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ISB International Day 2022

Internationalism Statement

International mindedness is:

"a view of the world in which people see themselves connected to the global community and assume a sense of responsibility towards its members. It is an awareness of the interrelatedness of all nations and peoples, and is a recognition of the complexity of these" (IBO, 2018, "The Learning Community")

Global citizenship refers to:

“ a sense of belonging to a broader community and common humanity. It emphasises political, economic, social and cultural interdependency and interconnectedness between the local, the national and the global" (UNESCO 2014)

Our aims are to:

• Welcome all citizens of different cultures and languages and provide the opportunity to work together. • Build and reinforce students’ sense of identity and cultural awareness • Foster students’ recognition and development of universal human values • Provide international content while responding to local requirements and interests • Provide diversity and flexibility in teaching methods

What does this mean for International School Brunei?

International mindedness and Global citizenship for our students at ISB entails adopting a certain value system of compassion, tolerance, and openness to diverse perspectives. Since more than 45 nationalities are represented at our school, students have numerous opportunities to learn, develop and connect. Our students have the opportunity to interact with children/young adults from around the world who have been exposed to a variety of cultures, traditions, and perspectives. Our students are accustomed to being in a multicultural environment, and they quickly develop empathy for the views and opinions of others. Students and teachers share the same shrinking, flattening world. As urbanisation, climate change and demographic restructuring present new challenges, teachers must expose their learners to a broader array of ideas. To accomplish this, they must develop innovative teaching strategies based on historical knowledge of how children learn.

What does this mean for International School Brunei?

At ISB, students receive direct classroom instruction in topics such as Global Learning Studies (GLS).This dedicated lesson introduce our children to international topics and encourages problem-solving through collaboration, reflection, and communication. We discuss current world events and their potential impact on us in our regional context. Students are able to discuss first-hand experiences and ask questions between themselves. They are able to gain a deeper understanding of the world around them by hearing the perspectives of peers who may have led vastly different lives.We also consider diversity when teaching other subjects. We always evaluate the potential impact of each subject's topics on different student populations and make any necessary adjustments. We ensure that students feel that the subjects that they are studying relate to the world that they live in today. Of course, not all learning happens in the classroom. Our students also take pleasure in celebrating international holidays and customs. We encourage them to take ownership of these events and share their traditions with others.

Our staff as Global Citizens

We prioritise building a community of teachers with international experience. Our educators have worked in international schools in countries other than their own and have been exposed to a variety of cultures, languages, and communities. The perspectives they bring with them are not available at all educational institutions. Students at ISB have opportunities for developing unique understanding and empathy as individuals’ ideas and experiences are shared.

International Mindedness in the community

International mindedness doesn't stop at the school gates. Our ISB parents are committed to instilling similar values in their children. Some families attend multicultural events with their children. Others foster international relationships. Others turn movies, holidays, and entertainment into opportunities to practise multiculturalism with intent. This is important because it teaches children that multiculturalism is all around them. For some students spending time with family members and friends from around the world is the norm, but this is not the case for everyone. This is why we encourage parents to expose their children to a variety of multicultural activities.

Click here to download the statement.

GLOBAL CITIZENSHIP FRAMEWORK 

The International of School Brunei Global Citizenship Framework (Draft 5) aims to promote human rights, racial justice, prejudice reduction, equal opportunities, and global mindedness through the following key areas: 

IDEA
(Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, and Access)

Human rights: Students will learn about the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and how to advocate for the rights of marginalized groups. Racial Justice: Students will learn about the history and ongoing impact of racism and discrimination, and ways to promote racial justice and equity. Prejudice reduction: Students will learn about the impact of prejudice and stereotypes on individuals and communities, and strategies for reducing prejudice and promoting understanding and respect. Equal Opportunities: Students will learn about the importance of providing equal opportunities for all individuals and groups, regardless of their backgrounds or identities. Global mindedness: Students will learn about the interconnectedness of people and issues around the world, and the importance of considering global perspectives and taking global actions.

Intercultural Learning

Identity & belonging: Students will learn about the diversity of identities and cultures within and beyond their school community, and ways to understand and appreciate these differences. Intercultural Learning: Students will learn about different cultures and ways of life, and develop intercultural competencies such as empathy, respect, and understanding. Language learning: Students will learn at least one additional language, and develop language competencies such as communication, comprehension, and cultural understanding.

Global Citizenship

Sustainable development: Students will learn about the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the importance of sustainable development for addressing global challenges. Environmental Sustainability: Students will learn about the impacts of human activities on the environment and ways to reduce their ecological footprint and protect natural resources. Economic Sustainability: Students will learn about economic systems and ways to promote economic justice and sustainability. Political Sustainability: Students will learn about political systems, democracy, and ways to participate in civic engagement and promote political stability and human rights. Inter-connectedness: Students will learn about the interconnectedness of people and issues around the world, and the importance of considering global perspectives and taking global actions. Social Sustainability: Students will learn about the social dimensions of sustainability, such as poverty, inequality, and social inclusion, and ways to promote social justice and well-being for all.

Community Engagement

Participation in Community: Students will learn about the importance of active participation in their local and global communities, and ways to engage with and serve others. Social Action & Agency: Students will learn about the power of individual and collective action to create positive change, and develop their own sense of agency and social responsibility. Social Justice: Students will learn about the concept of social justice and ways to promote fairness and equality for all members of society. Conflict resolution & Peacebuilding: Students will learn about the causes and impacts of conflict and violence, and ways to promote peace and resolve conflicts through non-violent means. The framework also emphasizes the development of key competencies such as intercultural competencies, language competencies, agency, collaboration and engagement, being reflective, critical thinking, creative thinking, problem-solving, active listening, ability to manage complexity and uncertainty, moral ethical reasoning, conflict resolution, participation and action, and effective communication. Additionally, it promotes the development of values and attitudes such as respect, curiosity, principled, fairness, empathy, courage, trust, resilience, serenity, and responsibility. In addition to the above, the framework also includes the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) as a guide to promote sustainable development and address global challenges, such as poverty, inequality, and climate change.

Food for thought.

When someone asks you where you're from … do you sometimes not know how to answer? Writer Taiye Selasi speaks on behalf of "multi-local" people, who feel at home in the town where they grew up, the city they live now and maybe another place or two. "How can I come from a country?" she asks. "How can a human being come from a concept?"

Special Thanks to:

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