As students returned from NIST’s Core Expeditions, many shared stories of challenge, discovery, and connection, experiences that stretched their thinking and deepened their understanding of the world. One of these powerful journeys was the Year 11 expedition to the Makhampom Arts and Culture Centre in Chiang Dao, where students explored how performance art can communicate identity, culture, and social issues.
This learning experience aligns with the Global Citizen Diploma (GCD), specifically the Artistic Expression element. This aspect of the GCD encourages students to develop and maintain creative practices, express and communicate meaning, reflect on the world, inspire positive change and celebrate their identities as artists.
Learning From Pa Tung Ngang Village
During the week, students learned about the cultural traditions of Pa Tung Ngang Village, home to an ethnic minority group navigating government pressure and the risk of displacement. Through time spent with villagers, students gained insight into daily life, participating in activities such as weaving, rice pounding, and listening to personal stories passed down through generations.
These interactions helped students understand how cultural practices shape identity and community resilience. The experience also underscored the importance of preserving local traditions, which are increasingly under threat.
Transforming Observation Into Art
Inspired by what they learned, students worked with Makhampom facilitators to turn their observations into artistic performances. Using elements such as puppetry, Thai movement, storytelling, found-object theatre, and circus arts, they created pieces that echoed the artistic practices rooted in the community itself.
On the final day, students shared their performances with children at a local Thai school. The exchange was joyful, meaningful, and grounded in the belief that art can transcend language and cultural barriers. It demonstrated how creative expression can carry stories across generations and communities.
Artistic Expression: A GCD Competency Element
This expedition connects to the GCD Artistic Expression element, a GCD Competency focused on making a significant and sustained commitment to the Arts across one or more disciplines.
Students explore creative personal passions and express them through the visual and/or performing arts. They then reflect on the habits and practices they have developed and consider how these will continue to shape their identities as artists.
Additionally, students will reflect on their metacognition and how this experience has deepened their understanding of themselves as artists and the relationship between the arts and being an active global citizen.
Reflecting on Your Own Artistic Expression
To support GCD submissions and guide deeper reflection, students are encouraged to consider:
- What arts do you pursue?
- How have you recently expressed yourself in the arts?
- In what way has self-expression in the arts developed new skills?
- Has your perspective or attitude toward the Arts changed over time?
These questions help students connect their learning to the aims of the Global Citizen Diploma, reinforcing the role of creativity in shaping a more compassionate and globally aware world.
Explore More About the Global Citizen Diploma
Students can find exemplar posts, interviews, podcasts, and resources here, along with guidance for preparing submissions.