4 minute read
Empowering Future Global Citizens: Seoul Foreign School's Inaugural IDU Week
By Chris Horan
MYP Coordinator, Curriculum Coordinator, 6-10 MYP Korea Network Chair
Inour interconnected world, the challenges we face are not confined to single disciplines or perspectives. Recognizing this, SFS is proud to announce our first-ever MYP IDU (Interdisciplinary Unit) Week, taking place from May 2024, 2024. This week represents the culmination of months of planning and cross-sectional collaboration, showcasing SFS’s commitment to holistic education, service-learning, and the preparation of our students to be proactive contributors to a sustainable future.
At the heart of IDU Week is the integration of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) with our Middle Years Programme (MYP) curriculum, providing over 570 students with unique learning experiences that transcend traditional subject boundaries. By focusing on global challenges such as good health, zero hunger, sustainable communities, and climate action, IDU Week aims to foster a deep understanding of the world's most pressing issues and inspire our young learners to think critically about their roles in addressing them.
Interdisciplinary Experiences
IDU Week offers a whole host of experiences designed to engage students across all grade levels in meaningful exploration and problem-solving. MYP 1 students will delve into the importance of good health and well-being through a variety of activities, from exploring global cuisines to understanding the significance of physical wellness. Meanwhile, MYP 2 and 3 students confront issues like hunger, sustainable cities, and responsible consumption, using their creativity and critical thinking skills to propose innovative solutions.
MYP 4 and 5 students tackle some of the most complex SDGs, such as affordable and clean energy, poverty reduction, and climate action. Through these experiences, students are challenged to apply interdisciplinary knowledge to real-world scenarios, demonstrating the power of education in igniting change.
The Spirit of Service and Community Engagement
IDU Week is not just an academic endeavor; it also represents our school's dedication to the service of others. By aligning MYP learning outcomes with the UN SDGs, students gain insights into how they can contribute to global solutions, reinforcing the idea that education and action go hand in hand. IDU Week also offers a platform for the entire school community, to support our MYP students' journey towards becoming informed, compassionate global citizens.
Looking Ahead: Fostering a Love of Learning and Global Citizenship
As we get ready for this exciting week, we are reminded of the transformative potential of interdisciplinary learning and the role of service in education. It's an opportunity for our students to develop not only academically but also as individuals committed to making a positive impact in the world.
Through teamwork, creative problem-solving, and engagement with real-world challenges, IDU Week prepares our students for the complexities of the global landscape. It's a celebration of curiosity, innovation, and the shared responsibility we all have in fostering a sustainable, equitable future.
As Seoul Foreign School looks forward to this innovative week, we invite our entire community to support and engage with our students and teachers as they take on this challenge. Together, we can inspire a generation that values knowledge, embraces service, and is ready to lead in an interconnected world.
Join us in shaping a brighter future, one interdisciplinary experience at a time.
