Exploration Hours: Fostering Curiosity and Lifelong Learning at LIS

At Leipzig International School, we believe that learning goes far beyond textbooks and traditional academic frameworks. Through Exploration Hour, we create a space where students can embrace curiosity, pursue their interests, and ask big questions. This innovative programme aligns with our core values Courageous, Inclusive, and Proud and encourages students to:

• Be courageous by exploring new ideas and taking risks.
• Be inclusive by collaborating with peers and respecting diverse perspectives.
• Be proud of their learning journeys and the unique contributions they make.

The Focus

Exploration Hour is designed to inspire learners to step out of their comfort zones and challenge themselves. By encouraging inquiry and self-directed discovery, we provide students with opportunities to grow not only academically but also as individuals and community members.

During this time, students are guided to ask meaningful questions such as:

• How did you come up with your project idea?
• What surprised you during your research?
• What challenges did you face, and how did you overcome them?
• What did you learn about the topic—and about yourself?

The aim is to foster a mindset of exploration, resilience and self-awareness.

The Four Project Areas

Exploration Hour offers a variety of pathways for students to follow their passions and interests:

1. STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, Mathematics): Encouraging hands-on experimentation and creativity in research.
2. Voice & Choice: Empowering students to be change-makers by working on passion projects that matter to them.
3. Playground Ambassadors: Exploring ideas to improve the playground experience for everyone.
4. Green Projects: Focusing on sustainability and environmental stewardship.

A Framework for Lifelong Learning

In Exploration Hour, teachers and educators guide our students as facilitators, encouraging inquiry and following the lead of learners’ curiosity. This approach ensures that each project reflects the unique interests and ideas of the students involved.

Skills for the 21st Century

Exploration Hours nurture essential skills for the modern world, including:

• Resilience and teamwork
• Research and analytical thinking
• Digital and civic competence
• Learning-to-learn strategies

These skills help prepare students for the complexities of the modern world, equipping them to navigate challenges with confidence and creativity.

Celebrating Learning with our Community

To showcase their work and learning journey, we invited parents to see the projects their children chose to explore. It was inspiring to watch our students proudly demonstrate and share their discoveries, skills, and creativity. Parents were impressed not only by the students’ final outcomes but also by the passion and thoughtfulness they displayed throughout their presentations.

The Journey matters more than the Destination

One of the most important aspects of Exploration Hour is its focus on the process rather than the product. Not all projects reach completion and that’s okay – what matters is the growth, exploration, and learning that happen along the way.

At LIS, we are courageous in pushing the boundaries of traditional education, inclusive in embracing diverse interests and ideas, and proud of the meaningful contributions our learners make to their communities.

Exploration Hours are a testament to the power of curiosity and the transformative potential of learning beyond limits. They challenge conventional notions of education, placing student-driven inquiry at the center. This approach enables students to explore topics deeply, make real-world connections, and discover the value of their voices in shaping change.
Through exploration, our students develop a sense of ownership over their learning. They learn to take risks, embrace mistakes as part of the process, and appreciate the richness of collaboration. By stepping beyond traditional boundaries, students gain not only academic knowledge but also essential life skills that will serve them in an ever-evolving world.