Service as action
Every MYP school around the world expects its students to become involved with their respective communities – an involvement that benefits both parties. At ISD, Service as Action will be a vital element for the students and is embedded in the curriculum.
What is Service as Action?
Service as Action encourages students to participate in activities that make a positive difference to the lives of others and the environment. Action is providing community service with others and arises from the curriculum. Learning about important issues, informing others, engaging in advocacy, and organizing and taking individual and collaborative action, are all forms of Service as Action. Action is followed by reflection, where students consider the impact of their actions on both the community and their own development.
Service for and with others
Service activities go beyond doing good for others. These activities see students engage with members of the community in a shared commitment towards the common good. Meaningful service requires understanding the core of a central issue, such as poverty, literacy or pollution. This understanding of the issue proves the need for the service. Additionally, meaningful service involves interactions with others, which establishes students’ understanding of the rights and respect of everyone involved. This develops the students’ ability to have open, clear, and collaborative communication with the community and/or individuals concerned.
With appropriate guidance and support, students will:
- become more aware of own strengths and areas for growth
- undertake challenges that develop new skills
- discuss, evaluate and plan student-initiated activities
- persevere in action
- work collaboratively with others
- develop international-mindedness through global engagement, multilingualism and intercultural understanding
- consider the ethical implications of their actions.