In Conversation With Swiss International School Dubai's Gullrukh Rafiq On Sustainability And Schooling

It is said that some of our life-long habits and temperaments are inspired by and forged during our time at school. Our formative years at school shape who we become in very instrumental ways. One of the primary focuses of educational institutions in the region is to develop a lens of sustainability in young students so that they may grow with an inherent understanding of the world and our contributions as they grow older. This is not only aligned with UAE's Green Agenda but also the need of the hour.

Swiss International School Dubai prides in sustainability being a cornerstone of their educational agenda. It is a haven of diversity and forethought in the domain of the environment. We sat down to speak to Gullrukh Rafiq, Assistant Head Student Enrichment at SISD.

SISD is Dubai's first bilingual International Baccalaureate School, opened in 2015. What are some of the ways in which SISD is enhancing multiculturalism within the education field?

SISD enhances multiculturalism by offering a bilingual education in French, and German, enabling students to become fluent in multiple languages and encouraging cross-cultural communication skills. The school embraces an inclusive and diverse community where students from various nationalities and cultural backgrounds learn together. Many of the International Baccalaureate's values are centred around encouraging students to become global citizens who respect and value different perspectives. The integration of multicultural literature and global themes into the curriculum, alongside various cultural events and celebrations, helps students develop a deeper appreciation for diversity and multiculturalism.

Dubai is currently a pioneer in sustainability. How is SISD actively championing the cause of the environment and sustainability?

SISD champions environmental sustainability through a comprehensive social impact agenda that includes both curriculum integration and after-school activities. The school's curriculum is mapped against the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), ensuring that students are engaged with sustainability topics across all subjects. SISD also promotes "green literature" by incorporating books and resources that emphasize environmental themes.

The school provides opportunities for students to participate in sustainability-focused after-school activities, such as recycling programs, gardening clubs, and environmental action groups. Additionally, SISD's eco-friendly campus design, with energy-efficient buildings and our solar panel carpark and sustainable practices, further reinforces its commitment to sustainability.

What are some ways in which we can foster a sustainable outlook on growing children today? Where do we begin?

Fostering a sustainable outlook in children begins with integrating sustainability principles into their everyday learning experiences. At SISD, we start by embedding concepts related to the SDGs throughout the curriculum, from science to social studies, using inquiry-based learning to explore environmental challenges. Introducing "green literature" helps children understand environmental issues through stories and real-life examples. Encouraging active participation in sustainability-focused after-school activities, such as gardening or recycling projects, allows children to practice what they learn. Educating children about the impact of their actions on the planet and promoting a mindset of global citizenship and stewardship are essential in building a sustainable outlook.

How are sustainability principles integrated into the school curriculum (across all subjects, or through dedicated classes?

At SISD, sustainability principles are integrated across the curriculum through an all-encompassing approach that connects learning to real-world environmental and social issues. Each subject, whether it's science, mathematics, or language arts, incorporates elements related to sustainability.

For example, in science classes, students might explore renewable energy sources, while in language arts, they may engage with green literature that discusses ecological themes. This interdisciplinary approach, combined with SDG mapping throughout the curriculum, ensures that students understand the interconnectedness of global challenges. Additionally, dedicated activities and units on environmental conservation, climate change, and social impact projects further reinforce sustainability education.

How does the IB curriculum differently approach sustainability and environment conservation compared to other curriculums?

The IB curriculum, particularly the PYP, adopts a unique approach to sustainability and environmental conservation by embedding these concepts into the framework of inquiry-based learning. Rather than treating sustainability as a standalone subject, the IB curriculum integrates it across various subjects and encourages students to explore these themes through transdisciplinary units.

This approach enables students to see the interconnectedness of global issues and encourages them to take meaningful action as global citizens. The IB also places a strong emphasis on developing critical thinking, reflection, and a proactive mindset towards social and environmental challenges, which distinguishes it from more traditional curriculums that may address these topics in a more isolated or theoretical manner.