From 23–27 June, our secondary students will embark on Week Without Walls, a highly anticipated school-wide experience that takes learning out of the classroom and into the real world. Each year, this program offers students the chance to explore diverse environments, connect with culture and history, and engage with curricular themes in new and exciting ways.

What makes Week Without Walls special is the integration of educational goals with teacher passions and student development—blending academics with adventure, collaboration, and real-life skills.

Why Week Without Walls?

The purpose of Week Without Walls is to enrich the curriculum by bringing it to life. These trips reflect learning outcomes from each year level, whether tied to language acquisition, history, science, or teamwork. At the same time, they build social-emotional skills like independence, adaptability, and cross-cultural understanding.

Teachers lead these trips not only as chaperones, but also as educators who bring personal expertise, cultural knowledge, and enthusiasm to every activity—adding an extra layer of connection and authenticity.

Here’s Where the Journey Will Take Us

MYP1 – Canoeing the Lahn River, Germany

Our youngest secondary students will stay closer to home as they develop confidence and collaboration through outdoor adventure. The group will paddle daily along the scenic River Lahn, supported by professional guides and local partners. Afternoons and evenings will feature team-building activities such as games, swimming, and minigolf. The focus will be on strengthening peer relationships and cooperation in a natural, relaxed setting.

MYP2 – Cultural Exploration in Brussels, Belgium

MYP2 students will travel to Brussels to explore European culture, politics, and science. Highlights will include visits to the European Parliament, Mini-Europe, and local museums like the BELvue and Comic Strip Museum. The trip is also an opportunity to build real-world navigation and problem-solving skills: students will be tasked with managing parts of the itinerary, including using public transportation to move between sites. This hands-on learning supports both humanities and language studies.

MYP3 – Cultural Immersion in Nancy, France

In MYP3, students will travel to Nancy, a historic city in northeastern France. Here, they will participate in activities that highlight both the regional identity and the French language curriculum. Planned experiences include visiting oyster farms, historic forts, and the Bay of Mont Saint-Michel, with lessons on ecosystems and local industries. Students will also have the chance to present in French and English, practicing language skills in authentic contexts. One of the trip leaders is originally from this region, adding a personal and cultural depth to the experience.

MYP4 – History, Politics, and Art in Berlin, Germany

For MYP4 students, Berlin offers a vibrant setting to explore major historical and political themes. This trip will cover key topics such as World War II, the Cold War, and contemporary German society, all while tying into students’ learning in Individuals & Societies, German, and Arts. Visits to museums, memorials, and local neighborhoods will deepen understanding of Germany’s capital city and its global significance.

MYP5 – Language and Leadership in Barcelona, Spain

Our oldest MYP students will head to Barcelona, where they will engage in cultural and linguistic immersion. In addition to visiting iconic landmarks such as La Sagrada Familia and Park Güell, students will use their Spanish skills to guide the group and navigate the city—an opportunity to apply classroom knowledge in real-life scenarios. This trip emphasizes autonomy, leadership, and communication, preparing students for the final stretch of the MYP journey.

Learning Happens Everywhere

Not all students will travel during Week Without Walls, and meaningful opportunities are planned for those who remain on campus. Led by staff, students staying at school will participate in a variety of workshops, local excursions, and collaborative projects focused on creativity, community, and wellness.

Week Without Walls is more than just a trip week. It’s a commitment to deep, relevant learning that takes place in real settings, guided by passionate educators and driven by meaningful goals. We look forward to seeing our students grow, reflect, and thrive—wherever in Europe their journeys take them.