On a mission to create a better future for our planet,the United Nationsintroduced theSustainable Development Goals(SDGs) 2015. The 17 goals replaced the previous8 Millennium Development Goals,set to be achievedby 2030by all participating countries.The IBDP Geography course is centered on the key concepts of Place, Power, Process and Possibility. Geographers believe that learning and understanding these concepts is critical to analyzing the implementation of the SDGs with an understanding of the possible variations amongst different countries in successfully meeting their targets.
THE PLAN
Planning for the showcase began in Grade 11. The first step was embedding knowledge and understanding. To do this, the Geography Course content was taught in alignment with the key concepts and SDGs through case studies, infographics, research and a variety of texts with multiple perspectives. Students were introduced to complex theories, models and arguments in order to develop synthesis (A03) skills to be used in both debate and writing.
THE ORGANIZATION - STUDENT LED ACTION
Towards the end of the SL core content, a student leadership and organization team was formed, led by president Vivian (12D-) and vice-president Kevin (12A). The showcase would be their final summative assessment, a way to initiate studying for the global exams and most importantly, to instill a sense of global conciousness within students. Students worked individually and in pairs on a personal goals with the following 7 base requirements:
7 base requirements
1.Provide an overview of the goal2.Provide links to the Geography syllabus and other subject areas of personal interest3.Provide connections with other goals
4.Provide case studies of varying levels of implementations
5.Provide possibilities for 2030 including challenges and strengths
6.Provide concise and credible referencing
7.Use a variety of sources and means of communication.
THE EVENT
On February 27th, approximately60 students and 10 teachers from SUIS, WISS, Dulwich Pudong, YCIS, as well as SSES PYP, MYP and DP student and teachers attended the showcase. Dulwich Pudong presented the importance of the SDGs andguest speakers from That’sShanghai Magazine, Green Initiatives and Zero WasteShanghai supplemented the meaning of the showcaseby sharing statistic, means of involvement and the role of the media in facilitating education awareness.Presenters were prepared with infographic boards, brochures, film, song, art and gifts such as SDG themed pins, bags and candy! Students even coordinated outfits to match their various goals led by Claire, Theatre student of 12C. Vivian acted as master of ceremonies and Grade 11 Geography students helped manage crowds and feedback forms. Special thanks to the SMT for their support and assistance with the logistics.
THE AFTERMATH
The successof theshowcase not only demonstrated the talent, innovation and leadership our students are capable of, it also showed the importance of allowing students to practice and utilize their ATLs - particularly self management. The quality of teaching and planning done at SSES was made clear and most importantly, students identified with their learning and made it their own. In the end, the message was - “Make impossible possible, act with passion and compassion.”Theshowcase was only the beginning as theSDGs will be making their way into the Integrated department curriculum through both teaching and service. Join us!
学生感言Students’ feedback
I was presenting goal 7: Affordable and Clean Energy. I have learned a lot from the professional speakers and teachers from other IB schools during the showcase, and the discussionwith students from other schools was really meaningful and exciting. Also, the case studies I searched for the presentation are instrumental for my academic writing.
——12A 丁元枨Cristiano
I wasthe student leader of this SDG showcase. I believe a successful leader needs to make sure all team members are workingthe right way. It is not about never making a mistake, but rather trying to find out problems in time and guide them to get back on track as soon as possible. Settingand enforcingreasonable deadlines is also essential for a long-term assignment.
——12D 朱伊雯Vivian Zhu
I represented the goal 9: industry, innovation, and infrastructure.Ittook a lot of effort to design the infographic, and it waschallengingto find the links between SDGsand the IB syllabus.However,I think the work paid off. I have accumulated many case studies during the progress. The speeches were also impressive and inspiring.
——12A 柯唯康Kevin
We were assignedagoal and collaborated as well as cooperated. Although we divided our learning targets, we know each other’s work well. That is why when a group of visitors came, we could handle communicationeasily and smoothly. From this activity, we not only got the chance to show how great our planning wasbut also gainedin-depth communication with visitors about goal 3-good health and well-being. We really enjoyedthe process and be proud of the final product we have made.
——12D 范瑛娣Fancy叶城豪Robert
I am responsible for the goal 1-No Poverty. It’s really a great chance to meet all of the professional teachers and enthusiastic students to talk about such an important topic. Hope this showcase can be held every year afterwards to spread the importance of SDGs to more people.
——12 D 刘思路Aelia
Teacher’s feedback
I wanted to create an experience that would demonstrate their learning so I came up with the showcase framework and left the rest up to them. It was amazing to watch the process unfold - the attention to detail put into materials, communication, wardrobe… It was beyond my expectation! They are now experts at the SDGs and know them better than I do. I’m proud of them and even more proud that they are proud of themselves. They have inspired others and pioneered the introduction of the SDGs to our school.