Torch - Spring/Summer 2019

Forum for Change

Engaging Students Through the Global Learning and Leading Diploma By Tanay Naik

provide students with the opportunity to explore topics, concepts and ideas they are passionate about in greater depth. The goal of this diploma is to provide students with opportunities and support to explore various global and local issues with purpose. For example, when a Senior School student first learns about the devastation caused by climate change here and abroad, they might be heartbroken and curious—sparking the question: “What can I do?” Through the diploma program, students receive the support and platform to research the issue using an interdisciplinary lens. They will uncover the complexities of the issues and perspectives in various ways (when thinking of climate change, this might include developing and running an excursion to an affected site). These actions will help them develop a better understanding of how to face challenges and take action in meaningful and thoughtful ways. Another example could be a Junior School student learning about food insecurity in Toronto. She might feel inspired to make change and look to raise some donations, but perhaps she wants to take it a step further. Through the Learn to Lead Certificate, they can learn more about the why and how of food insecurity, so that they can take responsible and ethical action. Learning opportunities include visits to a food bank, community partnerships or some other meaningful work such as the Grade 5 Day 9 Canstruction ® project (see page 28 to learn more). The Forum for Change has developed specific divisions of the Global Learning and Leading program for all ages and grades at Havergal. Each age division (Junior, Middle and Senior School) offers excellent opportunities for personal growth, so students can develop the values of courage and inquiry with compassion and integrity.

The Forum for Change team (from left): Garth Nichols, Monique Miller, Tanay Naik and Jennifer Russell.

T he Forum for Change is excited to announce Havergal’s Global Learning and Leading Diploma. This diploma is designed to inspire students to seek out opportunities as they demonstrate interdisciplinary thinking, broaden perspectives and contribute to Havergal’s wider community through research in action. By putting students in the driver’s seat, they will integrate curricular, co-curricular and experiential learning opportunities to build leadership skills, as well as communication, critical thinking, creative thinking and collaboration skills. Building upon the existing opportunities at Havergal, students will extend their learning through authentic experiences both inside and outside of the classroom. A student participating in this diploma will work with a faculty mentor in a small cohort of students to collaborate, support and learn from one another. The key outcomes are that students will apply research to pursue their passions and curiosities; transfer their academic learning to authentic experiences; build and test their skills of global

capability; gain knowledge of our emerging future and the required skills sets to be successful; reflect on experiences; integrate experiences into their lives; and lastly, develop ethical responsibility by critically challenging the status quo and dominant perspectives through productive dialogues. Students can access the many opportunities available at Havergal, such as the Forum for Change Global Experience Program and the Students Act Now program, as well as in their academic classes, clubs and initiatives and through the Five Domains of Leadership. The Forum for Change is building capacity across the whole school: starting with a Learn to Lead Certificate in Grades 5 and 6, building to a Global Learning and Leading Certificate in the Middle School and concluding with the Global Learning and Leading Diploma in the Senior School, we hope to engage students in this important work at an early age in the Havergal experience. These certificates will not only leverage the many opportunities that already exist at Havergal, but will also

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