CHILI – The impact of a shared vision on learners in an international community

Anthony Crewdson and Michelle Hall describe how their school has benefitted from pinpointing its guiding principles

Greengates School is a British international school located just north of Mexico City, with a strong and successful tradition of learning. The school, founded in 1951, now has over a thousand students. With students aged from 3 to 18, it consists of both a Primary School fully accredited in the International Early Years Curriculum (IEYC) and the International Primary Curriculum (IPC), and a Secondary School offering IGCSE and the International Baccalaureate Diploma. There is a truly international community at Greengates School of over 50 different nationalities, which is celebrated in everyday school life, in the school’s shared vision, and through a variety of community events.

The shared vision was developed by thinking about what makes Greengates School unique; what is considered central to what we do, what attributes we believe are most important to develop in our learners, and the IPC Personal Goals. This began by looking at the Greengates School Mission Statement, written in 1951, and pulling out aspects that were thought to be pertinent to our learners and community. It was found that the words ‘multi-cultural’, ‘community’, ‘character’ and ‘academic excellence’ were key elements of the mission and thus became the pillars around which we based our shared vision. It was through this process that the acronym CHILI (Characterful, Happy, Independent Learners who are Internationally Minded) was derived, fitting in beautifully with living in Mexico. Our school vision was born!

Impact on Learning

The impact that a shared vision has had on the learning at Greengates School cannot be overstated. A unified understanding of CHILI for all stakeholders – learners, leaders, teachers, parents/carers and community – ensures that all school initiatives are implemented with the appropriate direction i.e. working towards realising our shared vision. Each individual element of CHILI can be unpacked with particular reference to its impact on learning, as follows:

C – Characterful

Underpinning the curriculum are the Personal Learning Goals of respect, adaptability, morality, resilience, enquiry, cooperation, communication and thoughtfulness (International Primary Curriculum). We aim to foster these individual qualities and dispositions in order to provide our students with the skills necessary to be successful in the modern world. The inclusion of these Personal Learning Goals in our shared vision of CHILI ensures that the personal development of our students is at the forefront of our educational programme.

H – Happy

Current research tells us that happy children learn better. A focus on fostering positive and respectful student/teacher relationships, and ensuring that the well-being of our students is catered for, allows for a productive environment conducive to learning. Therefore, happy students form an integral part of our shared vision.

I – Independent

This element of our shared vision particularly references our desire to empower learners and promote student agency at Greengates School. The students are provided with many opportunities to explore what and how they like to learn, and use this awareness to influence their own path through the curriculum. As a result, we are developing motivated, independent thinkers who are driven by an understanding of their own learning.

L – Learners

Although Learners serves as the noun in the acronym necessary for it to make sense, much of the professional dialogue at Greengates School centres on this element. During these conversations, we often return to the questions of How will this impact on learning? and How are we ensuring rigour in our curriculum? Ultimately, we do this by differentiating the curriculum (we apply CHILI and use the differentiated levels of Hot, Spicy and Extra Spicy) so that learning can be accessed by all students and by ensuring high expectations are set and maintained. We celebrate student progress and achievement by recognising students as CHILI Champions.

I – Internationally Minded

The final element of our shared vision encompasses International Mindedness. We aim for our students to have a strong sense of self, and to understand and respect national, international and intercultural perspectives, as well as encouraging students to see themselves as global citizens. International Mindedness in our shared vision works to ensure that the direction of the learning at our school is always inspiring students towards positive action on global issues.

Impact on Community

Being part of an international community made up of many different nationalities is a privilege and a challenge for international schools. How can we recognise Mexico and also celebrate the variety of cultures represented in our school community? The impact of Greengates School’s shared vision on our community has been powerful and is the driving force behind helping us to meet the needs of our international community. As stated above, our shared vision of CHILI recognises International Mindedness in its own right, which envelopes all the different cultures that make up our school community. We believe one of the key elements of International Mindedness is to respect and celebrate the

How can we recognise Mexico and also celebrate the variety of cultures represented in our school community?

At Greengates School, we also believe that International Mindedness includes celebrating the similarities and differences of the cultures that make up our community. Along with the national events held at school, each year we host an International Fair to recognise and celebrate the diversity in our school community.

country that we have the privilege to live in.

Mexico has a culture rich in traditions and celebrations, and two of the main national events that we celebrate are Dia de la Independencia (Independence Day) and Dia de los Muertos (Day of the Dead). For Independence Day, children prepare a variety of traditional Mexican dances which are performed at the celebration and enjoyed by the community. There is something very special about seeing children from all over the world come together to participate in a national event. For Day of the Dead, the Parent Teacher Committee work together with the students to create an artistic altar to honour this tradition.

At Greengates School, we also believe that International Mindedness includes celebrating the similarities and differences of the cultures that make up our community. Along with the national events held at school, each year we host an International Fair to recognise and celebrate the diversity in our school community. Food, music, traditional dances and a Parade of Nations bring us together in honouring the variety of countries that make Greengates School a uniquely international school community.

In short, our shared vision of CHILI has been central in driving forward and enhancing learning at Greengates, and helping our community to flourish.

Anthony Crewdson is Deputy Head of Primary Curriculum, and Michelle Hall is Deputy Head of Primary Pastoral, at Greengates School, Mexico City.

Email: crewdson@greengates.edu.mx hall@greengates.edu.mx