What is this international-mindedness and Learner Profile?

We touched on this term ‘international-mindedness’ last blog when talking about inclusion. This term can be a confusing concept, and it may be easier to define it as: the representation and abilities of a learning community and individual forming all the components of the International Baccalaureate (IB) Primary Years Programme (PYP) at Košice International School (KEIS).

KEIS is an international school that has begun its journey in becoming an authorised IB PYP World School. The philosophy and nature of being this type of international school is expressed in ten (10) attributes. These ten attributes bring together the mission and vision of both the IB and Košice International School. These ten attributes form the Learner Profile.

The Learner Profile is not specifically a set of rules for the classroom. At KEIS, the Learner Profile requires a commitment to the development of these attributes, on behalf of each and every learner – students, teachers, parents and school leaders. It requires a personal commitment on everyone’s part to support them fully. The Learner Profile is applicable to all, not as a student profile.

 These ten attributes are described in English and Slovak for you!

INQUIRERS  We nurture our curiosity, developing skills for inquiry and research. We know how to learn independently and with others. We learn with enthusiasm and sustain our love of learning throughout life	ZVEDAVÍ  Sme zvedaví, neustále sa snažíme rozvíjať svoje schopnosti. Vieme sa učiť samostatne, ale aj spolu s inými. Učíme sa s nadšením nielen v škole a radosť z učenia v nás pretrváva po celý život.
KNOWLEDGABLE  We develop and use conceptual understanding, exploring knowledge across a range of disciplines. We engage with issues and ideas that have local andglobal significance	UVEDOMELÍ  Rozvíjame sa, neustále sa snažíme porozumieť a prehlbovať vedomosti a znalosti v rôznych odboroch. Zaoberáme sa otázkami a nápadmi, ktoré majú lokálny i globálny význam.
THINKERS  We use critical and creative thinking skills to analyse and take responsible action on complex problems. We exercise initiative in making reasoned, ethical decisions	MYSLITELIA  Kriticky a tvorivo myslíme, analyzujeme a konáme zodpovedne pri zložitých problémoch. Trénujeme iniciatívu pri preberaní opodstatnených, etických rozhodnutí.
COMMUNICATORS  We express ourselves confidently and creatively in more than one language and in many ways. We collaborate effectively, listening carefully to the perspectives of other individuals and groups	KOMUNIKÁTORI  Vyjadrujeme sa sebavedome a kreatívne vo viac ako jednom jazyku a mnohými spôsobmi. Efektívne navzájom spolupracujeme, starostlivo načúvame názorom iných jednotlivcov a skupín.
PRINCIPLED  We act with integrity and honesty, with a strong sense of fairness and justice, and with respect for the dignity and rights of people everywhere. We take responsibility for our actions and their consequences	ZÁSADOVÍ  Konáme čestne a úprimne, so silným zmyslom pre poctivosť a spravodlivosť, s ohľadom na dôstojnosť a práva ľudí na celom svete. Sme zodpovední za svoje skutky a ich následky.
OPEN-MINDED  We critically appreciate our own cultures and personal histories, as well as the values and traditions of others. We seek and evaluate a range of points of view, and we are willing to grow from the experience.	OTVORENÍ  Veľmi si vážime našu vlastnú kultúru a históriu, rovnako ako hodnoty a tradície druhých. Počúvame a rešpektujeme rôzne názory a učíme sa na základe našich skúseností.
CARING  We show empathy, compassion and respect. We have a commitment to service, and we act to make a positive difference in the lives of others and in theworld around us.	STAROSTLIVÍ  Prejavujeme empatiu, súcit a rešpekt. Cítime sa zaviazaní pomáhať a konáme tak, aby sme dosiahli pozitívnu zmenu v životoch druhých a vo svete okolo nás.
RISK-TAKERS  We approach uncertainty with forethought and determination; we work independently and cooperatively to explore new ideas and innovative strategies. We are resourceful and resilient in the face of challenges and change.	ODVÁŽNI  Nebojíme sa pristupovať k neznámym situáciám s rozvahou a odhodlaním; pracujeme samostatne a v skupinách a snažíme sa prichádzať s originálnymi myšlienkami, novými nápadmi a inovatívnymi stratégiami. Sme vynaliezaví a otvorení novým výzvam či zmenám.
BALANCED  We understand the importance of balancing different aspects of our lives— intellectual, physical, and emotional—to achieve well-being for ourselves and others. We recognize our interdependence with other people and with the world in which we live.	VYROVNANÍ  Vieme, že je dôležité dodržiavať vyváženosť v každodennom režime – duševnú, telesnú a emocionálnu, aby sme tak mohli viesť zdravý a vyrovnaný život. Uvedomujeme si našu previazanosť s ostatnými ľudmi a so svetom, v ktorom žijeme.
REFLECTIVE  We thoughtfully consider the world and our own ideas and experience. We work to understand our strengths and weaknesses in order to support our learning and personal development.	HĹBAVÍ  Starostlivo vnímame svet a naše vlastné myšlienky a skúsenosti. Pracujeme na tom, aby sme lepšie porozumeli našim silným aj slabým stránkam a na základe toho môžeme lepšie rozvíjať naše vedomosti a našu osobnosť.

These ten attributes are what guide your child to be included in all forms of life around the world, developing as an internationally-minded global citizen. They are able to thrive in the diversity of the world they live in.

KEIS is an enriching learning place for everyone. Parents are part of this learning. This shared approach to education will strengthen the ability for your child to become independent, succeed and achieve in our challenging, rigorous and world-class IB PYP education at Košice International School.

There will be many opportunities for every one of us to learn and grow in this new world of education. Take a step outside of your shoes (open-minded; balanced), get to know the IB PYP at KEIS (knowledgeable) and ask some questions (thinker; inquirer; communicator), do something new for your child (caring; risk-taker) and take some time to reflect on what this opportunity means (reflection), for the sake of your child’s global inclusion (principled).

Together, Košice International School opens a world without frontiers.

For more information, follow KEIS on LinkedIn, Instagram, Twitter and Facebook!