In this 21st century world where technology, environment, travel, trade connect us all, we are united as global citizens. Global citizenship – a concept that acknowledges individuals as members of a broader global community – emphasises on this interconnectedness wherein developing an international mindset is an asset for individuals.
The International Baccalaureate (IB) programmes aim to develop global students who understand their common responsibilities, helping create a better and peaceful world. Through the IB Learner Profile, the IB learners work towards becoming open minded, thinkers, communicators, caring, reflective, balanced, principled, risk takers, inquirers and knowledgeable. These are some essential qualities of a global citizen, ready to
become a future leader in the global world.
What is Global Citizenship?
Global citizenship is a concept that refers to individuals understanding and recognising their role as members of a global community rather than only their national or local identities. It involves promoting cultural diversity and addressing global issues. It is vital for students as it equips them with the knowledge, skills, and values needed to navigate an increasingly interconnected world and contribute positively to addressing global challenges. Here’s how it equips students:
1. Promotes cultural understanding
When learners are exposed to different cultures and perspectives, they develop empathy and respect for diversity. This understanding is crucial for students in a world where people from various backgrounds often collaborate on projects and work in diverse environments.
2. Fosters open-mindedness
International mindedness encourages open-mindedness, allowing learners to embrace new ideas and viewpoints. They become flexible in their thinking, essential in today’s rapidly changing world. Adaptability and being open to different perspectives can lead to innovative solutions and a rich learning experience for students.
3. Enhances global awareness
Global citizens are aware of global issues, such as climate change, conflicts and wars, human rights violation, or poor access to healthcare. This awareness can inspire learners to take action, advocate for positive change, and contribute to solving global challenges.
4. Prepares for a global workforce
Twenty-first century employers seek individuals who can work effectively with people from different backgrounds and cultures. Learners with international mindedness have a competitive advantage in the global workforce, as they are better equipped to navigate collaborations and multicultural environments.
5. Encourages Global Citizenship values
International mindedness goes together with the values of global citizenship, such as respect, tolerance, empathy, and social responsibility. These values add to the personal growth of students even as they are set up for creating a more inclusive world.
How IBDP at GIIS fosters International Mindedness
One of the ways GIIS promotes international mindedness in the IB programme among 21st-century learners includes shaping our curricula and pedagogy that promote a global mindset – enabling students to develop critical 21st century skills like problem solving, collaboration and communication with an ability to embrace diversity.
The IB Diploma Programme at GIIS prepares our senior secondary students (Grade 11 & 12) for university and beyond. As a reputed pre-university international curriculum, IBDP develops critical thinking, collaboration, time management and research skills. Our teachers aid in instilling and implementing Approaches to Learning (ATL) in the classroom, to ensure that students acquire these essential skills.
The curriculum encompasses a range of subjects, including languages, humanities, sciences, and the arts, with a global perspective. It encourages students to explore different cultures and perspectives.
The IBDP core TOK component fosters the development of international-mindedness. The course focuses on the ‘Nature of Knowledge and the Process of Knowing,’ enabling students to grasp how the TOK course manifests in the world around them.
The CAS (Creativity, Activity, Service) component of the IBDP requires students to engage in a variety of extracurricular activities, including community service. It is one of the ways IBDP promotes a sense of responsibility towards the larger community and encourages students to address global issues. The curriculum encourages students to explore real world issues from multiple perspectives.
Moreover, the school itself is a learning community where all stakeholders work towards creating an ecosystem that ensures learning happens at each step during a child’s school life.
To conclude, a world where boundaries are becoming less significant, international mindedness is a critical skill for 21st-century learners. By fostering international mindedness, we prepare learners for the challenges of the future whereby they are well-equipped to contribute towards building a more inclusive and sustainable world.
Also read: ‘IB Learner Profile exposed me to new perspectives’: GIIS IBDP 2022 graduate
GIIS has been offering the IBDP curriculum for more than 15 years. Over the years, our students have done exceptionally well with more than 100 IBDP World Toppers (45/45) and Near Perfect Scorers (44/45) till date. Our teachers are committed to the success of the students, offering guidance in all aspects of the programme. 75% of GIIS teachers have over five years of IBDP experience, 100% of them are IB trained and 60% are IB examiners, which requires stringent selection criteria and extensive training.
If you are keen to know more about IBDP at GIIS, please feel free to contact our admissions counsellors.
Deepika Sodhi
Ms. Deepika Sodhi, Principal, GIIS East Coast Campus is a seasoned education leader with over 25 years of teaching experience, including 15+ years in Cambridge and IB programmes, and 10 years in CBSE.
She holds a Master's degree in Physics with a specialisation in Electronics, a Bachelor’s in Education, and an Honours Diploma in Software Management. Her teaching career spans India and Singapore.
Ms. Sodhi's achievements include being GATE (Graduate Aptitude Test in Engineering) qualified and a Gold Medalist in Physics, Lead ISO Auditor, a member of both the International Schools Network and the International Baccalaureate Educator’s Network.
In her past roles at GIIS, she served as Head of Science and Physics, Cambridge IGCSE Coordinator, Cambridge Exam Officer, and IB Examiner.
Ms. Sodhi is passionate about innovation, inclusivity, and student success. In her free time, she enjoys reading and volunteering with the Singapore Red Cross.
