The final Prep Talk article brings us to the outer band that makes up the visual representation of the PYP model. This ring profiles international mindedness. 

The learner profile is central to the PYP definition of what it means to be internationally minded – a citizen of our world, a member of humanity rather than being Australian, Italian, Greek or a part of any other culture in our world. 

What is it to be internationally minded?  

This is a question that has many different answers for many different people. It is also a question that is increasingly more relevant in today’s world. We are all used to the idea of the modern world becoming smaller and more connected. Phrases like “it’s a small world” or thinking of the world as a “global village” are testament to this. In fact, one could argue that this quality of being internationally minded becomes more and more important in our world. 

We try to prepare our students for their future. But how do we best do that? One way is to give them the skills to be internationally minded, teaching them to be multilingual, to respect multiculturalism and appreciate the culture they live in, and to positively impact their communities through their actions. Global content and connections to learning are incorporated into our learning and teaching 

What can we do to help our students and children become even more internationally minded? How do these qualities shape their lives? 

“The IB is built on the vision of education for a better world, and we believe that a commitment to the principles of international-mindedness, a global outlook and intercultural exchange are foundational to that vision.” (Dr Siva Kumari, IBO) 

The aim of all IB programmes is to develop internationally minded people who, recognising their common humanity and shared guardianship of the planet, help to create a better and more peaceful world. As IB learners, we strive to live the learner profile attributes. 

How do we try to incorporate international mindedness into our school and learning? 

There are other ways we strive to educate students towards international-mindedness and global citizenship; at Newington College Lindfield we aim to live our school’s philosophy and to create shared values and ethics. They exhibit personal concern for people all around the world, and this manifests itself in a sense of moral responsibility to other people and a commitment to the values of a community. They are aware of the long-term consequences of human behaviour on the environment and on global society. In the words of Bill Gates –  

“…the 21st-century is about a more global view. Where you don’t just think, yes, my country is doing well, but you think about the world at large.”  

International mindedness is a view of the world in which people see themselves connected to the global community and assume a sense of responsibility to its members. It is an awareness of the inter-relatedness of all nations and peoples, and a recognition of the complexity of these relationships. Internationally minded people appreciate and value the diversity of cultures in the world and make an effort to learn more about them. 

Sue Gough – PYP Co-ordinator