Exploring Big Ideas Through PE and Art: A Transdisciplinary Journey
At ISA, we believe that learning is most powerful when it crosses subject boundaries and connects to big ideas. This approach—known as transdisciplinary, concept-based learning—helps students make deeper, more meaningful connections across different areas of their lives and learning.
This term, our Grade 5 students embarked on an exciting project that brought together Physical Education and Visual Arts through a shared exploration of the concepts of balance, counterbalance, form, and movement. The project wove together gymnastics and sculpture, encouraging children to think creatively, move purposefully, and reflect critically. The project began in gymnastics, where students created partner and group balances that required them to make physical connections using supporting techniques, such as counterbalance, counter tension, and cooperation. Working through sequences and shapes, students not only developed core strength and coordination, but also learned to communicate and collaborate with peers—skills that extend far beyond the gym.
This led to a transdisciplinary, concept-based opportunity with both Physical Education and Visual Art. Students translated their physical balances into 3D sculptures, drawing inspiration from artist Henry Moore, a British sculptor known for his abstract representations of the human form. His work, characterized by simplicity of form, provided a foundation for their sculptural exploration, applying their understanding of form, shape, and structure while considering counterbalance, counter tension and cooperation.
The transdisciplinary nature of the project, drawing on both Art and PE, gave the students a chance to think and make connections at a conception level, across subjects. During the exhibition, this was evident when listening to elementary children discuss counter tension when discussing their cooperative balancing and when discussing the structure of their sculptures. This went a step further when they moved on to explain where they placed certain colours on their finished pieces, once again connecting artistic concepts with a deep understanding of how the body works to establish and maintain balance.
The magic happened when students began to draw connections between their experiences in PE and their artistic creations. By grounding the learning in key concepts, students were able to transfer ideas across subjects, think more deeply, and understand that knowledge is interconnected. This is at the heart of our approach to learning at ISA, helping students become inquirers who see patterns, ask questions, and apply their learning in new and meaningful ways.
We’re proud of how our learners engaged with this project—not just for what they created or performed, but for the thoughtful conversations, imaginative ideas, and growing confidence we saw along the way. Thank you for supporting our continued journey into concept-driven, student-centered learning!
International Day is coming!
International Day is when we come together to celebrate the rich diversity of our school community.
This year, the event will take place on Saturday, 26th April from 11am - 2:00pm. This is an event for students in all grade levels, and it would be great to see as many families attending as possible. National dress/colours are encouraged. Whilst the event will be packed with fun events throughout the afternoon, if you cannot manage for the full time, please pop in when you can. If you are planning to come, please fill out this RSVP form. There will be food & cultural displays, a guard of honour welcome, a student parade and more. The Language and Cultural Advocates group from the Elementary School will help kick things off with a presentation - in multiple languages! - in the Queen Elizabeth Theatre at 11:15am. Be on the lookout for storytelling and dance performances, among many other things. More detailed information can be found in this document. Please note that document has four sections, or tabs. We hope to see everyone there!
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