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The Role of Relationships in HTS’ Vision for Transformational Learning
The Role of Relationships in HTS’ Vision for Transformational Learning
By Helen Pereira-Raso, Head of School
In an era where digital connections often supersede face-to-face interactions, the importance of cultivating genuine relationships in educational settings cannot be understated. The HTS Learning Network, through its vision for transformational learning, accentuates this need—recognizing the pivotal role that relationships play in an individual’s holistic development. Ahead, we explore the ways in which relationships are interwoven into HTS’s vision and why they are considered to be foundational.
Community & Belonging
The HTS vision starts with the idea of community. It is the bedrock upon which all of our other values are constructed. In a nurturing community, every experience is valued and embraced, but this cannot be achieved without fostering strong relationships. A learner, when rooted in a closeknit community, gains the confidence to
explore, and grow. This idea is closely tied to the concept of belonging. HTS envisions a space where every single learner feels that they truly belong, and this is only possible when they form meaningful relationships with peers, educators, and their broader community.
Compassion & Self-Actualization
At the heart of compassion is understanding and empathy, which are natural outcomes when forming nurturing relationships. Compassion drives our culture of respect and unity. When learners form empathetic bonds with others, they not only understand diverse perspectives but are also furthered in their own self-actualization process. The journey of becoming their authentic selves, as highlighted in HTS’s vision, is significantly influenced by the relationships that they cultivate.
Courage Through Connections
The HTS vision underlines courage as a value which is characterized by openmindedness, tenacity, and a willingness to face challenges. Such courage is often derived from the assurance that one is backed by a supportive community. It is the relationships formed within this community that empower individuals to take risks and step outside their comfort zones.
Lifelong Competencies
Beyond academic excellence, HTS emphasizes competencies for life. Skills like effective communication, critical thinking, and ethical global citizenship are deeply rooted in the ability to form and maintain relationships. When learners engage with diverse perspectives through their relationships, they are better equipped to navigate the complexities of the real world.
Curated Experiences & Shared Journeys
One of the standout points in HTS’s vision is the emphasis on curated experiences. Every relationship being, in essence, a curated experience. Shared journeys, mutual growth, and collective memories define the learning process at HTS, and these are all hinged on the relationships that learners form during their time here.
HTS’s vision for transformational learning is not merely about academic milestones or skill acquisition. It is a holistic approach that prioritizes the human experience, understanding that the most profound learning often stems from the relationships we form. By weaving relationships into the very fabric of our educational philosophy, HTS ensures that our learners are not just well-educated but are also well-connected, empathetic, and prepared to face the world with a community by their side.
