IGBIS values learner agency, which means that we encourage students to share their voice, take responsible action and demonstrate leadership for causes they are passionate about. We want them to be active in their own learning as they make decisions on their course and pathway options, select activities that extend their interests or develop new ones, and dive deeply into student-driven projects.
Our students are introduced to UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), environmental and societal activism from the age of five, and every year they participate in a variety of SDG-oriented workshops and student projects. Young Activist Council and Conference supports budding youth activists from Grade 3-5 to impact our school and local community. The Grade 5 PYP Exhibition promotes the SDGs and results in action for the planet, while a number of MYP Personal Projects and IBDP CAS projects support youth action in our local communities including working with refugee organisations, community build projects, access to education projects, waste management and more.
All of these elements are visible in how we teach, how we communicate with our learners, and the types of projects – both local and global – we get involved with. Our PYP units of inquiry, along with the units of study in the MYP and DP, have action and service components that rely on and boost student’s self management, independence and motivation to make choices, take action and positively impact their own lives and the lives of others.
Student leadership is promoted through our House Captain and Student Council organisations, as well as other clubs and projects such as MUN (Model United Nations). But empowerment at IGBIS is not limited to our students only, as our staff and community are supported through workshops and other learning opportunities. We consider ourselves a community of life-long learners.
