At GlIS Singapore, we are passionate about transforming our students into lifelong learners. Our educational approach extends beyond memorisation and reiteration and truly focuses on developing well-rounded individuals who are willing to think critically, engage with their peers and be mindful of the world at large as they develop solutions to questions or problems.
This is one of the reasons why our 9GEMS™ framework complements the IB Learner Profile that is embedded in the IB philosophy of teaching and learning. The IB Learner Profile consists of 10 attributes, all of which focus on the qualities students should develop during their education to become lifelong learners.
Similarly, our 9GEMS™ holistic framework includes nine focus areas that are needed for a well-rounded education. By mapping the IB Learner Profile, the administrators and teachers at GIIS aim to create an environment where students can learn and thrive.
Mapping 9GEMS™ to the IB Learner Profile
At GIIS, we are proud to provide a leading IB programme to students in Singapore. We offer the IB Primary Years Programme for students in Grades 1 through 5, and we offer the IB Diploma Programme (IBDP) for our oldest students in Grades 11 and 12. Throughout the IB programme, we map the IB Learner Profile to our 9GEMS™ holistic educational framework:
● Our first gem of Academic Excellence coincides with the IB Learner Profile traits of being knowledgeable and thinkers.
● Our Sports Excellence gem correlates with the balanced and principled traits in the IB Learner Profile.
● Our Digital and Visual Arts gem allows students to become open-minded and risk-takers, which are also part of the IB Learner Profile.
● Personality Development is the fourth gem in our framework, and it coincides perfectly with the communicator trait in the IB Learner Profile.
● The Innovation and Creativity gem in our framework leads to open-minded students and inquirers, two valued traits in the IB Learner Profile.
● The Entrepreneurship and Leadership gem creates students who are reflective and risk-takers.
● Our Universal Values and Ethics gem promotes the personality traits of being principled and balanced, both of which are included in the IB Learner Profile.
● By implementing a Community and Care component into our framework, we help develop caring and reflective students.
● With an emphasis on Skill Development, our holistic framework facilitates the development of the IB Learner Profile traits of open-mindedness and effective communicators.
How the IB Learner Profile is mapped at GIIS
IB Learner Profile mapping at GIIS is carried out in a variety of ways:
● One way is through classroom teaching and open-ended discussions. While teachers at GIIS create a classroom environment that best suits their teaching style, all of the teachers at GIIS value the importance of inquiry-led learning. Students are encouraged to ask questions, come up with elements of research, reflection on writing, conclusion and evaluation.
By facilitating this inside the classroom, teachers are naturally developing the IB Learner Profile traits of actively participating in the learning process and being reflective throughout the entire experience.
● It is also done through student initiatives. At GIIS, students are active participants in our school community, and we welcome initiatives that are created by and supported by our students. One such initiative is the Model United Nations programme at GIIS. Model United Nations is a simulation of the UN General Assembly, with students role-playing as ambassadors as they debate topics that dominate current events, such as climate change or gender equality.
Another such initiative is the student conference, which is similar to MUN and gives a stimulating platform to our students. Such initiatives truly support our IB Learner Profile mapping efforts because they develop and enhance many of the attributes in the profile, such as becoming knowledgeable, open-minded thinkers who are reflective and intentional when they communicate.
These initiatives also complement the 9GEMS™ pedagogy by focusing on academic excellence, entrepreneurship and personality development. At GIIS, events like TEDx, JAM, Law Society Debate Spectrum, Robotics & AI Bootcamps, IOT, Hackathons, provide multiple opportunities to our students.
● GIIS events are planned to support the IB Learner Profile mapping efforts. As part of our commitment to the community, we are constantly planning events designed to support our students’ development while strengthening the bonds with our community at large.
One example of such an event that supports the IB Learner Profile and the 9GEMS™ holistic educational framework is the Real World Challenges Convention. At this event, students have the opportunity to personalise their presentations and showcase their talents in public speaking, critical thinking and problem-solving. It promotes skill development and communication.
● The IB programme includes internal assessments, which allow teachers to evaluate the attributes that have been developed and the skills that have been acquired such as thinking, research, social and communication skills. The results of these assessments help guide future learning experiences for students at GIIS as they continue to evolve and grow.
Also read: Six must-have skills for the Leaders of Tomorrow
The benefits of IB Learner Profile mapping
Both the 9GEMS™ holistic educational framework and the IB Learner Profile have the same goal — to help students develop into well-rounded, engaged individuals who are lifelong learners. GIIS students graduate with an ability to respect themselves while simultaneously respecting their peers — all while being conscious of the world around them. As a result, they are uniquely prepared to become leaders in a global community.
For more information about IB programmes and the 9GEMS™ holistic educational framework at GIIS, please don’t hesitate to contact our friendly 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.
