Developing a Shared Definition of Global Citizenship at AISB…continued

To commence the new term all staff worked with information proved by colleagues, members of our community, and students to develop a shared definition of what Global Citizenship means to AISB. The level of engagement, discussion, and collaboration reflected the very principles we aim to foster in our students: respect for diverse perspectives, openness to learning, and a commitment to collective action.

During the session, staff worked together through three key activities designed to build a common understanding and shared language around Global Citizenship.

First, we explored the Global Citizenship capability learning continuum, which frames Global Citizenship as a progression of knowledge and understanding, skills, and values and attitudes, developed from the early years through to secondary schooling. This continuum reinforces that Global Citizenship is not an “add-on,” but a developmental process that grows through everyday learning experiences, inquiry, relationships, and action.

Second, staff engaged with survey data gathered from students, parents, and staff, identifying key words that captured what Global Citizenship means to our AISB community. These words consistently reflected four core ideas:

How we treat people – respect, empathy, inclusion

How we view the world – open-mindedness, cultural awareness, curiosity

How we act – responsibility, sustainability, collaboration, fairness

How we see ourselves – belonging, global awareness, connection

Using tools such as Padlet allowed everyone’s voice to be visible, reinforcing that Global Citizenship is strongest when it is co-constructed and inclusive.

Third, staff collaborated in small groups to draft a shared definition of Global Citizenship, drawing on the identified key words, our AISB values, and global frameworks such as Oxfam’s Global Citizenship Education and the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). These rich discussions highlighted how Global Citizenship education equips students not only with understanding, but with the skills and dispositions to take meaningful action in an interconnected world.

A key focus of the session was the link between Global Citizenship Education and the SDGs. Global Citizenship builds the knowledge, skills, and values students need, while the SDGs provide a real-world framework for action. Together, they help students see how local choices connect to global challenges, and how young people can contribute positively to a more just, peaceful, and sustainable future.

What’s Next?

The draft definition developed during the session will now be:

Shared with students and families for feedback and refinement.

Used to guide curriculum development and progression.

Connected to authentic action projects linked to the SDGs.

This collaborative approach reflects our approach to Global Citizenship; learning together, valuing multiple perspectives, and working collectively toward shared goals. We thank all staff for their thoughtful contributions and invite our wider community to continue engaging in this important work as we shape a shared, lived understanding of Global Citizenship at AISB.

Mark Pearce

Deputy Head of Primary 

Head of Teaching and Learning