Global themes are recognised as part of the ethos of the school and are incorporated within as many aspects of school life as possible; from individual lessons to assemblies and extracurricular activities, and in the ways in which subjects are taught.
The school’s approach to global learning encompasses four interconnected areas:
Curriculum
Global learning principles at IHS are apparent in the curriculum and the broader aspects of the school. Curriculum planning reflects a meaningful integration of themes for global learning to the scholastics.
Teaching & Learning
Global learning enables pupils to think critically about world issues and to develop an awareness of the impact of our actions on others. It is a key feature of all classroom lessons and is established through a more cross-curricular approach. Effective global learning takes place by looking at specific topics such as water, food, shelter, global poverty, international development issues, etc. through different lenses, perspectives, and subjects. Global learning concepts are embedded in many classroom practices. For example, justice and fairness are demonstrated by students through sharing resources with each other and following classroom rules. Students are made aware of the importance of sustainability by being asked to re-use or recycle things instead of disposing of them.
Extra-Curricular Activities
Extracurricular activities on global and sustainability themes put a particular focus on student voices.
- MUN – simulation of an actual United Nations conference, where students are tasked with solving a global issue through research, drafting, and debating.
- Round Square – creates opportunities for students to develop international understanding, self-confidence, and a range of interpersonal skills through studying or working on exchange programmes.
- World Scholar’s Cup – an international team academic program that focuses on bringing students from different cultures together to discuss issues and ideas relevant to the current times.
- Sectional activities (and thematic assemblies) conducted by the various sections of the school provide immense opportunities for global learning. Activities based on World International days, ‘No Plastic’ campaigns, ‘No Tobacco’ campaigns, and health awareness programmes develop students’ capacity to be informed, open-minded, responsible individuals; who are responsive to diverse perspectives and address the world’s pressing issues collaboratively.
Community Connections
Community connections bring students awareness to the problems of marginalized sects of society. Visits to old age homes and special needs schools, participation in ‘The Diabetes’ walk, can collection campaign, etc. strengthen students’ community outreach, and help students gain the required skills to display empathy.