Our Friday morning IB Core sessions offer students an opportunity to strengthen their Approaches to Learning (ATL) skills. ATL skills are strategies that help students learn how to learn by developing their thinking, communication, social, self-management, and research skills. For the first half of this term, Grades 6–8 have been focusing on collaboration—the ability to work effectively with others. Collaboration is part of the social cluster of ATL skills.

The students began by exploring the things they are responsible for, and considered what would happen if they neglected their responsibilities. This evolved into a discussion about fairness. Students agreed that equality is about sameness, while equity is about fairness—making sure everyone has what they need to succeed. They concluded that equity is the better approach when it comes to treating people justly.

This naturally led to a discussion on rights, including how to speak up when they are not being respected. Students examined the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child and discussed how it applies to their lives at school.

After the recent demonstrations we’ve witnessed in the nation, it was encouraging to see our students reflect thoughtfully and collaboratively on their responsibilities and how they can play a role in protecting not only their own rights, but also the rights of others.