International Studies

 For with God, everything is possible

(Matthew 19:26)

#everythingispossible ​

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Through our continued service to our community and rooted in our Christian Values, the opportunities we provide, inspire our children and adults at our school to learn, to grow and to flourish. We are committed to developing our children into confident individuals who make a positive difference through developing a respect for themselves, each other and the world around them.

For with God, everything is possible.

(Matthew 19:26) 

The spiritual development of our children is a priority across all areas of the curriculum. At Queen’s Park CE/URC Primary School, we define spirituality as connecting with ourselves, others, the world and God, through whom, everything is possible (Matthew 19:26).

We explore spirituality through our Spiritual Capacities (our Spiritual C’s) which are curiosity, creativity, compassion, captivation, consciousness, being courageous contributors and having opportunities to contemplate. We understand the importance of both planned and spontaneous opportunities in all aspects of our CROWN Curriculum. This is evidenced in our class reflections book, through ‘spirituality in the spotlight’ and through speaking to our children.

In our international studies curriculum, we ensure that children gain a broader understanding of the world around them and develop their critical thinking and cultural sensitivity. We build on their empathy and respect for others whilst exploring the Global Goals. For with God, anything is possible.

Our five Crown Principles drive our International Studies curriculum.

Challenge

Through the ‘challenge’ curriculum driver we want our children to be challenged to think critically and analytically whilst broadening their perspectives. We want to equip children with the competencies necessary to navigate through a complex global landscape.

Resilience

Through the ‘resilience’ curriculum driver, we promote resilience to help the children navigate diverse global contexts. The children will be taught to be resilient in our interconnected world and respectfully learn about the differing cultural perspectives.

Opportunities

Through ‘opportunities’, we create many opportunities for children to embrace other cultures from around the world. The children enjoy sessions throughout the year that focus on topics such European day of Languages and World Ocean’s day which help the children to understand what is happening in the world around them. They will participate in conversations and communicate with adults and children from all around the world. The children will have opportunities to make their own impact on the world by participating in World Earth Day and turning any non-essential lights off as a symbol of their commitment to the planet.

Wellbeing

At Queen’s Park, we understand that happiness is linked to personal growth, health and development. We ensure our children are happy, healthy individuals. In International Studies, we ensure the children are equipped to navigate our complex global landscape. As global citizens we embrace the differences around us and learn about new cultures together. With ‘wellbeing’ as a curriculum driver, we give children the confidence to thrive in a diverse, global society and be respectful citizens with British and Christian Values at the core.

kNowledge

Through the ‘kNowledge’ curriculum driver, we encourage our children to be resourceful learners. It is uniquely challenging and coherent to our children. The knowledge imparted in International Studies helps the children to broaden their perspectives about the world around them. All our teachers teach with the aim to ensure pupils have sufficient knowledge to progress through primary school and beyond

“We have to be the best global citizens we can be”

-Thomas L Friedman

Being a Queen’s Park Global citizen means that we work together to understand the wider world around them. During the International enhancements the children work together to gain knowledge on making the planet more equal, fair, and sustainable. The children will look at key subjects such as sustainability, animal welfare and climate issues. Embedded with our language curriculum the children will collaborate with schools around the world and will compare where we live, communicate with other children, and raise funds for the children in Tanzania.

Vocabulary is V.I.T.A.L in International Studies

Valued

We value vocabulary in our enhancements as we understand that it enables effective communication and understanding across diverse cultural and linguistic backgrounds. We understand that we are all different and that there is a place for everyone. We value that through our International Studies that the children will gain a broader understanding of the world around them and build on their cultural sensitivity.

Identified

The international studies vocabulary is identified by all staff in Queen’s Park and is explicitly planned for. The vocabulary is built into the enhancement days and discussed during launch assemblies with all the children.

Taught

Vocabulary and key ideas are explicitly taught in every enhancement. Our enhancements are carefully planned by the international and curriculum leader to gain a wider understanding of the importance of cultural divergence and correct terminology.

Applied

Once vocabulary is taught, it is applied. Children apply their vocabulary in their final products and group discussion to build on their own ideas whilst collaborating with others around them.

Learned

Vocabulary serves as a foundation for effective communication in a world where individuals from diverse backgrounds must interact and collaborate. The children learn to use this vocabulary to navigate through our complex global landscape respectfully and sensitively.

Through an ‘explosion of experiences’, our youngest global citizens are exposed to the foundations of their citizenship learning. Carefully planned International Studies knowledge, skills and experiences are provided for our children. High quality stories, topics and experiences help to build the foundations to help our youngest children grow into Queen’s Park citizens. Staff are role models in demonstrating cultural sensitivity and an awareness of the world around them and this is further enhanced in our excellent provision. The foundations of international studies in EYFS are linked to Year 1 and beyond.

Year 1 to Year 6

Year on year, children will build upon their international studies skills, vocabulary and awareness. The curriculum and international studies subject leader have created a meaningful learning journey through the enhancements and activities. Careful curriculum thinking and planning ensures that our children have the skills to positively make an impact on the world around them.