log on to alumni online

all about alumni online

alumni news & events

contact us

alumni home

St. Clare's has as its mission, to advance international education and understanding. Closely linked to this mission is our Global Citizenship project.
The project began in 2002 with the aim of bridging the gap between the requirements of courses such as the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme and our broader aims. The project aims to help all of us, staff and students alike, to become better "Global Citizens" in line with the characteristics shown alongside.
In order to fulfil this aim, we try to ensure that we encourage the growth of our knowledge and understanding in relation to three key issues. There are three key areas. We need to understand issues surrounding:

• the utilisation of resources and their impact on the environment,
• the value of diversity, and
• peace and conflicts.

We also believe that "Global Citizens" should be equipped with a range of skills, including:

• active listening,
• the ability to empathise,
• skills related to teamwork,
• conflict resolution skills, and
• the ability to think critically.

The third part of our "curriculum" relates to attitudes and values. For us, Global Citizenship requires the development of attitudes such as:

• respect for others,
• a commitment to fairness and justice,
• a concern for the environment,
• taking responsibility, and
• a belief that people can, and should, make a difference.

Together, the items above can be referred to as "global competences" - attributes that allow an individual to become a Global Citizen in the sense that we intend. But St. Clare's believes that we need to go further. We have decided that an "experiential" side needs to be added to the "intellectual" aspects such as those listed above. Therefore, we also believe that we should attempt to ensure that students:

• have experience of other cultures, and
• act in order to make the world a fairer place.

As we continue to refine these ideas about Global Citizenship, we are also taking steps towards implementing the programme.
Firstly, we are trying to give appropriate recognition to those aspects of Global Citizenship that are already embedded in the 'St. Clare's Experience'. Undoubtedly, there is a lot that we are doing already that helps us to move towards our goals.
Secondly, we have started to 'fine-tune' our way of operating to provide an even closer 'fit' to the goals. For example, we are adding a 'Global Citizenship Hour' for English Languages courses to make the concepts even more explicit; IB Language B teachers have experimented with a project (Uncrossing the wires) which asks students to research the different ways that the media present leaders in different cultures; and Residential staff have introduced Conflict Resolution sessions into House meetings.
Thirdly, we are trying to find ways to fill some of the 'gaps' that exist. How can we help students (and staff) to understand the key features of different belief systems? How can we ensure that IB teachers incorporate the ideals of international-mindedness without distracting students from the important matter of getting good grades? The two don't always seem compatible. How can we fulfil our aims equally across all courses (with our diversity of course length, student age and motivations)?
Fourthly, looking for partners in our project. Our view of Global Citizenship may be too westernised. We are starting to engage in debate with schools and individuals in other parts of the world to compare ideas as to how to make sure that we work together advance international education and understanding.
Reflection on points such as these has highlighted the three most important areas as being:

1. How to ensure that we (who are almost all from the richest 1% of the world's population) understand the realities of life for those who are struggling for life and liberty?
2. Determining appropriate ways in which we can (as a college, and as individuals) act to make the world a fairer place?
3. Ensuring that we develop plans that include all of us - staff and students alike.
   

Keith Allen, Deputy Principal