Pincipal's Weekly Update 03 Let's talk about International Mindedness, and why it is so important as part of the IB

Dear Primary School Parents,

I hope you have all had a wonderful week! As always, thank you for your continued support and engagement in our learning community.

Last week, I introduced the concept of international-mindedness and shared how we nurture it at CISNP through our multicultural environment, global inquiry, language learning, and celebrations of different cultures. This week, I want to delve deeper into how we help students develop international-mindedness through the Approaches to Learning (ATL) skills and IB Learner Profile attributes. These essential components of the IB PYP framework guide students in becoming lifelong learners who think critically, communicate effectively, and engage meaningfully with the world.

How ATL Skills and the Learner Profile Promote International-Mindedness

Thinking Skills & Open-Mindedness

Students develop critical and creative thinking skills as they explore different cultures, global issues, and multiple perspectives. We encourage them to challenge assumptions, ask deep questions, and seek alternative viewpoints—helping them become truly open-minded individuals who appreciate diverse ways of thinking.

Communication Skills & Being a Communicator

International-mindedness is deeply connected to effective communication. At CISNP, students learn to express their ideas clearly in multiple languages, actively listen to others, and engage in meaningful discussions about global topics. By developing their communication skills, they become more confident in expressing themselves and connecting with different cultures.

Self-Management Skills & Being Principled and Reflective

Being principled and reflective allows students to think about their actions, recognize their responsibilities, and understand their role in the global community. We teach students to set goals, manage their time, and reflect on their learning, helping them take ownership of their learning journey while fostering a sense of responsibility toward the world.

Social Skills & Being Caring

Collaboration and empathy are essential to international-mindedness. Through group projects, cultural exchanges, and service-learning activities, students learn to appreciate others’ perspectives, show kindness, and work together toward shared goals. By nurturing their caring nature, we help them become compassionate global citizens.

Research Skills & Being Knowledgeable and Inquirers

International-mindedness requires a deep understanding of global issues. Our students develop research skills that allow them to ask meaningful questions, evaluate sources, and analyze information critically. They are curious inquirers who strive to understand the world in depth, becoming knowledgeable individuals who contribute meaningfully to society.

This Week’s Principal’s Video: How We Teach and Promote International-Mindedness To complement this discussion, this week’s principal’s video will focus on how we teach and promote international-mindedness at CISNP. I encourage all parents to take a few minutes to watch it, as it provides valuable insights into our approach to developing global citizens and how you can support your child’s international learning journey at home.

How Parents Can Support International-Mindedness at Home

Encourage your child to ask questions about the world and discuss current events together.

Read books and watch documentaries that explore different cultures, histories, and perspectives.

Help your child develop multilingual skills by practicing English and Chinese at home.

If possible, expose your child to different cultural experiences through travel, cuisine, or interactions with diverse communities.

Celebrate your own cultural traditions while also learning about others’ customs and beliefs.

By fostering international-mindedness at home, you are helping your child grow into a thoughtful, respectful, and responsible global citizen.

Thank You!

Thank you for your continued engagement in your child’s learning. As we prepare for our IB PYP accreditation visit, your involvement is more valuable than ever. If you have any questions, please feel free to reach out or join us for upcoming parent discussions.

Wishing you all a wonderful weekend ahead!

Ian Barnes

Principal

Concordia International School Ningbo Primary