Nathaniel Atherton, Primary Principal
24 May 2024
Building Essential Skills through intentional Social Design
At ICS, the development of essential skills is not just a goal; it is an intrinsic part of our educational DNA. The International Baccalaureate (IB) framework guides us, emphasising five key Approaches to Learning (ATL) skills: Social, Thinking, Research, Self-Management, and Communication. In primary education, these foundational skills are more than just a part of the curriculum; they are the bedrock of a child's learning journey, shaping an ecosystem that transcends traditional classroom boundaries.
Lev Vygotsky, the Russian psychologist, had a profound insight: learning is inherently social. We absorb knowledge through our interactions and communications with others. These theories became even more clear during the COVID-19 pandemic, a time that underscored the human desire to learn together, particularly when physically apart. Not surprisingly given Aristotle, who was referred to by mediaeval Muslim scholars as "The First Teacher", famously stated that humans are by nature social animals. This perspective, revolutionary in its simplicity, emphasises our educational philosophy at ICS. At ICS, our methods ensure that students are constantly interacting and learning from one another through group work, discussion-based learning, and collaborative projects.
Consider the recent Grade 4-5 social event. It was more than just a night of movies, pizza, and popcorn; it was a microcosm of social learning in action. Students navigated new friendship groups and danced away their nerves, each interaction a step in building positive interpersonal relationships and social-emotional intelligence. This event encapsulated the essence of what we strive to achieve: an environment where learning and social interaction are seamlessly integrated.
Then there was the Grade 2 "Gravity Glide" event, a highlight that exemplified critical and creative thinking in a highly engaging format. Students raced their handmade wooden cars in a thrilling competition, their enthusiasm palpable as they cheered each other on. The sportsmanship displayed, the respect shared, and the strategies discussed all reinforced the importance of collaboration and communication. It was a vivid demonstration of learning through doing, a cornerstone of our educational philosophy.
And who could forget the recent school assembly? Grade 3 students took the stage to present projects focused on building empathy. Their thoughtful and compassionate presentations were a testament to the deep, reflective learning that takes place at ICS. These projects weren't just assignments; they were exercises in developing empathy and understanding, crucial components of social and self-management skills.
At ICS, the development of IB Approaches to Learning skills is not just at the core of our educational philosophy; it is the core. As educators we plan with what Guy Claxton calls a split screen approach planning equally for a traditional academic curriculum outcome (content knowledge) alongside specific ATL skills (and or dispositions). Through the intentional design of engagements that extend beyond the classroom, we ensure that students are constantly building these skills. We create a learning environment that emphasises social interactions and collaborative learning, preparing our students with the skills to thrive in a connected and dynamic world.
In the end, these experiences highlight a simple truth: at ICS, learning is about more than academic excellence. It is about developing well-rounded individuals capable of meaningful and respectful interactions with others. This, perhaps, is the ultimate goal of education – not just to fill minds with knowledge, but to shape hearts and souls for a better, more interconnected world.
Kind regards,
Nathaniel Atherton
Primary Principal