Page 280 - DAIS Insignia 2024-2025

FILM APPRECIATION - This year marked the
inaugural year of the Film Appreciation Club, where film enthusiasts
came together to explore the art of cinema in depth. In addition to
deepen our appreciation for film masterpieces. This exciting journey
consisted of a variety of activities through which members were able
to develop a keen eye for techniques that bring stories to life.
As part of the club, we engaged in multiple activities and fruitful
discussions:
• We screened films and analysed how directors of those movies
used specific sets, dialogues, and intentional cinematography to
convey meaning.
• We delved into a comparative analysis of movie scenes to
understand how various elements, including lighting, framing
and music, create different levels of tension and emotions.
• We explored the world of animated films and analysed their
storytelling techniques and how these techniques differ from
live action films.
• We analysed short films and explored how the small duration of
the film impacts the message conveyed.
• Our discussion engaged in directorial intent to examine how
creative choices shape the audience's experience.
DEBATE - During the first term, the Debate Club
thrived as student mentors guided mentees through a
wide range of thought-provoking discussions. Students
were exposed to real-world debates, including the high-
stakes U.S. Presidential debate between Kamala Harris
and Donald Trump, analysing rhetoric and strategy. The
students engaged in debates on pressing issues such as
"Should prisons be privatised?" and "Should schools
eliminate standardised testing as a measure of student
success?", which sharpened their critical thinking and
confidence. They also debated topics such as "Does AI
pose a greater threat or benefit to society?" and "Should
social media platforms be held responsible for
misinformation?" These discussions challenged
perspectives and encouraged nuanced understanding.
Through rigorous discourse, mentees refined their
articulation and rebuttal skills. Reflection sessions
deepened their grasp of complex issues, fostering
intellectual curiosity. The sessions were lively, with
passionate exchanges and moments of humour making
debates even more engaging. Ultimately, the club
radiated energy, and the mentees emerged more
confident , well-inform ed, and ea ger to take
on new challenges.
MATH - The Math Club is a vibrant
s p a c e w h e r e c u r i o s i t y m e e t s
collaboration. We tackle challenging
problems as a team, breaking down
complex concepts and exploring
multiple approaches to reach elegant
solutions. Each session pushes us
beyond textbooks, encouraging critical
thinking, logical reasoning, and
creative problem-solving.
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THE ARDUINO AND CODING - The Club began
with introductions to Arduino boards, their components, and the
Arduino IDE. Students were introduced to breadboards, wiring, Arduino
pins, resistors, and basic coding concepts. Students explored a range of
Arduino-compatible sensors and actuators, including ultrasonic
sensors, infrared sensors, LiDAR, motors, motor drivers, and servos.
Along with projects that helped students to develop wiring and coding
skills, they also learnt about power management covering different
battery technologies and their applications. Students learned to use
multimeters to measure voltage, select appropriate power sources, and
manage voltage delivery efficiently. They also worked with motor
drivers and TT motors, gaining an understanding of H-bridges and
actuation. LCD screens and the I2C interface were also explored in
challenges set. For their final project, students chose to develop an Air
Quality Monitoring system for the school. They worked with the MQ-135 sensor, integrating it with an Arduino and an
LCD screen to display air quality readings.
YOUR MONEY MATTERS - One of the key features
of our meetings has been our weekly “News of the Day” segment,
where a student presents a current event, sparking discussion and
analytical thinking. This has helped members stay informed about
global developments while enhancing their public speaking skills.In
addition, we regularly watch and analyze episodes of Shark Tank for 15
minutes, where students evaluate business pitches, dissect
investment strategies, and understand real-world applications of
entrepreneurship and innovation. These discussions have been
instrumental in developing our critical thinking and business
acumen.Beyond these structured activities, the club has also hosted
brainstorming challenges, collaborative storytelling sessions, and
design-thinking workshops, all aimed at nurturing our
creative instincts.
COOKERY - Cookery Club has been one of the best in
school experiences of the year. Every week we got to explore new
recipes, try out different cuisines, and most importantly, have loads
of fun while cooking together. It wasn't just about making food; it
was about learning, experimenting, and enjoying the process
with friends.
One of the most exciting parts of the club was discovering different
cuisines. From Mexican tacos to buttery shortbread cookies, every
session introduced us to something new. I loved making cheesy
vegetable pizzas, especially when we got to customize our toppings.
Learning how to bake was also an amazing experience. We made
delicious jaggery cookies, chocolate chip cookies, and rich, fudgy
chocolate brownies. The semolina cake was a surprise because I
never knew that semolina could be used for baking!
Another highlight was making savory dishes like garlic bread,
spinach mushroom puffs, and stuffed baked potatoes. The stuffed
potatoes were my favorite because they were crispy on the outside
and creamy on the inside. We also learned how to make refreshing
drinks like mojito, which was perfect after a long day. The banana
chocolate chip muffins and chocolate chip cups were so much fun
to bake, and they turned out soft and delicious.
Apart from the cooking itself, the best part was the teamwork and
laughter we shared. We helped each other, made a few mistakes,
and sometimes ended up in a mess, but that's what made it even
more fun. Cookery Club has taught me valuable skills, and I cannot
wait to try new recipes in the future!
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