We believe that equipping students with the self-knowledge and skills to flourish is just as important as equipping them with the skills of critical thinking.
Our well-being focus is a set of attitudes inspired by Chinese traditions of self-cultivation, as well as the insights of positive psychology, that we aim to bring into every classroom and all aspects of school life. We hope that you will see well-being and agency in action in the way that our students and teachers interact with each other, in our school governance structures, and in every step we take on our journeys as lifelong learners.
The Life Skill Program at YIAA covers three core themes of study: Health and Wellbeing; Relationships; and Living in the Wider World. Within each theme competencies (including skills and attributes) are developed in the areas of Independence & Aspiration; Autonomy and Advocacy; and Choices and Influence.
Students will engage is small group discussions on a variety of topics that will support the Life Skills program. Some of these discussions will be in the format of “Open Sessions” which allow students to explore issues, topics or concerns that are on their minds. Other discussions will be in structured in the Socratic Style, where students will bring to their table their learnings, knowledge, questions and thoughts from an assigned reading.
All students at YIAA will complete a personal self-motivated learning project on a topic of their choice. It is outside of their curriculum studies but could be related to it. Students will be guided through the process by their Home base teacher. At the conclusion of their project the student will make a presentation of the process and outcome.
Students and teachers at YIAA will regularly come together in “Community Gatherings” to celebrate success, listen to guest speakers and performers, student performances and talks,
Students will have the opportunity to regularly check in with their “Home Base” teacher for individual reflections on their progress in school with their self-motivated goals.