What is the main purpose of a school? Of course, there will be lots of different answers. ISY’s Mission and Vision aim to create students who will be “compassionate global citizens” and a “force for positive change in the world.” I would add that two of our goals are to provide opportunities for students to learn and to prepare them for the real world. Agreed? So the next question is, how do we do it? Again, people will suggest multiple strategies, but I believe that service learning achieves both goals.

I’ve been the service learning coordinator at ISY for a few years, and in that time, we have raised the profile of service learning. Service learning is more than a collection of after-school activities. If it’s done well, service learning creates a virtuous circle, whereby what students learn when engaging in service projects reinforces their classroom learning. This is authentic learning.

Let me give you an example. A group of ISY students works with a local group to collect and recycle plastic. The students have learned about the environmental problems plastic can cause, so they know that there is an authentic need to be addressed. The students visit the recycling plant and meet with the experts to discuss practical details about their project. To raise awareness about environmental issues, the ISY group holds a Trashion Show (trash becomes fashion). The project begins to collect and recycle plastic, and as they go along, the team reflects and plans improvements.

All of the issues addressed by service learning groups are covered in textbooks, but the learning goes much deeper when students can connect classroom concepts to real-world experiences. Through service learning, students actively engage with local and global challenges, many of which are reflected in the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), such as reducing inequalities, promoting quality education, and ensuring environmental sustainability. In this way, service learning is not just an “after-school activity”; it becomes a vital part of the academic experience, embedded in classrooms from elementary school to high school. Students learn by doing, reflecting, and contributing meaningfully to a better world.

In addition, service learning is inclusive. Every student at ISY can contribute: if you like research, find out more about the issue; if you like writing, write an article for the Blog; if you like drawing, create a poster about the project; and so on. Service learning is fun!

We want our students to be motivated by the desire to serve others, but writing about meaningful service learning experiences can set students apart from other university applicants.

Finally, on behalf of all the service learning groups, let me say a big “Thank you” to everyone who makes it happen – drivers, custodians, facilities, security, tech department, Medical Clinic, Activities Office, Business Office, Parent Association, teachers, students, Leadership Team, and all the ISY community.

Thanks for your support of service learning at ISY. See you in the new school year!

Nick Sturmey
Service Learning Coordinator

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