Dear stratforD hall family anD frienDs,
It is an honour to welcome you to this celebration of the accomplishments of the Grade 10 class. This Personal Project exhibition marks a major milestone in their academic, social, and personal lives, and as such it merits both their pride and our appreciation.
The most salient feature of the Personal Project, the one that students first seize on and continue to understand throughout the year-long project as the main goal of their efforts, is the product that they aim to develop. As you tour the exhibition, you will see a myriad of innovative, impressive products, both concrete and abstract: from a custom-built automobile, tiny house, gel nails and PCs, to academic essays on determinism and world religions, music and dance productions, and workout routines. There are as many exciting innovations in the exhibition as there are individuals, unique, outstanding students, whose work we are here to celebrate.
But the less obvious accomplishments involved in the Personal Project, those which are not as apparent at the beginning of the journey, are perhaps the ones that make a more enduring difference in their potential to deepen and transform students’ creativity and learning long into the future. These are the Approach to Learning (ATL) skills and habits that students use to achieve these ends, and to reflect on their learning and action. ATL skills have a powerful metacognitive and constructive effect on how students learn and evaluate their choices, which can open doors to new patterns of thinking and behaviour that serve them for years to come.
In that way, our Grade 10 students show through their Personal Project work a year’s worth of maturation and dedication that is worth far more than the sum of any particular product or action. We applaud them as they celebrate this victory and consider how it opens doors to new ones in the coming years.
Maria Tičinović | PERSONAL PROJECT COORDINATOR
The students should be very proud of their achievements through this Personal Project journey. The Personal Project is the culminating assessment in the IB Middle Years Programme and is a key milestone in their academic journey through the IB continuum at Stratford Hall. Students have been prepared for the personal project through their project work starting in the PYP and then building on those skills in the MYP through subject-specific project work such as Science Fair, interdisciplinary
Mark Pulfer | MYP COORDINATOR
project work and the Innovation project in Grade 8. The Personal Project also serves as a transition into the Diploma Programme. Over the next two years, students will be engaging in a number of inquiry projects in the DP programme that will require the same task and time management skills, among other key Approaches to Learning skills. The self-reflection that students undertake after this personal project experience will be key to their success in the future.
table of contents
Kabeer Aggarwal
Noam Glodjo Breger
Emily Britton
Inaya Kassam
Ronick Kang
Sofia Keung
Aiden Wong
Patrick Wu
Hudson Xu
Paige Ah Yong
Kallie Yu
Audrey Tessaro
Xander Berlinguette
Dhanya Johnson
Damian Babul
Calen Chase
Renaud Mareschal de Charentenay
Paulina Antipova
Simon Antweiler
Ryan Ko
Zhao
Shaan Gill
Golrokh Karambakhsh
Malika Mammen
Adam Wang
Nico Yau
Sophia Zhang
Marcus Cheung
Nathan Krause
Yinteng Li
Levi Schmitz
Nathan Wong
Jim Yao
David H. Zhang
arts
Kabeer Aggarwal learninG to Play Piano
In this project, I wanted to develop my ability to play the piano. I chose to play the song “Hopes and Dreams” from the video game Undertale
Paige Ah Yong
learninG hoW to create sets of nails
I created nail sets featuring designs, gel, and extensions, learning all necessary techniques. I turned a hobby into a professional skill, for self expression, using ATL skills to guide my learning and reflect on my growth.
Noam Glodjo Breger
PicKinG UP the Piecesa DebUt albUm
Picking Up The Pieces is a small album/EP of pop-type compositions I created and produced using a Digital Audio Workstation (DAW). This demo album allowed me to expand my musical production knowledge and explore the possibility of releasing full albums in the future (outside of the personal project). The songs were designed using musical theory and various production techniques, created to be (in theory) universally appealing.
Emily Britton
learninG to seW a Dress
I learnt how to sew a dress, developing my sewing skills, techniques, and understanding. This project connects my interests, family background, and current issues like fast fashion and unsustainability. I found a pattern, chose a fabric, and applied my learning to create a unique, one-of-a-kind dress.
Ronick Kang
learninG a sonG on GUitar
I learned the beginning of “Tore Up” by Don Toliver on guitar with no prior instrument knowledge. I practiced guitar skills such as vibrato and learning chords.
Inaya Kassam crocheteD baby hats
I created 30 crocheted newborn baby hats suitable for donation to an organization or hospital. I practiced and refined my crocheting skills, by continuously practicing stitches, following patterns, and increasing the difficulty in my work to stay challenged and motivated. Through research and self-management, I successfully completed my project, achieving my self criterias.
Sofia Keung
briDGinG
art anD history
My project bridges the gap between RCM music theory and practical performance by researching the historical intentions of composers from the Baroque to Modern eras. I synthesized complex musicological concepts into an accessible 15-minute educational video script to improve the emotional depth of my own piano playing.
Audrey Tessaro learninG the UKUlele
I learned a new skill: playing the ukulele. As my final product, I learned to play the song “Somewhere Over the Rainbow.” I did this to further connect with my grandpa and community.
I created a three-minute song inspired by some of my favourite artists. All of the instrumentals and lyrics were created by me. The song is a good mix between solemn and sad and bouncy and happy.
Aiden Wong
DeeP DoWn
Patrick Wu voices - the comPlete mUsical
VOICES is a musical experience built from a compelling script accompanied by various songs ranging in emotion, style, and genre. Each song is written, composed, and produced to form a complete, cinematic story that metaphorically represents my personal growth. VOICES is a project of 11 songs, a 45 minute script, all born from inspiration, creativity, and the end goal of defining individual artistic intentions and capabilities through its exciting debut.
Hudson Xu violin sUrvival GUiDe
I created an informative video about the violin, aimed at newcomers who just started playing the instrument. The video answers some of the most common questions that beginners have like, “Why are some violins worth $20 million?”
Kallie Yu choreoGraPhinG a contemPorary Dance
I choreographed a contemporary dance to the song “D’ÂME À ÂME” by Anna Chedid, drawing a strong connection between the song’s narrative and my own personal experiences. Through this connection, I was able to translate emotions into movement in a way that felt deeply meaningful. This resulted in a performance that is authentic and personal, using physical expression to explore complex emotions and elements of identity.
Xander Berlinguette the Perfect cheesecaKe
I created the perfect cheesecake through trial & error with three different trials. I also made a tangerine sauce and a caramel sauce. The perfect cheesecake was tested by others to make sure it was good.
Dhanya Johnson the athletes cooKbooK
This project is an artistic piece that describes not only my passion for cooking, but also my lifestyle growing up as a constantly active child playing many sports. However, the one thing I never got right was my diet and eating habits. I created this project as a way to teach young athletes what I wish I knew when I was growing up to make me 20 times better than what I turned out to be.
DiGital meDia & technoloGy
Marcus Cheung bUilDinG a Personal comPUter
Over the past few months, I developed my research and organization skills. I worked with old computers, researched computer components, and built a computer.
Nathan Krause
animatinG With soUrce filmmaKer (sfm)
My project focuses on animating in SFM. While my animation is beginner-level, I enjoyed the process of working on my animation and found it fun.
Yinteng Li roblox animation
I created a fighting animation with music playing in the background, featuring five main characters and four side characters. The music is synced to the characters’ fighting in the animation to make it more impactful.
Levi Schmitz bUilDinG a GaminG Personal comPUter (Pc)
I researched how the parts of a PC work, selected and bought parts for a PC with a $2,500 budget, then used those parts to build my own gaming PC. Now, I use that PC at home for schoolwork and gaming.
Nathan Wong tUrninG history into GamePlay
My project is a mod for the game Hearts of Iron IV. I created additional content for the game based off of my knowledge and research of the Chinese Civil War in 1946. I wanted to create this mod to represent my family’s experience with the harsh leadership and rule when they were young.
Jim Yao east meets West:
a 3D DesiGn exPloration
I focused on developing my creative thinking and research ATL skills through learning 3D animation techniques. I created a realistic 3D animated model that incorporates Chinese cultural elements, including architectural design inspired by the Old Summer Palace, alongside selected Western details. The animation is set at night with a warm color palette.
David H. Zhang mistUri.com
(DroPshiPPinG Website)
I created an online e-commerce website that sells flame-diffusers via dropshipping. This website was connected to the Shopify store as well as AutoDS automatic fulfillment. Then, I used both Tiktok and Facebook advertisements after creating them to promote the website to drive traffic and sales.
enGineerinG
Damian
Babul bUilDinG a race bicycle
I developed mechanical precision and equipment optimization through assembling a race bicycle with a specific optimization in endurance races which can be measured by stiffness, strength and weight. The quality and precision of the bicycle was challenged and measured through rigorous tests specific to each component such as chain retention, headset movement, and torque specification compliance.
Calen Chase horses UnDer tha hooD
I purchased a damaged vehicle, researched and troubleshot errors, and repaired it to return the car to road-safe working condition.
Renaud Mareschal de Charentenay
tiny hoUse bUilDinG
Personal Project
I researched the safest way of building a house. I then built a tiny house with the help of my family based on the research I had done. Finally, I reflected on all the amazing knowledge I gained from this experience.
hUmanities & social stUDies
Paulina Antipova exPlorinG Determinism
Determinism is the philosophical view that all events, including human decisions and actions, are the inevitable result of preceding causes and natural laws. It posits that given the state of the universe at any particular time, only one future is physically possible. Consequently, this perspective often implies that free will is an illusion, as all actions are predetermined by factors outside an individual’s control.
Simon Antweiler sUstainable ferries on the norWeGian coasthoW havila chanGeD norWay’s shiPPinG inDUstry
My product is a documentary which revolves around the Norwegian Coastal shipping route, and how a new company is taking action to keep the route sustainable. Havila launched their hybrid (battery and liquified natural gas (LNG)) ships on the Kystruten (coastal route) in late 2021, and that is just the beginning of their goals to bring a way to travel sustainably on the route. I rode on one of their ships in June 2025, and as I am interested in sustainability, I wanted to learn more about Havila’s actions, and chose to demonstrate this through a documentary.
Ryan Ko
creatinG a first aiD chilDren’s booK
I created a book to support children and teenagers on how to perform first aid. The book is a mix between a storybook and a guidebook. I used simple to understand language to make this book suitable for most young readers.
Francis Zhao
exPlore the oriGins
anD DeveloPment of major reliGions
My project focuses on the historical development and evolution of world religions. I made this project to help more people understand history more easily. Presenting history in a simple and clear way helps to better protect and pass on this culture.
sPorts & fitness
Shaan Gill enGineerinG a Golf net for Performance
My project’s focus was on improving my understanding of key concepts such as launch angle and swing speed to help me become a better ball striker in golf. Through research and testing, I created an adaptable golf net for my home, which can be used by golfers of various skill levels.
Golrokh Karambakhsh
sPorts
PhotoGraPhy
I created a sports photography project focused to strengthen my technical camera skills, composition techniques, and photo editing abilities. I captured dynamic moments in basketball and volleyball and organized them into two visually striking photo collections. I then edited and published my strongest images on a dedicated Instagram account to showcase my growth and create an engaging platform for my work.
Malika Mammen learninG hoW to rUn
My project focused on developing my long-distance running ability, training from a beginner level to completing a continuous 6-kilometer run. Alongside this, I created a beginner’s running guide documenting my training journey, reflections, and researchbased advice to support new runners. Together, these products demonstrate both my physical achievement and my learning process.
Adam Wang strUctUreD strenGth: a WorKoUt GUiDe for stUDent athletes
My project is a beginner-friendly workout guide made specifically for teen athletes like me who want to get stronger and improve overall fitness. I focused on creating a safe, realistic full-body program based on research and personal testing, so it’s achievable for beginners. The guide also includes mindset and recovery tips to help teens stay consistent and healthy both inside and outside of workouts.
Nico Yau
the technical sKills of Golf clUb servicinG
My personal project focused on the technical process of servicing golf clubs to enhance performance, feel, and aesthetics. Throughout this journey, I learned skills such as regripping, reshafting, and customizing clubs. My final product was numerous clubs regripped, reshafted, and customized for my family and friends at no cost.
Sophia Zhang Personal WorKoUt Plan
My project aims to help me build stronger ab muscles with specific core exercises. I created a structured workout plan to improve my ab muscles. The workout book exercises help increase core strength and prevent injuries.
aDvice for next year’s Personal Project stUDents
Start early — even just developing a clear idea and simple plan over the summer will make a big difference. Choose a topic you genuinely enjoy, as you’ll be spending many hours developing it. Set realistic goals and focus on doing one thing exceptionally well rather than trying to do too much.
Create a schedule from the beginning and stick to it. Work consistently, avoid procrastination, and aim to complete your final product early so you have time to refine it. Break your research into focused strands to stay efficient, keep strong evidence of your process, and follow the rubric carefully — it truly guides your success. Most importantly, don’t panic. Take it one step at a time. With steady effort and good organization, it’s absolutely manageable — and even enjoyable.