The best schools empowering students to have a positive impact on the world

Learning beyond classrooms has been proven to make abstract concepts more relevant to everyday life – and more fun. Learning beyond classrooms and making a difference in the community provides greater benefits still: students who are healthier and happier, and with an enhanced sense of civic responsibility.

Research in service learning have documented several positive cognitive and social changes in its participants: advances in moral reasoning, greater interest in interacting with culturally different and diverse people, positive influences on conceptions of self, self-esteem, and identity formation, more aspirations to service-related careers, and so much more. 

The best schools today are not only aware of this but have designed and tailored academic and social programmes to maximise the power of such experiences. Below is a selection of international schools which have done just that:

Source: St Francis Methodist School

St Francis Methodist School

“We would like to tell St Francis Methodist School (SFMS), ‘Thank you for nurturing my daughter’ and we hope more good students will come to this excellent private school for their scholastic achievement.” Those are the words of a satisfied parent who enrolled her daughter Li Jingjing in the Western Australian Certificate of Education (WACE) programme at the private Singaporean school. Li graduated with an ATAR score of 99.5.

That is just one of the many success stories that come out from SFMS, where teachers are dedicated to caring for and developing an SFMS student’s character and purpose in life. Rooted in Christian values and also their own (Courage, Integrity, Humility, Respect, and Purposeful Living), SFMS nurtures its students academically, emotionally, and socially. This approach not only builds character but also equips them to achieve their aspirations at a young age.

The school offers Primary, Secondary , and Senior High Education with a Singapore-based approach. Students looking to pursue international qualifications like WACE, International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IBDP), Cambridge Primary, IGCSE, and the Singapore GCE O-Level can find the ideal preparation for any of them here. Backed by highly experienced, National Institute Education (NIE) – certified teachers students consistently achieve excellent results in either certificate, cementing the school’s status as Singapore’s leading private academic institution.

What makes an SFMS education so effective? A big part of its success can be traced to its commitment to personalised attention and experiential learning. The community is small and close-knit, with students encouraged to be active in its vibrant community of 700 students representing over 21 countries and to explore their passions beyond the classroom through a wide range of co-curricular programmes. Apply to the St Francis Methodist School now.

The Junior School at Jerudong International School encourages students to become independent and confident learners. Source: Jerudong International School

Jerudong International School

Jerudong International School has been offering a British curriculum for students between the ages of two and 18 since its inception in 1997. A green, clean and safe haven for children, the school welcomes children from all over the world to find their interests and talents through an education that is not only academically challenging but also seeks to develop the whole student.

Shaping reflective, engaging citizens begins in the early years at Brunei’s leading British international school. Junior Years here follows the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) from the UK, which covers nursery, kindergarten, and reception. The EYFS is adapted to reflect the Bruneian context, thus enhancing it with opportunities for children to apply their learning to make a difference in the real world, to look for and solve problems, develop strong values, dispositions and behaviours for learning that will support students for years to come.

Students are nurtured to begin speaking, writing, and reading through engaging language programmes. They also move, play, act, and investigate throughout fun-filled days.

As highlighted in the COBIS Patron’s Accreditation Report, Early Years students are supported in an immersive environment tailored specifically to enhance their learning. The report noted, “In Early Years classes, good use is made of the existing facilities to provide a rich environment for children to explore, play and develop.” In particular, Nursery and Reception students were observed as confidently navigating their learning environment. Vice Principal and Head of Junior School, Mr. Paul Bannister, reinforced this commitment: “Our warm and welcoming learning environments are seen as being the ‘3rd teacher’. They inspire our children to apply and connect their learning, provide opportunities to deepen skills and knowledge and ensure a sense of agency and ownership through enabling independence in our youngest learners. Resources in the environment are age and stage appropriate, providing progressive challenges in a range of skills and are always readily accessible to the children.”

Harrow International School Appi Japan makes full use of its natural environment and bespoke outdoor activities to nurture children into future leaders. Source: Harrow International School Appi Japan

Harrow International School Appi

Situated amongst majestic mountains and in a uniquely Japanese setting, Harrow International School Appi Japan stands out as one of Asia’s most distinctive boarding schools. It offers a one-of-a-kind boarding experience that inspires academic excellence and prepares one for a life of learning, leadership, service and personal fulfilment. 

This is where children become future leaders, following in the footsteps of graduates of Harrow UK – founded in 1572 – including the likes of Lord Byron, Winston Churchill, Jawaharlal Nehru, King Hussein, Lord Rayleigh and numerous influencers, inventors, artists and Nobel Laureates. To live and learn at Harrow Appi is to breathe fresh mountain air daily, chase the adrenaline from adventure sports, broaden horizons and prepare for life and leadership – all while attaining the high academic standards of a world-class British-style education.

On campus, facilities abound for students to explore and learn. Picture easy access to the biggest ski resort in Japan, a 36-hole golf course, and access to 14 tennis courts. Plus, there is a wide range of activities hosted by various clubs and societies, including jazz, debate, water polo, Model United Nations, and many more. Add service learning to this list, and students are one step closer to discovering the leaders within themselves.

This three-season roster of activities is accompanied by 360-degree support available 24 hours a day and seven days a week. Whatever students choose to sharpen their passions and talents in, the school ensures Harrow values – Courage, Honour, Humility and Fellowship – are always embraced. It’s a dynamic journey, one where students develop six leadership attributes: contributing positively to the community, applying knowledge with compassion, solving problems collaboratively, solving problems creatively, making fair and just choices, and facing challenges with determination.

Dulwich College Shanghai Puxi fuses service learning with a focus on technology to equip children with the knowledge, skills and motivation to make a positive impact on the world. Source: Dulwich College Shanghai Puxi

Dulwich College Shanghai Puxi

Dulwich College Shanghai Puxi is a British international school that delivers a values-driven, progressive educational programme. Supported by a growing, caring, tight-knit community, students are treated to a holistic, experiential learning experience paired with a special edge – a balanced focus on well-being, character development and academic success.

Service learning is part of the curriculum – an approach that develops kind and caring pupils with strong moral compasses equipped with the knowledge, skills and motivation to make a positive impact on the world.

Guided by its mission and vision, Live Worldwise, the school leads a range of service initiatives, including Educating Girls in Rural China (EGRC) Ambassador School Partnership, the Elevated Honey partnership, and the United World Schools sponsorship of Veal Reyoung School in Cambodia.

Another highlight is its emphasis on and integration of emerging technology into its international curricula (IGCSE and IB). It is the first school in China to use edtech tools offered by HarvardX, Century Tech and AS Steer. It is the first in the world to add PeerScholar into its curriculum, a formative peer-assessment tool used in over 60 countries.

*Some of the institutions featured in this article are commercial partners of Study International