Global Campus at NAIS Pudong

In a world that is becoming increasingly interconnected, the need for education to transcend geographical boundaries has never been more crucial. Recognising this, Nord Anglia International School (NAIS) Pudong has embarked on an ambitious journey with its Global Campus program, aimed at fostering a generation of creative, resilient global citizens. This program not only aligns with the school's mission of being forward-thinking and technology-enabled educators but also serves as a gateway to a plethora of opportunities for students to develop essential 21st-century skills. Jean Piaget, Psychologist and Education Pioneer, stated that the goal of education is not to increase the amount of knowledge but to create the possibilities for a child to invent and discover, to create men who are capable of doing new things. 

What is Global Campus? What is its purpose?

Global Campus is Nord Anglia Education’s online learning portal that provides the platform for our students to connect and collaborate across our family of more than 85 schools.  It has a huge number of online learning activities in different areas to make our students more creative, confident, and considerate.  The Global Campus also helps us achieve our school’s vision of shaping a generation of creative and resilient global citizens that will change our world for the better. Our mission is “to be the most forward-thinking, technology-enabled educators in the world, using our global reach and world-class teachers to create a learning experience like no other”.

The Global Campus activities and competitions are designed by global experts that provide our students with opportunities to develop 21^st century skills to be successful in their lives, such as the recent Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) challenge which saw two NAIS Pudong students successful, ultimately presenting their winning robotics entry to specialists during a trip to the MIT campus in late 2023.

NAIS Pudong's Approach: Cultivating Expertise for Holistic Development

At the core of NAIS Pudong's commitment to fostering holistic development through the Global Campus program is the strategic deployment of designated leads. These educational trailblazers - experts in their respective fields - act as guiding lights, steering students toward meaningful engagement in challenges and activities that transcend conventional learning boundaries. 

The MIT lead, for instance, spearheads initiatives that expose students to cutting-edge scientific challenges, abstract problem-solving, and hands-on home labs. As Albert Einstein once remarked, “education is not the learning of facts, but the training of the mind to think." This philosophy aligns seamlessly with NAIS Pudong's approach, where the MIT lead encourages students to think critically, fostering a mindset that extends beyond the traditional classroom setting.

Similarly, the STEAM lead assumes a pivotal role in organizing STEAM projects and motivating students to tackle monthly challenges on the Global Campus. The emphasis on science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics reflects a commitment to equipping students with skills that are not only relevant today but will also be crucial in the future job market. As Steve Jobs once remarked, “it's in Apple's DNA that technology alone is not enough - it's technology married with liberal arts, married with the humanities, that yields us the result that makes our hearts sing.”

The Social Impact lead tirelessly works to design and implement activities that stimulate students' interest in understanding and solving global issues aligned with the UNICEF Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). This approach resonates with the words of Nelson Mandela, who acknowledged that education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world. By instilling a sense of responsibility and empathy, NAIS Pudong is nurturing students who understand the role they play in shaping a better future.

The Wellbeing lead - a proactive force in recognising and addressing students' well-being issues - underscores the school's commitment to nurturing not just academically successful individuals but well-rounded, emotionally resilient citizens. This aligns with the belief that education is not just about acquiring knowledge but about creating the conditions for a balanced and fulfilling life.

Moreover, the Physical Education (PE) department, in collaboration with Global Campus, is committed to encouraging students to actively participate in various sporting events such as the global sports challenges ‘Let’s Talk Sports’, and ‘Spotlight on Our Sports.’ The inclusion of sports aligns with the philosophy that physical activity is not only crucial for health but also contributes significantly to overall cognitive development.

The integration of Global Campus activities into the curriculum is a testament to NAIS Pudong's unwavering dedication to providing a comprehensive learning experience. As Benjamin Franklin once wisely noted, “Tell me and I forget, teach me and I may remember, involve me and I learn.” This hands-on approach ensures that students are not passive recipients of knowledge but active participants in their educational journey.

Teachers, as the key facilitators, play a vital role in this integration process. Their commitment to incorporating Global Campus activities into lesson plans showcases a deep understanding of the transformative impact such initiatives can have on students' learning experiences. In the words of William Butler Yeats, "education is not the filling of a pail, but the lighting of a fire”. Teachers at NAIS Pudong are not just imparting information; they are igniting a passion for learning that extends beyond the classroom walls.

NAIS Pudong's approach is a carefully orchestrated symphony of expertise, commitment, and innovation. By leveraging designated leads and integrating Global Campus activities into the curriculum, the school is not just providing an education; it is crafting an immersive and transformative learning experience that prepares students for the challenges and opportunities of the 21st century. As the program continues to evolve, the commitment to holistic development remains steadfast, ensuring that NAIS Pudong students emerge not only academically accomplished but as creative, confident, and considerate individuals ready to make a positive impact on the world.

Students' Participation and Lifelong Learning Skills:

This academic year, NAIS Pudong students are actively engaging in a myriad of Global Campus competitions, ranging from debates and writing competitions to chess leagues and sports challenges. By participating based on their interests and passions, students not only enhance their skills but also develop a love for lifelong learning. 

Global Campus provides a platform for students to showcase their talents, collaborate with peers worldwide, and develop skills that extend beyond the traditional academic realm. The emphasis on creative and independent learning fosters a spirit of curiosity and innovation - essential qualities for success in the 21st century. We strongly agree with Education expert and author, Yong Zhao’s idea that in the interconnected world of the 21st century, education is no longer just about teaching students something; it is about helping students develop a reliable compass and the navigation skills to find their own way through an increasingly uncertain, volatile, and ambiguous world.

NAIS Pudong's Global Campus program is more than just an online learning platform; it is a gateway to a world of opportunities and growth for students. By embracing this innovative approach, the school is not only shaping academic achievers but nurturing well-rounded individuals equipped with the skills and mindset needed to thrive in an interconnected and ever-evolving global landscape. As the program continues to evolve, it reinforces the school's – and Nord Anglia’s - commitment to providing a learning experience like no other.

By Deepak Khadka

IBDP Economics and Business teacher / Global Campus Lead