The values encouraged and nurtured at school shape the minds of students, probably more than you realise. Values imbibed by students at school will contribute to their success as an adult. It helps them develop healthy functional behaviours, attitude, a sense of duty, integrity, and respect for self and others. At GIIS, our school values help mould our students into positive, responsible and sensible adults.
How GIIS Nurtures Universal Values
GIIS believes a strong value system shapes students into global citizens who will become leaders of tomorrow. Our learning environment, educational framework and regular guidance helps in fostering the right mindset for success. Our students are encouraged to develop a growth mindset where setbacks do not faze them.
We believe in providing constructive feedback to help them bounce back and move forward towards their ultimate goal. This promotes resilience in students, which prepares them for life outside GIIS. Below are some of the ways in which GIIS promotes strong values among its student body.
RISE as Leaders of Tomorrow
GIIS’ theme of RISE as leaders of tomorrow, promotes Respect, Integrity, Skills and Empathy (RISE) among students. The word ‘Respect’ in this context implies respect for self and others. Respect for self includes showing gratitude and confidence and focusing on self-care to stay well and fit. Respect for others is inclusive of respect for the environment and all other living things.
Tolerance and Kindness
GIIS faculty help build social awareness among students and encourage kindness towards all. Students are exposed to these values from a young age, starting in the earliest grades.
Our preschool students are taught compassion and kindness and are given opportunities to show care for the environment and community under the iCare programme of the curriculum.
Our primary and secondary students participate in various charity drives and social work, including the Singapore Kindness Movement. The aim is to nurture students who can display empathy and contribute to the community, making life more pleasant for less privileged or marginalised members. This raises the standards of responsibility that we have to each other and all global citizens.
GIIS takes its responsibility to cultivate a student body of kind and respectful global citizens very seriously. Our students have participated in food donation drives, created awareness through their art and posters to pay respect to frontline heroes and participated in mask-making activities. We believe that encouraging our students and teachers to participate in these events help to instil in our students a sense of duty to fellow humans and a sense of caring for the well-being of others.
Discernment of Right From Wrong
All students at GIIS are taught to discern right from wrong and be honest with themselves and others. We teach this through our classes that promote critical thinking and help our students turn into independent thinkers, so they know when to stand up for what they believe in.
Inculcating a Strong Work Ethic
You can’t be successful in a challenging academic setting without putting in the time to learn. At GIIS, we prioritise a strong work ethic to help our students succeed in school and beyond.
Whether it’s simple class responsibilities or more extensive assessments, a strong work ethic is inculcated among GIIS students of all age groups. Integrity while making decisions, asking the right questions and following guidelines help students beyond school.
Building Optimism and Focus
At GIIS, we inculcate confidence and good attitude among our students, which can help them grow into functional and happy adults. We teach yoga and meditation to our students. This helps them develop a calm mind, which in turn, helps them develop self-control and the ability to focus.
Meditation also helps our students develop a feeling of calm and happiness with themselves and who they are. Often, this translates to optimism that can carry them forward into the future, help them develop personal relationships and make a meaningful social contribution.
Dedicated Centre for Universal Values
GIIS has a dedicated Centre for Universal Values across its global campuses to encourage the positive values and beliefs of Mahatma Gandhi, helping students understand their relevance to today’s world.
A robust value system along with a strong pedagogy lays the right foundation for the success of GIIS students. If you believe that your child can benefit from GIIS values, join us for a campus tour to experience what GIIS is all about.
Melissa Maria
GIIS Singapore SMART Campus principal, Ms Melissa Maria’s journey as an educator started when she was only 16 and continued in the field after she completed her Master’s degree in History and Bachelor’s degree in Education. For over 25 years now, she has been at the forefront of introducing new ideas and methodologies to education. She is also the City Coordinator for Singapore, selected by the CBSE Board for Grade 10 and 12 exams, 2021, managing two other international schools besides GIIS. With numerous achievements sprinkled across her distinguished career, Ms. Maria has been recognised for her efforts as a Mindef volunteer by the Singapore government.
