Global citizenship at the International School of Paris In 2020, we know that a global mindset is necessary for success in an interconnected and changing world. In 2018, the OECD defined global competence as the “ability to critically examine issues, understand multiple perspectives, and take responsible action towards sustainability and collective wellbeing”. At the International School of Paris (ISP), fostering this competence is a common thread that unifies the school’s values. Their robust International Baccalaureate programme, and students’ unique access to the city of Paris, are key to developing global citizenship. TEXT: KATE HARVEY | PHOTOS: THE INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL OF PARIS
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he International Baccalaureate, or IB, is the curriculum of choice at ISP. Since the 1960s, the IB has developed an international curriculum framework in order to “create a better and more peaceful world through intercultural understanding and respect”. ISP imple52 | Issue 11 | January 2020
ments the three main IB programmes, for children aged three to 18. The IB curriculum framework represents a departure from its national counterparts: critical thinking, research, self-management, communication and social skills make up the core areas of student development. It is these approach-
es to learning, rather than national histories, literature, cultures, or ways of thinking, that guide pedagogical planning. Teachers give feedback on both students’ understanding of subject-area content and, for example, their ability to collaborate with classmates or voice an opinion in a respectful manner. The approaches to learning and feedback from educators offer students a clear foundation for understanding what it means to be a global citizen in 2020.
Three Campuses in the heart of Paris: creating opportunities to think locally, act globally At ISP, an international curriculum is only the first step to fostering global competence. They strongly believe that experi-