Nurturing curiosity through design thinking and robotics at ISD
One of the joys of working with children is their boundless curiosity. Their questions never end, and their imagination rarely rests. Give them a handful of simple materials, and they will quickly start to invent, imagine and build. This instinctive drive for creativity is the best way for them to learn.
At International School Dhaka (ISD), design thinking and robotics are integral to nurturing this creativity and giving it shape. Importantly, the journey begins from the earliest years of learning.
Design thinking in the IB curriculum
Design thinking is central to ISD's International Baccalaureate (IB) curriculum. In the Primary Years Programme (PYP), the youngest learners are introduced to design thinking and robotics through LEGO kits. These playful tools lay the foundations for critical and creative thinking.
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As students move into the Middle Years Programme (MYP), design becomes a compulsory subject that combines both digital and product design. Digital design focuses on computer-based modelling and problem-solving, while product design involves physical prototyping and testing. Together, they help students turn ideas into solutions that are both functional and innovative.
Learning to think, not just to make
Design is one of the most impactful subjects ISD offers. The lessons go far beyond making things. Students learn to think systematically, develop empathy by creating user-centred solutions, and build resilience through trial and error. Refining a design means accepting that some ideas will not work—and that the feedback gained is just as valuable as success.
These are lessons students carry into university, professional life, and beyond.
A gradual creative journey
The learning pathway looks different at each age. In the PYP, it is largely experiential, encouraging exploration through play. In the MYP, for students aged 11 to 16, it becomes more advanced, blending creativity with structured design processes. By the time students graduate, they are using equipment and approaches similar to undergraduate-level work.
This progression is gradual and sequential, giving learners the confidence to take greater creative risks as they grow.
World-class facilities and global partnerships
To support this journey, ISD has invested in modern design laboratories tailored to the evolving needs of its students and wider society. The school has also partnered with the Carnegie Mellon Robotics Academy to enrich its curriculum, ensuring that global best practices are woven into classroom teaching.
Design as a lifelong mindset
Teaching design is not about creating flawless products. It is about teaching students new ways to approach problems, think differently about solutions, and constantly look for improvement.
Watching students grow from curious children into confident young designers is one of the most rewarding aspects of teaching at ISD. It is a daily reminder that design is not just a subject to be studied—it is a way of thinking that will stay with them for life.
