The educational importance of the Mission in Action (MIA) program at Northbridge

The educational importance of the Mission in Action (MIA) program at Northbridge At the very heart of the IB MYP and DP programmes is service and action (or activity) which informs our institutional approach to MIA's here at Northbridge International School Cambodia. MIA is an abbreviation for Mission In Action with the clear emphasis on service with the other dimensions of adventure and team building skills.

At the very heart of the IB MYP and DP programmes is service and action (or activity) which informs our institutional approach to MIA's here at Northbridge International School Cambodia. MIA is an abbreviation for Mission In Action with the clear emphasis on service with the other dimensions of adventure and team building skills.

The best way for students to learn values such as empathy is service. On MIA it is student driven, is adapted to different ages and applied learning based on being outside of the classroom. Service learning requires students to apply their learning to real life scenarios and causes students to reflect, think critically and creatively. Students are given the space to collaborate on issues of a local context which resonates with them allowing for personal connection, ownership and ultimately student agency. Each MIA has been individually designed to be appropriate for the age of the child and developing skills to apply outside of the classroom in the real world.

Adventure in education is important now more than ever where physical activity amongst young people is on the decline due to the digital technological age and internet. The need to incorporate outdoor education and adventurous activities as part of our children’s education has never been more important. Our students are given the opportunity to have fun and adventure within a strict framework of safety according to Nord Anglia Education rigorous educational visit procedure which prioritises the wellbeing of each of our students through risk assessment. MIA's represent a dramatic difference to classroom-based learning that children experience on a daily basis.

Finally, team building starts with the child themselves and some self reflection on who they are, what are their strengths and things they would like to improve about themselves socially, emotionally and physically. The journey in the IB continuum is that a child finds themselves through collaboration with others and activities outside of the classroom walls teaches students a huge life lesson which is the importance of accountability not just to themselves but to their group. Team building provides the opportunity for students to develop stronger relationships with themselves, their peers and trust amongst one another.

Finally from me, at 10amon Monday 18 February we will be having the Secondary School MIA reflection assembly in the Primary Cafeteria where students and teachers will be sharing videos and experiences of the MIA's 2019.

Parents are welcome!