Global Contexts
Identities and relationships: identity; beliefs and values; personal, physical, mental, social and spiritual health; human relationships including families, friends, communities and cultures; what it means to be human.
Orientation in time and space: personal histories; homes and journeys; turning points in humankind; discoveries; explorations and migrations of humankind; the relationships between and the interconnectedness of individuals and civilizations from personal, local and global perspectives.
Personal and cultural expression: the ways we discover and express ideas, feelings, nature, culture, beliefs, and values, the ways in which we reflect on, extend and enjoy our creativity; our appreciation of the aesthetic.
Scientific and technical innovation: the natural world and its laws; the interaction between people and the natural world; how humans use their understanding of scientific principles; the impact of scientific and technological advances on communities and environments; the impact of environments on human activity; how humans adapt environments to their needs.
Globalization and sustainability: the interconnectedness of human-made systems and communities; the relationship between local and global processes; how local experiences mediate the global; the opportunities and tensions provided by world interconnectedness; the impact of decision-making on humankind and the environment.
Fairness and development: rights and responsibilities; the relationship between communities; sharing finite resources with other people and with other living things; access to equal opportunities; peace and conflict resolution. [Projects guide. (2014)]
Approaches to Learning Skills
Thinking Skills- generate ideas, identify problems, ask questions, identify bias, plan, come up with innovative solutions, apply knowledge and skills to different situations, evaluate solutions and ideas, reflect on learning
Self-Management Skills - meet deadlines, set goals and create a plan to accomplish them, keep information organized, find balance in life (effectively cope with stress), don’t give up, effectively deal with emotions, think positively about self, effectively deal with criticism and setbacks
Research Skills - access information, find information using different media, evaluate sources for bias, take notes in own words (paraphrase), synthesize information from various sources (put ideas together), create a “Works Cited” page with correct format
Collaboration Skills - respect other’s point of view, respect other’s differences, be empathetic, resolve conflicts, be fair, take responsibility for own actions, make decisions, create consensus, speak up in a group, help others, develop cultural understanding and global awareness by engaging with learners of other cultures
Communication Skills - speak respectfully to others, give and receive feedback, listen to others and consider/analyze their ideas, use various communication techniques to make your ideas clear (verbal, gestures, diagrams, statistics, charts, graphs), write for different purposes, organize information logically, present ideas clearly and effectively
Learner Profile Traits
Inquirers. They develop their natural curiosity. They acquire the skills necessary to conduct inquiry and research and show independence in learning. They actively enjoy learning and this love of learning will be sustained throughout their lives.
Knowledgeable. They explore concepts, ideas and issues that have local and global significance. In so doing, they acquire in-depth knowledge and develop understanding across a broad and balanced range of disciplines.
Thinkers. They exercise initiative in applying thinking skills critically and creatively to recognize and approach complex problems, and make reasoned, ethical decisions.
Communicators. They understand and express ideas and information confidently and creatively in more than one language and in a variety of modes of communication. They work effectively and willingly in collaboration with others
Principled. They act with integrity and honesty, with a strong sense of fairness, justice and respect for the dignity of the individual, groups and communities. They take responsibility for their own actions and the consequences that accompany them.
Open-minded. They understand and appreciate their own cultures and personal histories, and are open to the perspectives, values and traditions of other individuals and communities. They are accustomed to seeking and evaluating a range of points of view, and are willing to grow from the experience.
Caring. They show empathy, compassion, and respect towards the needs and feelings of others. They have a personal commitment to service and act to make a positive difference in the lives of others and to the environment.
Risk-takers. They approach unfamiliar situations and uncertainty with courage and forethought and have the independence of spirit to explore new roles, ideas, and strategies. They are brave and articulate in defending their beliefs.
Balanced. They understand the importance of intellectual, physical and emotional balance to achieve personal well-being for themselves and others.
Reflective. They give thoughtful consideration to their own learning and experience. They are able to assess and understand their strengths and limitations in order to support their learning and personal development.