Dear PYP4 Parents
As part of their Unit of Inquiry on forces, (How the World Works: Central Idea: Understanding forces allows people to design and improve technology), we have planned an exciting two night residential experience for our Year 4 students. They will step into the shoes of one of the greatest innovators in history: Leonardo Da Vinci.
Before the trip our students will develop their understanding of forces through explorations of the concepts of forces viewed through the key concepts of form, function and connection. They will then use this learning to deepen their understanding of Da Vinci’s work as an engineer and as an artist. Our students will visit the home where Leonardo Da Vinci grew up. They will be inspired by the beauty of both Florence and the countryside around Vinci and they will take part in a series of workshops in two different museums, both dedicated to Da Vinci’s designs and innovative thinking – one in Florence and the other in Vinci.
This will be an exciting experience full of learning, inspiration and teamwork. The Year 4 students will begin to follow the design cycle: inquiring and analysing, developing ideas, creating the solution and evaluating, to imagine and then realize their ideas, just like Leonardo Da Vinci. Through experiments and tinkering opportunities before, during and after the trip, our students will develop their understanding of all three lines of inquiry: Understanding simple machines and why we use them (form), How forces work (function) and Application of the laws of physics to design and innovate (connection). Learning about Leonardo Da Vinci’s life and what inspired him and then exploring and understanding his prescient designs and engineering expertise will stimulate our students to innovate as they apply their understanding of forces and the design cycle to their own ideas.
The trip is scheduled for April 14-16 in Vinci and Florence and our students will be accompanied by Owen McComasky, Maggie Mann, Lauren Irwin, Margherita Bustaffa, Lucy Hermon and Anthony Hamblin. Please note the slight change from the dates that we have communicated in the School Office Notice n.11 on November 14th, where this trip was originally scheduled on April 15-17.
We are currently finalizing the schedule for the trip by working with local guides and the museums. The proposed itinerary will be:
Day 1 – Monday, April 14
- Depart from school for Vinci (8:00) – packed lunch along route
- Interactive workshops and museum visit: Museo Leonardiano in Vinci (FI)
- An inspirational walk through Vinci
- Dinner in hotel and evening activities (design challenges, tinkering, drawing like Da Vinci)
- Hotel Monna Lisa – NOTE: room assignments will be communicated to students upon arrival at the hotel
Day 2 – Tuesday, April 15
- Breakfast
- Travel to Florence
- Simultaneous experiences: Museo Leonardo Da Vinci Firenze (guided visit & laboratory exploration) and guided walking tour of Florence
- Lunch (Florence center: Ristorante Rubaconte)
- Return to Vinci
- Meet with the guide Matteo Tamburini for day 3 and knot workshop activity with him
- Dinner (in hotel) and evening activities (games night)
Day 3 – Wednesday, April 16
- Breakfast and pack up to leave hotel
- Morning/early afternoon with Matteo Tamburini: bridge building, nature walk, observational drawing at Parco Acquaria
- Lunch (packed lunch in the woods)
- Return to Campus – (arrival at school 18:00 approximately)
The cost of this trip, based on all students participating, is 380€ per student, including the private bus at our disposal for the whole time, accommodation at the hotel with all meals and snacks included, lunch at the restaurant in Florence, all activities related to our visit including all museums, workshops and guided visits in Vinci and Florence.
This trip is effectively part of the didactic programme, for this reason we expect all students to participate, but please let us know no later than Thursday, February 13th 2025 if your child can’t participate due to a scheduled family commitment: office.ve@h-is.com
We will confirm the final cost and send instructions for payment after February 14th.
We’re excited to be able to offer this opportunity to our PYP4 students. Please let us know if you have any questions.
Thank you for your support,
Year 4 team