The Future of Education and Skills 2030, published by the OECD, identifies three “transformative competencies” that students need to contribute to and thrive in our world. The first competency is about creating new value and our commitment to innovate and “think outside the box” to shape better lives. This focus integrates a sense of purpose with critical thinking and creativity. The second competency considers our ability to be comfortable with complexity and ambiguity in an interdependent world, while also developing a high degree of empathy and respect. The third competency refers to the commitment to take responsibility for our actions as our students are guided by a strong moral compass that considers personal, ethical, and societal goals.
There is certainly alignment when considering ISZL’s vision in the context of the OECD’s aspirational goals. Our vision at ISZL is to help every student turn their learning into action – an approach that is designed to support every student in realising how much they’re capable of and to go on to make the most of who they are. In support of both ISZL and the OECD’s vision for learning are our school’s Personal Development Week (PDW) experiences that offer students exceptional learning environments and meaningful and relevant growth opportunities.
During last week’s PDW experiences, more than 1,000 of our students were engaged in experiential learning opportunities ranging from locations in Zug and Switzerland to Europe, and around the world, including destinations such as Iceland, Ghana, and the Himalayas, among others Throughout the week, our students were actively developing the OECD’s three transformative competencies in meaningful and active ways. The long-term impact of the PDW trips was highlighted at a recent ISZL alumni barbecue when several former students shared how the PDW experience was transformative to their learning experience and a highlight of their time at ISZL.
One of ISZL’s longstanding PDW trips is related to our school’s involvement with the NAG program in Nepal, which is a charity in Kathmandu that provides critical and essential support for young children. To advance this important work, ISZL will be holding its annual NAG Charity Run later this month to raise awareness and financial support. All community members are encouraged to join this special event.
A heartfelt thank you to all of the teachers and staff members who coordinate and lead these unique learning experiences, in addition to travelling and supporting our students during the trips. Without the dedication and commitment of teachers and staff, these trips would not be possible.
Photo Credit: Diego Jimenez on Unsplash
Barry,
Your three “transformative competencies” are noteworthy for each of their enormous value toward a better future. And is that not why we are committed to educating kids, not only for their futures but also for a future that is filled with hope and love? We need to design a conspiracy for a better future that includes schools (teachers and students), parents, and the larger community, the ultimate beneficiary of your good work. I am taking the liberty of sharing this piece with a number of my colleagues and I thank you for sharing your story here. You might want to take a look at what one of my good friends is working on here in the states, the Natrional Capstone Consortium. https://www.capstoneconsortium.org/
All good wishes to you and your colleagues there.
Thanks for the interesting blog post. I see a lot of activities like this from international schools and I appreciate that schools are focusing on those outside their walls. However, I am left wondering what were the activities that they carried out and how did they meet the three goals that you mentioned in the first paragraph and how was it measured that the students met these goals.
I ask all of this with all due respect.
Mark Webber