confidence, creativity, and cultural appreciation in a meaningful and engaging way.

Thanks to the hard work of the students, the support of parents, and the dedication of teachers, the Year 1 Tigers booth was awarded first place. This achievement was a proud moment for our class and a reflection of the unity, effort, and enthusiasm shown by everyone involved.

International Day was more than just a celebration — it was a reminder of the power of community and the importance of learning about the world around us. The Year 1 Tigers truly turned imagination into action, creating memories and experiences that will stay with them for years to come.

The Craft of Learning: How Minecraft is Transforming Our Classroom

 written by Mr. David

From the outside looking in, it might just look like blocks and video games. But step into our classroom, and you’ll see something extraordinary: a bustling hub of architects, engineers, programmers, and project managers.

We have been using Minecraft Education to channel our students’ natural curiosity into tangible, real-world skills. Here is a look at how a simple game is teaching our students to think bigger, build smarter, and work together.

1. Engineering with Redstone

While some students are content building simple houses, others have taken on the role of electrical engineers. Guided by advanced building manuals, these students are mastering Redstone. Minecraft’s version of electrical wiring. By linking Redstone dust, repeaters, and switches, they are learning the basics of logic gates, circuitry, and automation to bring their complex structures to life.

2. Math in Three Dimensions (X, Y, Z)

We often hear students ask, “When am I ever going to use this in real life?” regarding abstract math concepts. Minecraft provided the ultimate answer. To build efficiently, students must navigate a 3D Cartesian coordinate system using X, Y, and Z axes.

Several students shared a massive breakthrough: while they had memorized coordinates in math class, the concept didn’t truly “click” until they needed to locate their coordinates in a 3D world to find their way home or align a massive build.

3. Coding and Command-Line Efficiency

Why place blocks one by one when you can use code? Our advanced builders quickly realized that manual labor has its limits. By unlocking the game’s command console, students are learning the fundamentals of coding. They use text-based commands and scripts to automate massive builds, clearing land or raising skyscrapers in seconds with perfect mathematical accuracy.

4. Teamwork and Problem Solving

Perhaps the greatest joy is watching the classroom dynamics shift. In these digital worlds, students aren’t just playing side-by-side; they are collaborating. They delegate tasks, problem-solve design flaws in real-time, compromise on architectural styles, and celebrate when a massive, shared project finally functions.

By meeting students where their passions lie, we don’t have to force engagement. Minecraft has turned abstract textbook theories into concrete, hands-on victories. Our students aren’t just playing; they are preparing for the future.