Due to rapid climate change, record-breaking numbers of refugees moving across the globe in search of a safe home, and the ever-growing gap between rich and poor, the need for sustainable solutions is bigger than ever. Luckily, we can count on the next generation to help change the future. Student voice is high on the agenda at Amity International School Amsterdam, and the students have been working very hard to raise awareness and take action on different issues like refugee housing, litter in the forest, and period poverty.
“Taking action” is instilled in the children from a young age at Amity Amsterdam
At Amity International School Amsterdam, “taking action” is an important part of children’s learning. Being an IB World School, they encourage young learners to take meaningful action to make a difference in the world. The school for children ages three to 19 embeds this philosophy in all the programmes they offer.
Litter picking, fundraising campaigns, and bake sales: the Primary Years Programme (children ages 3 to 11) encourages student-led, meaningful approaches to taking action, showing children they have and can make a difference in the world.
The school offers many initiatives to support the students with their actions. For example, the children raised money during the Kingsday fundraiser and donated the collected funds to WWF and Epilepsiefonds Nederland. Another great example of student voice was the fundraiser during “No Uniform Day” to raise awareness for Ukrainian refugees. The students donated the proceeds to the local chapter of UNHCR, which specifically focuses on supporting Ukrainian refugees who have been forced to flee to the Netherlands. This was stimulated by the Primary Years Exhibition, an event where students are given the opportunity to share their understanding of a real-life issue or topic they've covered.
Another great initiative from the last school year was the fundraising campaign to raise awareness for period poverty. The Middle Years students donated female sanitary products to the local food bank, helping to decrease the poverty gap locally. Students in the Middle Years Programme (MYP for ages 11 to 16) follow “Service as Action” as a foundational element of their studies. This requires students to engage with their local community through personal projects.
Middle Years students of Amity Amsterdam also participated in the Global Issues Network Conference held in The Hague. The children were supported and empowered by speaking to like-minded students from across the country, who understand the imperative of staying involved and taking action. Through these experiences, students learn the value of community participation and gain a deeper understanding of the issues facing their immediate surroundings.
Creativity, Activity, Service (CAS) is one of the three essential elements that every student must complete as part of the Diploma Programme
Amity Amsterdam starts the new school year in August 2022 with their first cohort of Diploma Programme students. These young adults are required to take action as part of receiving their diplomas. Creativity, Activity, Service (CAS) is one of the three essential elements that every student must complete as part of the Diploma Programme (DP). By supporting the students to take an active role within the community, Amity Amsterdam believes that the students will make a positive difference in their neighbourhood.
The school, currently on summer break, is excited to see what actions the students across the school are going to take in the new academic year starting on August 17, 2022.
Are you looking for an international school in the Amsterdam region? Amity International School Amsterdam would be delighted to welcome you and your children to their community! They understand that choosing the right school is one of the most important decisions you will make as a family and their team is happy to support you with that decision. For more information, please visit their website or contact their Admissions Department.