Kuchajda Day (Year 10 Outside the Classroom)

In the second half of June, our Year 10 class swapped the classroom for fresh air and sunshine. Together with Mr. Milan and Ms. Svetlana, we took a trip to Kuchajda Lake—a beloved local spot in Bratislava. The name “Kuchajda” comes from the German word Kuhheide, meaning “cow pasture.” Once upon a time, cows grazed in this area. Today, it’s a vibrant recreational space with football pitches, basketball courts, beach volleyball nets, ping pong tables, and more.

At first, the weather wasn’t on our side. It was chilly, and a cold wind swept across the lake. For a moment, it seemed we’d spend our day at this beautiful place simply playing cards on picnic blanket.
Seeing this, Mr. Milan showed calm leadership—he quickly searched for alternative plans and even contacted a nearby cinema, just in case we needed a warm indoor option. But soon, the skies cleared, and the real fun began. We split into groups—some played volleyball, others basketball, and a few brave students took on the challenge of crossing a climbing frame using only their hands.

As I watched them, a thought crossed my mind: a teacher should be the first one to say “Let’s go,” even when no one else is ready—or even doesn’t yet know they want to go. Sometimes, we have to be the first to face a challenge, even if we’re unsure whether we’ll succeed. Whether in the classroom or on a climbing frame, a teacher is, in many ways, a leader.
That’s exactly what Ms. Svetlana did—she stepped up first, encouraging others to join in, showing that courage often starts with one person willing to lead.

As the day warmed up even more, some students went for a swim in the lake, while others gathered on picnic blankets to play the card game Bang!. Spending time with students in an informal setting like this is always rewarding. It allows us to connect beyond schoolwork and enjoy honest, relaxed conversations.

All in all, it was a refreshing day—full of movement, laughter, and moments of shared adventure. A perfect way to close out the school year.

IB Values in Action

Even though it was just a day by the lake, the spirit of the IB Learner Profile was clearly present throughout:

• Risk-takers – when students (and teachers) challenged themselves on the climbing frame or jumped into the chilly lake.

• Communicators – as they worked together during games and connected through open conversations.

• Balanced – by taking care of their physical well-being and enjoying time outside of the academic routine.

• Reflective – thinking about the role of teachers as leaders, and about the value of shared experiences beyond the classroom.