Thinking
- Ask questions
- Investigate ideas
- Make connections
- Imagine possibilities
- Reflect on learning
- Develop understanding
Learning
How learning takes shape at SIS
Students ask questions, investigate ideas, solve problems, collaborate, reflect and apply their understanding in authentic situations.
Our philosophy
From Thinking to Making
Our school motto expresses a fundamental belief about education.
At SIS, learning should lead somewhere. We want students not only to know more, but to be able to do more with what they know. This is what we mean by From Thinking to Making.
Making
- Apply thinking
- Create
- Design
- Communicate
- Solve problems
- Collaborate
- Take action
Active. Purposeful. Connected.
Our approach to education is student-centred, inquiry-based and purposeful.
Students are not simply expected to remember information. They learn to ask questions, investigate ideas, make connections, communicate their thinking, solve problems and use what they know.
Inquiry-based learning
Questions are the beginning of learning
At SIS, we want students to be curious. Inquiry-based learning encourages students to wonder, question, investigate, practise, discuss, create and reflect.
A learning experience might begin with a question, problem, photograph, object, story, experiment or real-world situation.
Teachers then deliberately guide students in developing the knowledge, understanding and skills they need to explore the idea more deeply.
Inquiry does not mean leaving children to discover everything for themselves. The result is learning that is both rigorous and engaging.
student curiosity+skilled teaching+purposeful learning
Student agency
Voice. Choice. Ownership.
Agency means that students are active participants in their learning. At SIS, students are encouraged to make thoughtful choices, express ideas, set goals and take increasing responsibility for their progress.
- 1
Ask questions and pursue ideas that matter to them
- 2
Make choices about how they learn and demonstrate understanding
- 3
Set goals and reflect on their progress
- 4
Share their thinking and listen to others
- 5
Take responsibility for their actions and decisions
- 6
Work independently and collaboratively
- 7
Use feedback to improve
- 8
Take action based on what they have learned
Agency develops gradually and with guidance. Teachers provide structure, challenge and support so students become confident, capable and responsible learners.
International-mindedness
Rooted Locally. Minded Globally.
International-mindedness begins with identity. We want students to value their own language, culture and heritage while learning to understand and respect the perspectives, traditions and experiences of others.
It is developed through everyday learning, relationships and action.
- Learn about local and global issues
- Encounter different viewpoints
- Communicate across languages and cultures
- Reflect on fairness, responsibility and sustainability
- Develop empathy and respect
- Consider the impact of their choices
- See themselves as members of a wider world
International-mindedness is not about losing local identity. It is about being secure in who you are while remaining open to others.
A broad, balanced and connected education
Explore the subjects, concepts and international framework that shape what students learn at SIS.