Page 29 - Quintile_37 web

QSI Quintile • Issue 37 • • • 29

mOnTeneGrO

QSI International School of Montenegro

Montenegro ranges from high peaks along its borders with Serbia, Kosovo,
and Albania, a segment of the Karst of the western Balkan Peninsula, to a
narrow coastal plain that is only 1.5 to 6 kilometres (1 to 4 miles) wide. The
plain stops abruptly in the north, where Mount Lovćen and Mount Orjen
plunge into the inlet of the Bay of Kotor.

One of the objectives that arose from the families. Students took measurements, recorded archaeologist guide to come back in the fall when
last accreditation at QSI International School architectural designs, noted the cistern, found a they were actively digging the site.
of Montenegro is the statement, “We commit to basement room, and noticed how it kept watch over
explore Montenegro’s unique natural beauty and the area. This initial observation led to months of Budva is a 2,500-year-old town on the Adriatic
culture to enrich our academic program.” Teachers exploring various fortresses and castles in the near coast, an hour drive by bus. The walled old town and
at QSIM take that statement as a challenge. vicinity of Podgorica. Students learned history fortress basilica are a classic example of old towns, with
(Roman, Illyrian, Ottoman, Venetian, Austro– narrow, braided streets. The churches of St. Marija
With the support of the administration, the Hungarian, to name a few), mathematics (calculate (1st century), St. Ivan (7th century), and St Trinity
Parent Support Group, and each other, the teachers how long you can survive a siege with the water (19th century) provide ample resources for students
are encouraged to extend their curriculum outside of stored in the cistern), art (architectural design to to examine how religion and art affect the culture of
the classroom. Ancient castles, Roman ruins, majestic icons), and more on this series of unforgettable a region. However, the mathematical analysis of the
cathedrals, agriculture–aquaculture, science and art trips. The lead QSIM teacher wrote the experience growth curve of Budva over time, compared to actual
exhibitions, or just a trip to the local grocery store— into a new unit for the Cultural Studies class for all growth since industrialization, provides a real-world
all are ways that teachers weave their curriculum into QSI schools. opportunity for advanced mathematics students to
a meaningful and engaging experience. engage with the realities of the local situation.
Not far from the school campus are the remains
It started with someone standing on the of a Roman city first mentioned in the 1st century These are a few examples of the way QSIM
playground saying, “Hey, what’s that?” and pointing AD. Walking on the stones of the Forum, making teachers have turned interesting and attractive local
to a tall hill in the distance. Two weeks later, nearly rubbings of carvings, and mapping distances gave opportunities into deep learning for their students.
30 upper-elementary to high school students made 7- and 8-year-old students a mental image of what Teachers and administrators are committed to
their way up the hill on horse trails to explore the they had read in a textbook. The students were continue this exciting path of learning for all our
ruins of a Turkish fortress unknown to many local so well prepared that they were invited by the students.