How the IB Learner Profile helps to create students of good character

“In a safe, caring and welcoming environment, our mission is to develop socially responsible, life long learners able to problem solve, think critically, and make positive changes in our global community.”

Our mission statement provides a snapshot of the environment we create and the students that thrive in that environment at TIS. The IB Learner Profile forms the foundation for positive behaviour in our Middle School section of the school. These attributes overlap very well with our mission statement.

The IB Learner Profile focuses on the following ten attributes:

1. Caring

2. Risk Takers

3. Thinkers

4. Communicators

5. Principled

6. Balanced

7. Open Minded

8. Reflective

9. Inquirers

10. Knowledgeable

Traditional education systems focus on building students’ knowledge but do not have such a holistic approach to developing the whole child. It is clear that, in today's society, we need much more than just knowledge to succeed. Therefore, in Middle School, we are highlighting one Learner Profile attribute each month. 

We started the school year with a focus on “Caring” (click here to view the IB Caring trait). There’s a reason why that word is in the opening sentence of our mission statement. Students need to feel safe and cared for to take risks with their learning without fear of humiliation.Once students feel that they are psychologically safe, they can fully express themselves and flourish in a caring, positive learning environment. 

During September, we saw students demonstrating care in multiple forms, including; holding the door open, helping a classmate who was struggling with their work, volunteering to mentor younger students, paying someone a compliment, helping new students settle into life at TIS, taking an injured student to the nurse - the list goes on and on. We are proud of the care our students demonstrate at TIS every day and encourage them to model this behaviour outside of school. 

Harvard psychologist Richard Weissbourd recommends five ways to raise caring children:

1. Make caring for others a priority

2. Provide opportunities for children to practice caring and gratitude

3. Expand your child’s circle of concern.

4. Be a strong moral role model and mentor.

5. Guide children in managing destructive feelings.

For further information on these strategies, please look at this link.

IB Learner Profile for October

Our IB Learner Profile attribute for October is “Risk Taker.” Classes will create songs or dances as part of our Middle School Challenge this month to demonstrate risk-taking. Students will also be given the opportunity to perform in assemblies and are encouraged to take risks in their learning by exploring new, innovative ideas.  

While we strive for excellence in academics, the initiatives we have in place across the school to promote positive behaviour and character development exemplify our approach to developing the whole child and highlights the TIS advantage. 

There will be many more IB Learner Profile activities coming throughout the year. Please keep a lookout for further information and how you can support these attributes at home.