20 September 2017
Being part of a global community
By Mr Phil McIntyre
IB Coordinator
We are living in an increasingly inter-connected world. The challenge for us as students, parents and teachers is to see and find our place within this global community and to learn how to connect with people from other places and cultures.
We can grow to be to be globally minded by talking about global issues, getting involved in initiatives that support people in Australia and abroad, and by making connections with people from a variety of backgrounds.
When asked, “what can people do to become a good global citizen?”, former UN Secretary General Kofi Anan replied, “it begins with your own community.”
When I first found out about Penrith Anglican College, I clearly remember the three things that attracted me to the school community.
- Service
I was excited to hear about the Tabitha Program and the emphasis that is placed on serving others in our community.
Seeing peoples’ needs locally and internationally, and knowing we can serve and help others is an essential part of growing up.
People from all around the world are facing a future filled with challenges arising from wars, changing climate, movement of displaced people and water shortages – just to name a few. Not only do we need our children to grow up to be knowledgeable and able to solve these problems, but we need them to be filled with compassion and to care deeply for those who are suffering through no fault of their own.
At Penrith Anglican College, we endeavour to develop students in how they view other people and how they can serve and help others. The Tabitha Program was developed to encourage the development of active, caring and skilled people who, as a way of life, think and serve others. The Tabitha Diploma is a two-year program for students in Years 11 and 12, where students partake in activities in service, personal development and physical activities.
- Cultural exchange
Cultural exchange and service trips are offered to students at the College. These trips enable them to experience other cultures and develop understanding, compassion and tolerance.
The College has a sister school in Japan and also has teams of students who travel to locations including Nepal, Cambodia, Fiji and Western Europe. The benefit of travelling to, and being immersed in another place and culture is incredibly valuable for our students. In a world that is getting smaller through the ease of travel, access to technology, increased migration and displacement of populations through conflicts, it is vital that our students develop their ability to effectively relate to those from other cultures and backgrounds.
- Studying a language
Research has shown the importance of studying another language in developing understanding and tolerance in a global world.
So much of a culture and its people is wrapped up in the language that is spoken. If we think about some of the Australian colloquialisms that we use, we cannot express those ideas without an understanding of the language and where the expression came from. In the same way, to truly understand a person from a particular cultural background, learning even just a small part of their language can be a way to build a connection with them.
To discover how Penrith Anglican College prepares students to be responsible global citizens who serve others, request a copy of our Prospectus.
Alternatively join a personal tour of the College and find out more about the subjects and opportunities we offer at Penrith Anglican College. For more information or contact the College Registrar at registrar@penrith.nsw.edu.au or book a find out when our upcoming tours are scheduled or book a personal tour here.
