Service Learning & Global Citizenship
Understanding the world. Making a difference.
Our Service Learning and Global Studies programmes encourage students to explore the issues shaping our world today while taking meaningful action within their local and wider communities.
Together, they help students develop the knowledge, skills and values to become informed, responsible and internationally minded citizens.
Service Learning at OIS
Service Learning is an integral part of learning at OIS and is embedded across every stage of the school. Through age-appropriate experiences, students connect classroom learning with real-world issues while developing responsibility, collaboration and leadership.
The programme begins in Pre-School and continues throughout the school, with a structured approach introduced in Year 7 and extended through Pre-IB. By the time students begin the IB Diploma Programme, they are well prepared for the Creativity, Activity, Service (CAS) component of the IB.
Working with local and international organisations, students participate in a wide range of initiatives both within and beyond the school community. Supported by our Service Learning Teacher and CAS Coordinator, they explore issues such as human rights, equality, environmental sustainability and community wellbeing while contributing through meaningful service.
Often, we suffer from paralysis of enormity, resisting action because we think some problems are too big to tackle. At OIS, we help our students see that small steps in the right direction can have a ripple effect that lead to positive change.
- Simon Fontaine, Service Learning Teacher
Global Studies
Global Studies helps students develop a deeper understanding of the world and the issues shaping it. Through inquiry, discussion and research, students learn to think critically, consider different perspectives and make informed judgements.
Students explore topics including the United Nations, human rights, the UN Sustainable Development Goals and globalisation. They also develop key skills such as research, negotiation and leadership, while philosophy and ethics encourage them to reflect on complex questions and the impact of their own choices.
Learning from real-world experiences
At OIS, we believe in fostering global citizens who are knowledgeable, engaged and responsible. That's why we offer a variety of opportunities for our students to connect with the global community and learn about real-world issues. Our guest speaker programme brings in experts from NGOs such as Doctors without Borders, the Inter-African Committee and Amnesty International, to share their insights on service-oriented topics and careers.
Students also visit local organisations, gaining first-hand insight into the work they do and connecting classroom learning with real-world challenges.
Partnership with Bobole, Mozambique
Each year, IB1 students travel to Mozambique as part of their Creativity, Activity, Service (CAS) programme to work alongside the community of Bobole, on the outskirts of Maputo.
Working in partnership with the American International School of Mozambique (AISM), students contribute to an ongoing community project supporting Bobole School, which provides education for more than 800 children. Over the years, OIS students have helped build classrooms and community facilities, while fundraising across the school has also supported projects including the installation of a much-needed water pump.
The experience extends far beyond the physical projects. By spending time with the local community, students gain a deeper understanding of different cultures and perspectives while seeing the value of partnership, empathy and service in practice. For many, it becomes one of the most memorable experiences of their time at OIS.
Bobole, Mozambique
As well as helping to transform lives in the local community, our students return from Bobole with a deeper appreciation for the importance of their actions and the limitless potential they have to make a positive impact in the world.
- Jesslyn Feginn, CAS Coordinator
Community fundraising
Fundraising at OIS is about more than raising money. It helps students understand the people and communities they are supporting, encouraging empathy, responsibility and a sense of shared purpose.
Rather than supporting many different causes, we focus on a small number of charities and long-term partnerships that students can understand and connect with throughout their time at school. This approach helps students see how their efforts can make a genuine difference.
By learning about the organisations they support and taking part in meaningful fundraising initiatives, students develop a deeper understanding of service, generosity and the value of contributing to others.
We are proud to call our students global citizens in action.
