Learning the Art of Global Citizenship in School Days

The top international schools in Gurgaon and other cities across India have one thing in common - they are affiliated to the IGCSE Board (for Class 10th) and IB Diploma Programme (for 10+2 curriculum). And what is unique about these academic programmes? They turn their students into global citizens who are aware of and contribute to the development of the huge world around them. The young people studying in these schools learn to transcend religious, cultural and socio-economic differences as they pursue the common good.  

In the era of increasing digitalisation and globalisation when businesses are breaking geographic boundaries and skilled workforce is sought everywhere irrespective of their nationality, it is important to nurture global citizens.  At an IBDP school, Gurugram scholars agree that the only significant concept of ‘we’ is a team that includes everyone. They train themselves as workers who can grow to change the world and make it a peaceful and sustainable place. While gaining knowledge of literature, science, maths, social and political disciplines, they also learn to practically apply those concepts in real life.  

The globally recognised curriculum of such schools attracts students from different backgrounds and an increasing number of children from expat families living in India also join these IGCSE and IBDP affiliated institutions. In a cross-cultural environment, they not only learn to be more tolerant but also imbibe rich moral values from each other. There is a strong emphasis on ethics, spirituality and moral education.   

Students, including the ones in primary school Gurugram also participate in community development programmes. They see a greater sense of self-efficacy when they proactively partake in a project and their efforts result in a positive impact. Research has also shown that involvement in such projects can improve academic achievement because the students discover problem - solving skills and how to organise activities leveraging team-work. They also learn to be more loving and compassionate with the school organised periodic visits to orphanages, old age homes and animal shelters.  

For international schools, ‘global citizenship’ is not a mere buzzword in academic circles - it is a worldwide fact that is transforming the way people look at the world and their position in it.  In this scenario, teachers must help their students interconnect with the world and make them capable of improving it. While interacting with students in classrooms and for extra-curricular activities, teachers of such schools inspire them to be more aware and empathetic.  

Many of the leaders in the corporate world, freelance professions, and public service domains have pointed out how their formative years in school helped them climb the ladders of success. School education is indeed vital and at a time when children feel that they can just learn concepts through the Internet directly, it is even more important to uphold the significance of standard education. By placing their little ones in a school that has formal and internationally acclaimed academic programmes, parents can enable valuable learning experiences for them and help them grown into responsible and skilled global citizens.

Author's Note

The Gurgaon based campus of Amity Global School received its first batch of students in 2008 and has been helping young scholars imbibe the virtues of education year after year. A disciplined approach to academics, sports and extra-curricular activities is the hallmark of the institution.