Mentorship & Mutual Growth: Community Connections at SCIS Pudong
文摘
2024-05-21 16:09
印度尼西亚
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By Robert Staples, MYP Coordinator at SCIS Pudong A Grade 12 student gets off the bus discussing the school musical with a Grade 1 student and PYP Coordinator, Malika Meidinger, smiles and reflects that these magical relationships “showcase how inclusive and caring our students are.”
At SCIS Pudong, where students of all ages interact regularly, these relationships are integral to school life, with the Head of School, Derek Luebbe, emphasizing how this "helps foster the idea that we are one school of SCIS Dragons." Teachers frequently leverage this sense of community to create new and authentic learning opportunities.
As a Grade 2 teacher, Lanie Crabtree connected with an Upper School science teacher whose Grade 7 class was designing experiments on sugar dissolution.
As the Grade 2 students watched the experiments in the Science laboratories, they asked their Grade 7 counterparts about the design and outcomes of the experiments. For Mr. Botha, “this was a valuable authentic experience for students to share their knowledge and act like real scientists putting the scientific method into practice”, while Mrs. Crabtree celebrates how the collaboration empowered younger students to prepare their science exhibition.
Upper School Theater Teacher, Cara Whiteside, sees working backstage on the Lower School musical as a perfect opportunity for her students to apply their practical skills through authentic service learning by mentoring younger stage-crew. Grade 9 student, Lloyd, appreciated the leadership experience of mentoring, and like Grade 10 student, Amelia, he learned from working out how to translate and transfer his knowledge. They both enjoy the enduring relationships and waves they now exchange with the younger students, but also recognize that this familiarity helps when children transition from Lower School to Upper School. Varsity soccer captains Federico and Jojo coached middle school teams, gaining valuable lessons about the differences between playing and coaching, the need for detailed planning, and maintaining authority.They also provided valuable role models: Grade 7 student, Isabella, shared, “As a middle school girl, it was nice having a female coach we respected who understood where we were at”. Grade 8 student, Lucas, offered similar perspectives on the boys’ respect for Federico’s experience, admitting he’d like to coach like Federico before quipping, “He was more interesting than a teacher!” As teacher-coach Mr. Hobson reflected, “The student-coaches probably made it more fun for everyone involved.” In addition, the influential legacy of students coaching students has led to succession plans for student-coaches next year. ![]()
These are just a few examples of the value of collaborating as a learning community and embracing mixed-age interactions at SCIS Pudong. Lower School Principal at SCIS Pudong, Dr. Molly Myers, frequently observes the pedagogical and social benefits: “The cross-pollination of ideas nurtures a culture of continuous learning and personal growth where students develop a deeper understanding of different perspectives.” Whatever the age, we share and grow together: Once a Dragon, Always a Dragon!
SCIS. Community Learning.
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