From the Middle and High School Principal

If you have tried to convince your thirteen-year-old that a brisk walk is "invigorating" in the last few weeks, you have likely received a look that could freeze hot tea, even though we both know it is good for them (and us). However, as an IB school, we take student voice and agency seriously. Even when that voice is occasionally telling us they would like to spend the entire school day scrolling through social media, and posting updates. We believe that for students to truly become "owners" of their learning, they need to know that their opinions carry weight in our corridors, and that sometimes they need to be made aware that whilst those ideas were heard, they may not be logistically possible or suit the wellbeing and safety of everyone. 

Fresh air & honest talk

In our recent middle school assembly, we put this into practice by asking the students a few simple questions centered around: “How can we make your school day better?” The feedback was honest, predictable, and delightfully Middle School. The top three requests were more time outside, more time to eat, and being allowed to use their mobile phones during the day. Getting this input is vital; it allows us to make recommendations that directly benefit their wellbeing, and it teaches them that advocacy is a skill worth honing. Even if the final decision doesn't always go in their favour.

We have heard them loud and clear regarding outdoor play. And as Nick Little mentioned in his Head of School coffee, we are currently exploring different scheduling options to get our Middle Schoolers out of the classroom and into the fresh air more often. For this age group, being outside isn't just about "burning off steam"; it is a crucial cognitive reset. A bit of Vitamin D and a change of scenery can significantly improve focus and lower stress levels. We have been piloting a slight scheduling shift in Grade 6 this year, and have seen the positive results first hand. We agree with the students: they need more time to stretch their legs and reconnect with the world beyond four walls.

However, we have to be honest about the phones. While we want our students to feel heard, part of our role is to protect the social fabric of the school day. We aren't quite ready as a school to trade face-to-face conversation for screen time just yet. So, while we might be saying "no" to the devices, we are saying a resounding "yes" to exploring ways to embed more time for fresh air and better lunch breaks for middle school. We want our students to know that while they might not get everything on their wish list, their voices are the genuine catalyst for any changes we make as a school. The ISA ecosystem of care has our students at the centre of it; it is not just a poster on the wall, but something that drives our thinking and decision making every day.