Future challenges and opportunities are difficult to anticipate; however, teachers in Golden Hills are constantly seeking ways to better prepare students for this uncertainty. What’s a solution? The Global Connections Certificate, a program developed by Golden Hills teachers and administrators.
The program provides students with:
- exposure to global issues
- methods on how to think critically and creatively about possible solutions to issues
- opportunities to communicate with peers, community and the ability to create action locally
- a pathways program that increases student exposure to global issues, adds an international lens to the Alberta curriculum and allows students to take globally-connected action in their local community.
Meaningful Collaboration
One of the highlights of this program for students and teachers is the opportunity to collaborate on action projects. These action projects take place within each of the Grade 10 and 11 courses and provide opportunities for students to not just think about action, but to take action. Working with the program facilitator, students develop a strong sense of purpose by identifying local, national, or international issues that they are passionate about and connecting the issues to a wider global context.
Student collaboration days provide participants with the opportunity to engage with peers and teachers to intentionally plan their projects.
“It was SO refreshing to spend today in a space in which no topic was off-limits. [I really enjoyed] brainstorming and speaking with people who are passionate about global issues in the same way I am.” – Keyara, Global Connections Certificate Student
Developing Global Competence for a Changing World
Employers and post-secondary institutions increasingly desire graduates who can demonstrate skills and understandings beyond those specifically learned within school subjects.
The Global Connections Certificate supports the development of the core competencies identified by Golden Hills:
- Critical thinking
- Creativity
- Citizenship
- Communication
- Collaboration
Through experience with an additional language, globally-focused assignments, international leadership, and volunteerism, students participating in the Global Connections Certificate learn to become active global contributors.
Moving forward, the Global Connections Certificate will continue to grow and become a key part of the shift toward greater international and intercultural understanding in Golden Hills.
“I’ve learned what it means to be a leader, what it means to be a global citizen, and how important it is to be culturally aware.” — Global Connections Certificate Student
Linear Pathway
