During the October Break BCIS presented at the Schools of the Future Conference in Hawaii to share our journey of the IDEATE program. This collaborative event highlighted best practices happening world-wide that address the need of preparing students for an ever-changing world.

After 4 school visits, a 3-day conference and 1 presentation, Mark Sullivan and Ellie Flesher share their top 3 takeaways:

* "Great minds don't think or learn alike." Assets School, Hawaii provides an individualized, strength-based program where students are empowered to become effective learners and confident self-advocates. Similarly, to BCIS, Assets have recognised the value in learning through interest and passion.

* "Community makes the impossible things possible" The value of community engagement is paramount in creating authentic learning experiences for students. The School for Examining Essential Questions of Sustainability (SEEQS) shares the mission of BCIS in ensuring that all students who act for the good of all and sustainable development of the world. At SEEQS, they build community engagement into the curriculum by inviting community members into their assessment of learning.

* BCIS is a School of the Future. Our presentation at the SOTF conference shared how we are creating high-quality future orientated learning for our secondary school students. We shared our journey of the research and implementation behind IDEATE and how it is designed to develop students' strengths, talents, and skills in ways that will support any future aspirations.

When we look at the features of a high-quality future orientated secondary school, we can see that the IDEATE program is a leap in the right direction. If you would like to hear more about our IDEATE program, come join us on Nov 6th 8:45 – 11:00 in the SS library and again for an evening of celebrations on Dec 3rd where students will be showcasing their learning.