CREATING A SUSTAINABLE SCHOOL

Thank you to Mr Shawn and his amazing Global Perspectives classes for working to create realistic sustainable solutions at SIS-PIK. Please read his story below.

Often times I’m asked about the subject I teach, “What is Global Perspectives?” The answer isn’t short nor easy to explain. In simplest of terms, it’s a class which focuses upon global issues through the perspective of an individual, nation and the world. Students research interesting topics such as sustainability, globalization, family and culture, belief systems, health, human rights and fuel/energy. Students critically analyze the problems and solutions from multiple perspectives. Lastly, each unit focuses on a particular skill such as analysis, evaluation, communication and collaboration.

Recently, secondary two students created realistic sustainability proposals to be implemented at SIS-PIK which aimed at helping the environment. The guidelines of the project were very tough. Students had to create a plan that helped the environment, added a certain quality of life to the school, considered all perspectives (teachers, students, non-teaching staff, parents and school officials) all while having no budget and no ability to create any new ‘rule’. The proposals were to create incentives for everyone – not an easy task!  

Student creativity never fails to surprise me! Students created proposals that addressed various school issues. For instance, conserving water and electricity, food waste, plastic and paper recycling, reusable cutlery and even awareness campaigns – all issues to be solved at SIS-PIK and Jakarta! Each proposal explains the specific implementation plan, cost savings and budget, and incentives to motivate everyone to support the plan. This sustainability project is just one example of the exciting features of the Global Perspectives class. I look forward to the next semester as students will explore topics of changing communities and migration.

– Shawn Auchterlonie