One of our unique selling points here at Teacher Horizons is that we visit many of the schools that we work with. We do this for a few reasons; to see the day to day running of the school, to meet the leadership team, to speak with students about what it’s like to learn there, and to ensure that we give accurate and first-hand information to our candidates. Our Operations Manager, Emily, was lucky enough to visit Green School in Bali just last month. So Emily, what is it like?
Some would consider Green School an educational paradise, and after my visit in April 2017 I would definitely agree. Not only is the school set in a stunning location, it also offers a forward-thinking, holistic approach to education that enables students to grow and develop into environmentally responsible and community minded individuals.
First Impressions…
I couldn’t start with anything other than the school’s desire to instill environmental and social responsibility in their students. In order to achieve this, they use a very holistic and student guided approach to learning, which they feel inspires and empowers each child to be a ‘green leader’.
The open-air, bamboo classrooms at the school keep students constantly engaged with the environment and remind them of the beautiful world that is at their fingertips. Actually, all of the buildings and spaces at Green School are made from bamboo and are an architectural wonder in their own right. Both students and staff have comfortable, practical spaces to work and relax in, that not only serve their purpose but are a constant reminder of the school’s ethos and mission.
The staff! I met with a number of classroom teachers, as well as some of the senior leadership team. All were welcoming, enthusiastic, energetic leaders that were obviously passionate about more than just teaching children the information they need in order to pass a test.
We class Green School as one of the top schools to work at in the world. Read about it, and other top schools here.
A Walk Through Campus…
Now you have a better idea of the kind of learning environment Green School is, I have to give you a little more detail about my visit and experience.
A walk through the campus really opened my eyes to the style of education on offer to students at Green School. Students have practical, hands-on opportunities to learn; from a rabbit hutch full of white, fluffy friends to a garden full of plants and vegetables that need tending to. Of course, students still spend some lessons with pen to paper, but ‘learning by doing’ is evident throughout the curriculum. One area where it is obvious is the teaching of entrepreneurial skills. Enterprise and Entrepreneurship are not subjects at Green School, but they are the backbone of every lesson. They are the ways of being and doing which will undoubtedly enable Green School students to impact the world.
“Students practice entrepreneurial skills on a regular basis – as questioners, thinkers, tryers, failers, and active learners. It starts with the youngest learners, forming personal characteristics, and builds throughout middle and high school where our advanced and confident learners make an impact on the world.”
Truly Inspired…
During my visit I was invited to attend a talk by Wilbur Sargunaraj, India’s first YouTube star. Wilbur was talking to the high school students about being culturally intelligent and responsible on social media. Wilbur uses his online following to campaign about critical global issues of poverty, caste, exploitation and justice. The students were asked to think about how they could use their social media presence to create social change. Let me set the scene for you… I was sitting in an open-air, bamboo yoga studio, two stories up overlooking the Balinese countryside, listening to this talk with a bunch of high school students who were learning about how they can use technology in a pro-active and beneficial way. I was truly inspired! And honestly, I left ready to make some changes to my own social media presence and use.
Over lunch, which was a bowl full of colourful, freshly made Mexican dishes and salads, a female student plugged her microphone into an amp and started singing. She wasn’t nervous about sharing her talent with her peers or the staff and her music was greatly received. It was clear to me that it was common practise for students to be encouraged like this, not only by staff but also by their peers, to pursue whatever passion, project or idea inspires them.
When my day came to an end, I was left wondering why there aren’t more schools like Green School. The tranquil, lush surroundings of the school make a great environment for learning. The emphasis put on community, creativity, individuality, expression, innovation and growth can surely only lead to success for all involved.
For the chance to work in this inspirational school or others in the same area, sign up here and look through our schools in Indonesia.
Do you work at another amazing international school which deserves a mention in our blog? Get in touch with editor@teacherhorizons.com to discuss your school and your blog idea.
