We asked local independent schools to talk about how they teach non-academic skills essential for future success, such as persistence, teamwork and resilience. Their responses were included in our Independent Schools special section.
From Island Pacific School:
As an IB World School, Island Pacific School (IPS) is committed to the IB philosophy, which includes a rigorous, comprehensive curriculum that encourages student curiosity and inquiry across all disciplines.
The tenor of instruction at IPS is such that the students must exercise every fibre of their intellectual and creative capacity to get the most out of what the program has to offer.
As one graduate said, “In some schools, knowledge is like a bowling ball plunked on a table; at IPS, knowledge is a tennis ball that is tossed around the entire class.”
Resourcefulness, resilience and reflection permeates the curriculum at IPS, but nowhere is it more obvious than during the school’s outdoor expeditions. As part of their graduation requirement, Grade 9 students complete an overnight “solo” in the woods. In addition to constructing their own shelters, they take time to reflect on what they have accomplished in the past and where they want to go in the future.
All students participate in a progression of responsibilities. A house system incorporates cross-grade stewardship that includes mentoring and cleaning the school.
The older and more experienced students are expected to take a leadership role throughout the year. This begins with the Grade 9s helping to plan the school’s hiking expedition, continues in their position as house leaders and crew supervisors, and culminates in their publicly defended “Masterworks” presentations, which set the intellectual and creative standards for the school.
Nurtured toward this role throughout their years at IPS, the students gain an earned confidence because they have accomplished much.
