Many parents would agree that a global approach to education is needed to accommodate our changing world. At the British International School Chicago-Lincoln Park (BISC-LP), their mission is multifaceted. The school focuses not only on excellent academics, but also on social issues that affect all people.
“At BISC-LP part of our mission is empowering students to be agents of positive change in the world. To that end, we have adopted the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the Nord Anglia Education (NAE) Social Impact Initiative as part of our curriculum,” says Katie Miles, a Year 6 teacher and the school’s social impact lead.
What are Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)?
SDGs consist of 17 worldwide initiatives that seek to address global challenges such as inequality and climate change by 2030. For example, eliminating poverty and increasing access to clean water are two SDGs.
How does the school implement SDGs?
BISC-LP works to align their teaching and learning strategies with SDGs. The UN’s Convention on the Rights of the Child is also a core aspect. “We explain to our students that not every child has access to education and food. This gives us a springboard for discussion and action steps,” says Miles.
Miles notes that the school devotes time to local issues, not just global ones. “Kids learn about things going on right here in Chicago, which makes the lessons more meaningful.”
The whole school focuses on a different SDG each month, integrating this specific goal into their lessons and subjects, says Miles. “As part of our topic-based curriculum, we incorporate SDGs into our teaching. For example, Year 4 worked on Fair Trade while Year 5 studied Champions of Change,” says Miles. Class projects include writing topical newspapers, creating detailed posters and more.
In addition, assemblies, guest speakers from local non-profits, service days, fundraisers and goods’ collections provide students with tangible ways to engage with these goals.
Active social impact initiatives
BISC-LP implements social impact initiatives throughout the school year, partnering with more than 20 organizations. Recent examples include a collaboration with the Chicago Student Refugee Coalition. This project addressed SDG #10 — Reduced Inequalities and specifically, child refugees living in Chicago. Students focused on rights such as youth education and even the right to play sports.
“We discussed how lack of access to equipment and clothing prevents children from participating in things like sports. Our students donated 1,500 items including sporting goods, clothes and toys,” says Miles.
Other recent goals have included a partnership and fundraising for Nourishing Hope, focusing on SDGs #1 — No Poverty and #2 — Zero Hunger. The school also has an ongoing partnership with UNICEF.
Student involvement and leadership
BISC-LP actively fosters a culture of social responsibility among students and staff. Plus, participation in Nord Anglia’s Global Campus shows students the interconnectedness of their actions.
“Our students can view global projects and collaborate with our sister schools all over the world,” says Miles.
Once they start learning about a topic or goal, Miles says that children get inspired. “One of our students prompted his father to ask for Fair Trade coffee to be served at his office. Management agreed!”
In addition, BISC-LP’s Student Voices consists of student leaders who propose and lead their own projects.
The end result of these schoolwide efforts? By having staff and students work together, BISC-LP paves the way for a brighter, more sustainable future.
To learn more about BISC-LP, visit nordangliaeducation.com/bisc-lincoln-park.
