By Asiiat
This week, our International Baccalaureate (IB) class had a wonderful time visiting Oxford and exploring big questions about knowledge and learning. Our journey commenced with engaging Theory Of Knowledge (TOK) conversations, where we delved deep into the nature of knowledge itself. We then had an opportunity to go around Pitt Rivers Museum. We finished our trip by walking through the stunning city of Oxford and visiting the impressive Oxford Library!
By Gal.la
We first headed to Pitt Rivers Museum where we had a TOK lecture by a teacher from the museum. For those who are not familiar with the IB subjects and vocabulary, TOK basically stands for the Theory Of Knowledge. In this mandatory subject we explore deeply the significance and the production of knowledge.
During the talk we learned and explored the topic of Epistemicide; in non IB terms, the destruction of knowledge. We learned about the stories of the Native Americans tribes and how colonialism destroyed their culture and forced western culture on them. In other words, they destroyed their Native American knowledge and forced their western knowledge on them.
Lastly, we got into groups and, by examining some objects from the museum the teacher selected for us, we had to use only our logical and critical thinking to try to identify the geographical location to which these objects derived from.
It really was an interesting and engaging talk and we really enjoyed it.
By Grazia
After the TOK talk, we had the opportunity to go around the Pitt Rivers Museum and discover a vast collection of archaeological and ethnographic objects from all over the world. We were able to find inspiration for our TOK exhibition, which will take place later on in the year. For our TOK exhibition, we will all have to select three different objects and explain how TOK manifests in the real world through them. In order to successfully complete the exhibition, we need to reflect on the implication of both the production and acquisition of knowledge, by examining the context in which the objects are created and how different cultures and individuals can use and interpret them.
By Virginia
After visiting the museum, we went for lunch at a Quaker house. We ate our sandwiches prepared by the school and sat in the garden of the beautiful and welcoming house. As it was a very sunny day, we relaxed for about an hour, while talking with our friends.
We then visited the inside of the Quaker house, the interior was as welcoming as the garden with a large, simple, and sunlit room, with elegant furniture which reflected the Quaker values of simplicity and peace.
To conclude our visit to the Quaker house, we felt a profound sense of tranquillity and we understood that this visit gave us a special day to remember with friends and taught us how to include peace and simplicity in our everyday lives.
By Noha (aka speedygonzales)
As you can see, our adventure kicked off the second we arrived in Oxford by bus! The sight of those ancient buildings and the buzzing atmosphere of learning all around us got our hearts racing with excitement. But let me tell you, nothing prepared us for what we were about to experience when we saw the Library. It was not just a library, it was like walking into the 14th century. The architecture was so impressive. It felt like we were stepping into a magical land of stories and knowledge which made us think a lot about TOK, and made us ask questions about all of the knowledge that was in this Library.
Overall?
We were left completely satisfied with our visit to Oxford as well as the knowledge we acquired from this trip. Oxford is a gorgeous place that brings good vibes to anyone who visits it, and the fact that it was sunny just added onto the great atmosphere. We personally had a great time and enjoyed it. Thanks to Mrs Cauli and Mrs Cody who organised and ran the trip for us!
