As part of the Creativity, Activity, and Service (CAS) programme, Secondary students from Years 7-9 at YCIS Shanghai’s Gubei Campus recently worked together to research and present important global issues during the inaugural Global Citizenship Week. The programme was designed to raise students’ awareness about the needs of their local and global communities, while providing different year levels with the opportunity to work closely together.

At the start of the week, the students completed surveys to identify the global issues that were most important to them, and then were divided into groups accordingly. The topics mirrored current world issues and debates, such as gender equality, water accessibility, cyber bullying, vegetarianism, climate change, food health and safety, fashion footprint, sports safety, and the refugee crisis.

The week-long programme incorporated activities which drew upon skills from a broad range of subjects, including geography, mathematics, science, history, and art. The week culminated in a Global Citizenship Expo, where the participating students were able to see and learn more about the work of their peers.

On the day of the expo, students decorated classrooms with photos, charts, signs, graphics, and other items that explained what they had learned during the week. Teachers and Lower Secondary students were invited to visit the different themed rooms where they were met with colourful and engaging presentations and knowledgeable students who were eager to share facts and opinions about the various topics. Overall, the expo was a wonderful way to end a fantastic week of teamwork and discussion about important issues facing the world today.

The CAS programme is an intregal part of YCIS’s holistic education. With dedicated teachers and activities like Global Citizenship week, students are exposed to real world issues and are taught to think critically, to ensure that they are equipped with the skills necessary to become global leaders. To learn more about the CAS programme at the international school in Shanghai, click here.