Young minds, big ideas: Future leaders showcase purpose, passion, possibility

Exhibitions are vital elements of the IB journey, encouraging students to think critically, question their perspectives, and express their ideas creatively. On the same note, Apeejay’s IB School, Apeejay School International, Panchsheel Park, came alive with this very spirit as it hosted its much-awaited PYP Exhibition on April 5, 2025.

The corridors of the school were transformed into vibrant, artistic spaces that reflected the theme of the exhibition — “How the World Works: Sustainable Living on Earth” — with a special focus on the role of Artificial Intelligence and Technology in shaping a better, greener future. The colourful decor, student-made displays, and creative installations screamed energy, excitement, and intellect.

Held on the first floor of the school building, the event began with a grand inauguration ceremony at 9:15 am. A ribbon-cutting ceremony marked the official opening, led by the school’s Principal, Mr Purshottam Dutt Vashist, along with Vice-principal Ms Neha Sharma, teachers, and enthusiastic parents.

The event commenced in the AV room, where two PYP students, Arshee and Viraj, took centrestage. They warmly welcomed the audience and introduced the day’s theme. The duo eloquently spoke about the mission and vision of Apeejay’s IB School and emphasised how holistic education is the foundation of the IB journey. Their poise and articulation set the tone for what was to be a day filled with innovation, creativity, and insightful exploration.

Following this, the Principal addressed the gathering, highlighting the importance of empowering young learners to become global thinkers and responsible citizens

“Welcome to the PYP Exhibition. Today marks the result of immense hard work — not just by the students, but by everyone supporting them. Raising a child truly takes a village, and it’s becoming more challenging in today’s world. I recently came across the idea of cognitive overload — something our children are increasingly facing. They’re constantly bombarded with information from all directions, making it harder to focus, develop key skills, or apply knowledge meaningfully.

“At our school, we’ve recognised this and are committed to supporting student well-being — not just mentally, but holistically. You’ll see this reflected in today’s exhibition. While access to information is easier than ever, it often creates more confusion than clarity. Despite these challenges, our students have risen to the occasion. They’re focused, knowledgeable, and ready for what lies ahead — whether it’s the transition to MYP or DP. We are incredibly proud of them, and so should you be too,” he said and concluded his speech by wishing good luck to all students.

Then came the performances that left every parent and guest in awe. A group of six students presented a graceful dance to Heal the World by Michael Jackson, using expressive movements to convey a powerful message about environmental care and protecting Mother Nature.

Next, students of PYP 5 showcased their musical talents with a beautiful song that mesmerised the audience. What made it even more special was that the song was written and composed by three of their peers — Arisha, Suhina, and Vedant — a testament to the school’s emphasis on nurturing creativity and originality. The song was followed by another melodious performance by five students, centred on unity, compassion, and hope for a better world.

As the cultural performances concluded, a warm vote of thanks was extended to all the dedicated teachers who supported and guided the students through this enriching journey. With that, the exhibition was declared open for all attendees to explore.

One of the key highlights was a model on Urban Farming presented by Kiyan Sarna of PYP-5. His work stood out not only for its visual appeal — featuring greenery, a tube well, farming layouts, and more — but also for the depth of understanding it represented. He passionately explained how urban farming contributes to food security and sustainable living. What made his work unique was the real-world research he undertook, including an interview with a caretaker from a nearby nursery. His 12-day-long effort was evident in the detail and thoughtfulness of his model, making it a crowd favourite.

Another standout presentation was by Aahana Mathur of PYP-5, who explored the fascinating topic — The Rise of AI in Healthcare. She captured everyone’s attention with her insightful research on how Artificial Intelligence is revolutionising the healthcare industry. She shared interesting facts like, Did you know? Eight vaccines currently in use were created with the help of AI tools like ChatGPT!

She also highlighted AI’s ability to analyse mood and health conditions through facial expressions and voice recognition. To support her project, she had interviewed Dr Amina Mobashir, Senior Consultant in Pulmonology at Max Healthcare, who offered real-life insights into AI’s role in medical diagnostics. Taking her project a step further, Aahana even developed a chatbot named Medibot, which could answer basic health-related queries. Attendees could scan a QR code to interact with Medibot live, making her project not only informative but interactive and futuristic. Her dedication over 45 days reflected in the depth and execution of her exhibit.

“This event came as a pleasant surprise to me. Witnessing the creativity and effort each student has poured into their work is truly heart-warming. It’s amazing to see what they’ve achieved in just two to three months — or even less. I believe ASI is doing wonders as a school, and I’m incredibly proud of my child,” shared Ms Sakshi Kumar, mother of Ayaan Kumar, a student of PYP.

“An amazing, well-curated exhibition that truly captured the essence of the IB framework and its learning attributes. It was certainly challenging, but every bit of it was worth it. A proud moment for us as parents,” shared Ms Divya Sarna, mother of Kiyan Sarna.

“This exhibition was a true reflection of the growth we wish to see in our children—helping them understand real-world problems, gain knowledge, and take meaningful action. It was so heartening to see my daughter manage everything on her own. It’s her first year in this school, I’m already confident and happy with my decision to choose ASI. The holistic development I see here is exactly what I was looking for,” shared Ms Manjari, mother of Nayantara, a student of PYP 5.

According to Ms Monika Vasudev, PYP Coordinator and Grade 5 form tutor, leading the PYP Exhibition was a deeply enriching experience. The exhibition marked the culmination of students’ primary years and the application of IB learner profile attributes in real-life contexts.

“As a facilitator and mentor, I encouraged students to take ownership of their learning journey. From developing central ideas to conducting in-depth inquiry and presenting their findings, they showcased impressive curiosity, critical thinking, and collaboration,” she said. Students explored global issues, reflected thoughtfully, and took meaningful action.

Exhibits ranged from projects on AI in transportation, solar-powered cities, and the Metaverse to creative artwork, including acrylic paintings and unique installations like ‘Unknown Kangaroos’. Each stall reflected months of inquiry and imagination.

“What stood out was the holistic development of each learner — academically, emotionally, and socially,” Ms Vasudev added. The interdisciplinary approach helped students connect concepts across subjects by creating blogs, writing poems, and even participating in group songs.

With regular reflections, timely feedback, and open parent communication, students gained confidence in research, communication, and self-management. “The pride they displayed on exhibition day was a true celebration of voice, choice, and ownership,” she concluded.

Overall, the 2025 PYP Exhibition was a resounding success — an inspiring blend of knowledge, creativity, and purpose.

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