Preschool / Spark Studio

A Day in the Spark Studio Exhibition

It’s Exhibition Day! It’s Exhibition Day! The PS Studio was all abuzz with excitement come Exhibition Day, especially after the past few Exhibitions that had to be virtual. It’s different in person, no doubt! The PS Eagles were extra excited that they were showcasing what goes on in their very own Studio! You could feel the energy radiating out of the door even before you entered the space.

A Day in the PS Studio

The Exhibition started with the PS Eagles welcoming the guests into the Studio, which was arranged so that guests would have a wide view of the Studio while still being separated from the PS Eagles by the shelves.

Guests were afforded a glimpse into how the schedule flowed from one activity to the next. An entire work day (6 hours), was condensed into a 10 minute Showcase. As the guests observed the activities unfold, the Guide provided the narration and explanation for each scene.

The Exhibition started with the PS Eagles in Circle Time, when the ‘check in’ with each other. During this time, a PS Eagle will volunteer to ask each other questions like, “If you were a colour, what colour would you be?”

The PS Eagles proceeded to enjoy Play Time at the grass area. On a regular day, they would go up to the rooftop garden.

Snack Time came next. During the Exhibition, the PS Eagles reenacted how they would go to the Snack Bar to take the food the wanted, and return to eat at their table.

The guests noticed how the Studio schedule is represented on a whiteboard in pictures. As time passes, the Timekeeper Eagle will remove one picture at a time, to indicate the next activity.

Work Time! The PS Eagles role played how they use the Montessori Materials of their own choice.

As the PS Eagles came to the final Circle Time, an unexpected conflict arose. AR and AN were squabbling over the same seat in the circle. Neither one gave way. Mr. Daniel waited a while before walking over, and asked the 2 PS Eagles, “Is there a way to do this so that it is fair?”

AR and AN looked at each other and started a ‘Rock, Paper, Scissors’ game to decide who would get the seat. This demonstrates how PS Eagles have ownership over decision making tools and handling disputes. The Guides do not get involved other than the occasional ‘holding up a mirror’ to reflect what is happening.

The Contract Signing

After the 10 minute Showcase, the PS Eagles arrange a table and a stool, and lined themselves up for the next part of the Exhibition – the ‘Studio Contract Signing Ceremony’.

Each PS Eagle, with a lit candle in hand, walked to the Contract Table accompanied by the Wedding March (which they chose).

One by one, the PS Eagles proceeded to sign their name to the Contract.

The Studio Contract contains 5 promises that the PS Eagles have made to each other.

With the signing completed, the PS Exhibition came to a close. Guests were ushered out and the PS Eagles continued on with their normal day.

The PS Eagles signed a formal Contract listing 5 promises that they agreed were important to uphold.

Elementary School

Build a Tribe Exhibition

The Exhibition

The ES Eagles were extremely excited to present their Lip Dub, and the energy was high in the ES Studio too. The Exhibition was a short and sweet one this time around – only 30 minutes all in, but it ran smoothly with very minor hiccups.

During the Exhibition, The ES Eagles proudly presented their Lip Dub video. Everyone was tickled pink to see the Guides in the Lip Dub, especially Ms Caryn! Everyone also had a good laugh at the bloopers and practice runs.

After the high energy of the Lip Dub, the energy grew solemn as the ES Eagles lined up to sign the Contract that they have spent 5 weeks working on, testing, and refining. The ES Eagles signed that they would promise to uphold themselves to these declarations to be the Heroes that they are.

Post-Exhibition

After some rest, the ES Eagles gathered in a circle to reflect upon the Exhibition. “How would you rate this Sprint’s Exhibition from 1 to 5, 5 being awesome!”

The ES Eagles took turns to rate themselves.

“4.9/5 because there is still room for improvement.”

“3.9/5 because I think parents expected us to do more, we should have done booths to present our work.”

The ES Eagles then conducted their Personal Reflections on the feedback, and thought about what they would do differently in the next Exhibition.

“Have booths so that we can present our work.”

“Concentrate and focus better.”

The ES Eagle who had been struggling with challenges in the Studio was asked where he felt he was on the Hero’s Journey now. His reply was that he was, “Back in the Ordinary World, because now I am myself and now I am part of the Studio.”

Middle School and Launchpad

Next Great Adventure Exhibition

The Rooftop Dinner Fundraiser

The MSLP Eagles shared the experiences they went through putting together the Rooftop Dinner Fundraiser. They spoke candidly about the good, the bad and the ugly:

“We were tired after that weekend!”

“I was drained. And took a few days to recover.”

“It was a great learning experience.”

They were asked behind-the-scenes questions:

“Did everyone pull their weight?”

Answer: “Yes.”

“What did you learn from the first night?”

Answer: “Time management.”

Finally, they were asked the most important questions:

“How much did you make?”

Answer: “A revenue of RM1,400+, and a profit of RM700+.”

“Would you do it again?”

Answer: “No!”

This experience and any ‘real-life challenges’, are all similar to apprenticeships and real work life – all powerful learning experiences.

The Next Great Adventure

The MSLP Eagles are looking towards their next great adventure. What do they have in store for the future? Some are aiming for college, some have their sights set on further apprenticeships. Some are still searching … and that’s OK! As long as they are forever moving forwards.