International Day of Education: The power of youth in co-creating education

As the International Day of Education approaches this weekend, we would like to take this opportunity to reflect on education not only as an invaluable resource for learners all around the world, but the deep value of a Marymount education from a global perspective.

With the focus of this year’s day being “the power of youth in co-creating education”, we have chosen to spotlight our exceptional, student-centred IB programme.

In conversation with Nick Marcou

We spoke to Nick Marcou, our Senior Deputy Head and lead of our IB programme, who expressed the many benefits the IB programme brings to those who take part – from the Middle Years Programme (MYP) to the Diploma Programme (DP).

Inquisitive Learning

From the very beginning of the MYP, students are encouraged to learn through inquiry. Student questioning is at the core of the process, and educators act as a guide to students’ authentic interests – equipping them with the skills required to succeed on their own accord.

In a nutshell, the process can be simplified into three stages. To begin, the students are presented with input (1) such as concepts and content that stimulate critical thinking. Then, they’re encouraged to put their questions and ideas into action (2) through completing tasks and projects of their choosing. With guidance and feedback throughout, their final output is subject to evaluation (3).

“Agency is in every aspect of the learning process. It is never a passive experience.”

– Nick Marcou, Senior Deputy Head

The MYP, in particular, provides a proactive framework for learning that vastly differs from the knowledge imposition of other curricula.

Fostering International-Mindedness

International-mindedness is fostered through the multitude of perspectives that are offered to our students, whether that be from their own individual backgrounds or their own research. Our international community of students fosters respect and celebration of diverse outlooks.

A worldly perspective is developed through interactions with other schools in our global RSHM network, peer collaboration and exposure to co-existing beliefs.

Co-Creation Across Subjects

The approach of the IB is extremely interdisciplinary, and students have creative freedom to thrive across a wide array of disciplines. It provides a well-rounded, holistic education that promotes healthy academic challenge and skills such as critical thinking, effective communication and academic integrity.

Doubly Empowering

The pedagogy of the IB curriculum distinguishes education as a process of formation. Here, students develop their sense of self alongside a deeper sense of purpose and meaning – one that is in line with their natural gifts and talents.

We believe studying the IB programme in an all-girls environment is doubly empowering, as emphasis is placed upon building confidence and independent thinking in a space where no challenge is perceived as too much.

“Our graduates leave with a real confidence and belief in their abilities, the sense of ‘I can’.”

– Nick Marcou

Ultimately, the IB programme truly embodies the idea of youth co-creating their education by providing a framework where students shape their curriculum, build confidence and harness their innate talents. As the RSHM motto, “that all may have life, and have it to the full,” reminds us – education is the foundation, as well as catalyst, for a full life as future global citizens and changemakers.