Our mission: Helping pupils grow up to be in(ter)dependent world citizens who are able to find their place in various aspects of the international society of the 21st Century; be it in relationships, academics, work, and society, whilst having a keen eye for their expanding environment.
Our vision and mission, shared above, place international citizenship at the heart of our work. This pervades all aspect of our work, from how children interact together and with their teachers, to shared events that involve our whole community, to specific units of work taught through IPC or as standalone units and our KiVa curriculum.
We recognize that our students come with different experiences in language, academic work and culture. We work with our students and families navigating, and making productive, the links between Dutch culture and other cultures, recognising and valuing differences in language, culture and life experience.
The education we provide challenges children to learn (in) English at a pace and in a manner that fits with their previous experiences, will help them integrate into other international settings, or Dutch education, when they move on, and aligns with the expectations of the English National Curriculum.
For students to become international citizens within a global context, it is vital for them to develop not only a strong interest in their own and other cultures and a deep understanding of multiple perspectives, but also the desire to contribute to the local and global communities through actions that impact positively on society.
An international citizen is someone who takes responsibility for their own wellbeing and actions, with self-knowledge and self-esteem, able to communicate and cooperate with all sorts of people, treating them with care, respect and open-mindedness.
Learning and reflecting on how decisions made in one part of the planet can affect people living on other parts of the planet is vital, developing an awareness that the Earth’s resources should be shared fairly and sustainably whilst taking into consideration human rights and be prepared to think differently in imagining a different world.
The KiVa Program
To foster a positive school climate and address bullying proactively, International Primary School Groningen implements theKiVa program, a research-based initiative developed in Finland.
KiVa is central to our approach to social-emotional learning. Through regular, engaging lessons and activities, pupils learn about empathy, kindness, respect, and effective communication.
The program helps children develop a strong sense of group identity and encourages them to look out for one another.
The KiVa Rules are:
We act kindly and treat each other with respect.
Together we make a great group.
We talk to each other and use ‘I’ language.
We want bullying to stop!
We treat each other well.
We help each other.
We stand up for each other.
If your child ever feels they are being treated unfairly or unkindly by one of their peers, we encourage you to speak with their class teacher. We are here to listen and support.
Our pastoral and support team is led by Sue Beattie. The team offer counselling and work with other agencies to ensure all our children are supported. If you have concerns about your children please contact the students teacher and Mrs. Beattie: s.beattie@g-s-v.nl
Start your international journey in the northern capital of the Netherlands!
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