Service as Action

Service as Action is a fundamental goal of the IB Curriculum in relation to its goal of educating the whole person and its mission to develop inquiring, knowledgeable and caring young people who help to create a better and more peaceful world.

This essential component allows students to extend their learning outside the classroom walls and develop life-long skills for global citizenship. You can see how Service as Action fits into the Middle Years Programme in the IB model below.

MEANINGFUL SERVICE
Students are required to perform service and meet outcomes in every year of the MYP, but the philosophy behind Service as Action is just as important.
Service Actions should be more than checking boxes – it should be meaningful.

Service activities should evolve around engaging with others in a shared commitment  towards the common good. Meaningful service requires understanding of an underlying issue such as poverty, literacy or pollution, and authenticating the need for this service. Meaningful service includes interaction,  such as building relations with individuals or groups in the community.

(MYP: Principles into Practice 2014) 

TIPS FOR PARENTS

Parental encouragement and support, or involving yourself in volunteer activities, is often a vital part of helping students complete the IB MYP. Here are some ideas of how you as a parent can encourage your child:

• Familiarise yourself with the SA requirements on these webpages
• Discuss the requirements/opportunities/importance with your child
• Share your own volunteer experiences with your child and reflect on what you have given and gained through volunteering
• Explore your child’s interests and look through the listing of possible volunteer activities together Help your child connect with local organisations and develop ideas for possible opportunities to volunteer
• Many students who have chosen the IB program have had previous volunteer experience. Encourage your child to build on previous successful volunteer experiences
• Be willing to get involved – come to games, plays, and concerts, volunteer for various committees and work groups