Nathaniel Atherton, Primary Principal
9 February 2024
Embracing Challenges: Real-World Examples of High-Quality Learning at ICS
In my last Spotlight, I highlighted our school's commitment to High-Quality Learning (HQL) and unpacked our school’s aspirational definition into five key principles - learning that is transformative, inclusive, joyful, challenges embracing and fosters authentic connections. Today, we delve into how these principles come alive through the actions and projects of our students and educators.
We will highlight the five principles of the definition by exploring three examples of high-quality learning in the Primary School:
- A Kindergarten 2 and Grade 4 Storytelling Collaboration
As part of a Kindergarten 2 storytelling unit, K2 students used stop-motion video animation to capture narratives as emergent authors. As our students managed both the skills of writing and technology they were aided by our Grade 4 students. - A Grade 1 Readers’ Theatre Performance
Readers' theatre is a practice schools use to build fluency and voice in young readers. Our Grade 1 readers have developed readers' theatre productions as part of their guided reading programme. At this week’s assembly, a group of Grade 1 learners shared a production of Robin Hood. - Our Grade 5 PYP Exhibition
PYP Exhibition is a year-long project in which learners inquire into Global issues connected to the UN Sustainable Development Goals. The students are currently preparing artwork to help to communicate their findings related to the issue.
Transformative Learning in Action
Grade 4's collaboration with Kindergarten 2 (K2) students on their storytelling unit exemplifies transformative learning. By assisting K2 students in capturing their stories through stop-motion, Grade 4 students not only applied their technical skills but also stepped into the role of teachers, facilitating a rich, creative process. Liana in Grade 4 shared, “It was a unique experience which I won't forget anytime soon. We usually don’t get to work with little kids, but on that project, we did and it was like we were the teachers.” This project empowered both the younger and older students to think differently and act as change agents within their learning community.
Inclusivity at the Heart of Learning
Every Friday at ICS, students are invited to share their learning at our assemblies. This week, the Grade 1 reader's theatre performance at the K2-3 assembly celebrated inclusivity through literature. A group of Grade 1 learners took the opportunity to perform in front of over 100 of their peers, this initiative valued each student's voice and contribution, creating a sense of belonging and community. The joy of sharing their growth as readers and their excitement underscores the inclusivity of giving every student a stage to shine and be heard. As Evan in Grade 1 shared before the production began, 'We have been preparing this presentation for weeks, we are excited to share!'
The Joy of Learning Through Challenges
The joy of learning, even through challenges, was evident in Grade 4's support of K2's storytelling project. Despite facing moments of frustration, as Grade 4 students noted, the older students found joy in navigating these challenges to ensure the younger students' ideas were faithfully and creatively expressed. Yannick in Grade 4 explained that feeling of excitement, “It made a feeling in your tummy that you needed to make it good and it included all their ideas.’’ This project illustrates how engaging with difficulties can result in a fulfilling and joyful learning experience, driven by commitment and empathy.
Embracing Challenge: The Learning Pit
Grade 5's year-long inquiry, The Exhibition, embodies the essence of embracing challenges. Tackling global issues, students engaged deeply with complex problems, demonstrating resilience and perseverance. Supported by their teachers and mentors, they navigated the "Learning Pit" of self-directed research and creative expression. This process not only prepares them for real-world complexities, but also instils a sense of accomplishment and readiness to make a positive impact.
Authentic Connections: Learning with Real-World Impact
Connections abound at a community school like ICS and all three examples highlight that sense of connection. In the K2 and Grade 4 collaboration our Preschool learners begin to build connections with older learners and the Primary School they will soon transition into. Our Grade 1 learners built a connection with their audience through an engaging arts presentation and our Grade 5 students are making connections with our local and global communities as they prepare for our PYP exhibition in March.
Through these examples, we see the principles of High-Quality Learning come to life at ICS. Each story reflects our commitment to transformative, inclusive, joyful learning that embraces challenges and fosters authentic connections. As we continue to embody these values in our educational endeavours, we invite our community to join us in celebrating and supporting this journey as you celebrate learning at home.