GIS Learning
A Learning Culture of Our Own
We strive to build a community of students, teachers, and parents who:
● Enjoy learning and know how to make it fun
● Dream big and persevere
● Support communities, both familiar and unfamiliar
How do we do that? We...
● Are on time to school and class
● Respect ourselves by respecting our work
● Are inclusive
● Go out of our way to make a positive impression on the public
● Are safe
● Build, innovate, create, and initiate
Learning in Primary
Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) is the process of developing a student's relationships, decision-making, and empathy towards others. Here at GIS, we use SEL as a guide to help students be responsible, reliable, and respectful. At the primary level, teachers dedicate time in the mornings and afternoons for students to process the ups and downs of relationship-building and emotions. During this time, students learn how to express their feelings using words and phrases that allow them to be understood by others.
At GIS, we also emphasize collaboration and cross-curricular learning. To that end, primary learning strongly features integration between grades, and project-based learning.
Learning in Secondary
Our Secondary School program covers grades 7-12 and is designed to be learner-centered and supportive of the developmental and educational needs of young adolescents. The GIS curriculum is structured to provide a solid, rigorous,
broad-based education that will meet the needs of a variety of learners and prepare students to be successful, contributing members of a global society. It is our expectation that all students fully engage in a complete program of study throughout their matriculation at GIS.
Our Secondary club activities are 'co-curricular' because they support the curriculum and are aligned with our mission. Students and faculty advisors create, lead, and grow these activities with specific and varied outcomes set from the beginning. Whether it's improving investing knowledge, supporting the local community, or practicing mindfulness and life balance, we insist that all co-curriculars are fun, purposeful, and meaningful. For many students, this is where friendships are forged and memories are made. Student Council and Yearbook teams are opportunities for students to practice leadership and project-based skills in ways that benefit our own life at GIS.
Schoolwide Learning Outcomes
Critical Thinkers
Critical thinkers visualize from multiple perspectives and consider possibilities for innovation. We ask questions and produce organized ideas, and nurture our curiosity to solve problems andto determine the reasonableness of our decisions. We learn independently and collaboratively to sustain our lifelong love of learning.
Creative, Innovative Thinkers
Creative, innovative thinkers explore knowledge across a range of subjects and engage with issues and ideas of local and global significance. We are resourceful and resilient in the face of challenges and change. We express ourselves confidently in more than one language and in many ways. We thoughtfully consider the world and our own ideas and experience.
Empowered Individuals
Empowered individuals act with integrity, honesty and with respect. We take responsibility for our actions and their consequences. We practice a proactive approach in our academic pursuits, which at times will require taking social, psychological and cognitive risks. We prioritize and manage stress in the pursuit of future goals. We understand our strengths and weaknesses, and seek personal development. We are articulate in expressing our points of views and ideas using academic language.
Community Participants
Community participants show empathy, compassion, and respect toward our own cultures as well as the traditions and values of others. We recognize our interdependence with other people and within our own community. Thus, we grow from our experience and act with a global consciousness to make a positive difference in the lives of others and in the world.
Effective Communicators
Effective communicators express confidently in more than one language. We collaborate and listen carefully to the perspective of others. We gauge the audience to communicate our ideas effectively and respectfully to various groups/individuals and in a wide variety of formats. We act with a global consciousness and model strong citizenship within our school, community, nation,and the world.
