Service learning connects the school-based curriculum with the natural concern of young people to care for their world. This could have an impact on themselves, their family, the classroom, the community or even places on the other side of the world. The IB programmes all approach service learning in slightly different ways, though all emphasize students developing the attributes of the IB learner profile, and using the skills acquired in some form of action.

Action is the core of student agency and is integral to the PYP learning process and to the development of international-mindedness. Through taking individual and collective action, students understand the responsibilities associated with being internationally-minded and through action, students develop a sense of belonging to local and global communities. They understand and recognize the interconnectedness and interdependence of issues, and consider these from multiple perspectives.

Action is connected to agency, the learner profile and international-mindedness.
Action is student-initiated and can be individual and collective.
Action is authentic, meaningful and mindful.
Action can happen at any time; it can be short or long term, revisited or ongoing.
Action is supported by the learning community.
Demonstrations of action include participation, advocacy, social justice, social entrepreneurship, or lifestyle choices.

PYP action is authentic, meaningful, mindful, responsible and responsive. An action could be:

A change in attitude
A consideration or plan for action in the future
A demonstration of responsibility, or of respect for self, others and the environment
A commitment to leading or participating in a youth advocacy group
An engagement in school decision-making or an expression of support in community, local and global decision-making.

In PYP, students take action in response to their inquiries to make a positive difference in the world, and bring a positive change or further their learning.

The PYP Exhibition is a celebration of student’s learning across PYP. It incorporates the essential elements of the PYP, including values, giving students the chance to develop and display the attributes of the IB learner profile. It gives the students the chance to demonstrate their skills, their knowledge and gives them a voice to make a difference in the community and/or world.

Action through the PYP Exhibitions at Sreenidhi :
In the 2019-20 and 2020-21 exhibitions, students took direct action to attain the 17 SDG (Sustainable Development Goals). A group did their exhibition on Saving Nature. They planted trees in the school and at their houses, to help achieve the SDG 13: Climate Action. Another group chose the exhibition topic as Zero Hunger and took action by making posters and supervised the dining hall to raise awareness on hunger and prevent food wastage.

Service as action is an integral part of the MYP, which aims to help students understand personal growth and development while also enhancing their sense of responsibility towards the community. Service learning involves students in exploring the world that leads to action. In MYP, students are provided appropriate guidance and support from the service advisor/SAA Coordinator to achieve service learning outcomes through direct or indirect engagement. The service-learning will allow students to develop the traits of the IB learner profile and ATL skills, many of which are related to reciprocation and serving others.

At SIS, students find opportunities to start their service-learning from the classroom by developing natural links between service and action and subject area, and extending it beyond their interest and access. Students are involved in either school-driven or self-driven or both activities to meet the service learning requirements. It is expected that students of MYP 4 and 5 take up an initiative independently or in a small group and develop the service project and MYP 1-3 students are encouraged to take up the long-term projects. The objective of the long-term project either individually or in collaboration is to gain an insight into different perspectives and ways of life and appreciation for roles and responsibilities beyond the classroom.

Students document their service learning activities and the accomplishment of the targeted learning outcomes through descriptions and reflections in the service portfolio on managebac. There are periodical interviews organized for students to meet with their supervisor and discuss their ideas, actions and achievements. [More details on SAA at SIS can be found on SIS Service Handbook]

Exemplary Service Activities undertaken by Sreenidhians:

Literacy Programme

Sreenidhians work with the underprivileged children of the Aziznagar village school and help them speak, read and write in English/Telugu with confidence. Sreenidhians provide all the support and guidance needed in the process.

Awareness Programmes

Sreenidhians work with the school’s housekeeping staff, drivers, and helpers to educate them about the importance of hygiene and maintaining a good health.

Green Team

The Green Team creates awareness among students about pressing issues related to the environment. The team organises engaging activities throughout the year to encourage students care for the environment. The team’s noteworthy initiative – Project Recycle in association with ITC, a giant Indian conglomerate where students collected a huge amount of waste paper and sent it for recycling received appreciation from all.

Examples of service activities at SIS

• Students designed a website on which they showcase their collection of art and architecture from different historical ages to appreciate and create awareness of culture and history.
• Students raised funds through food stalls/organizing sports and cultural events in their community to fund the education of two visually impaired students.
• Designed best wishes cards in the French language and sent them to children in an orphanage at Pondicherry.
• Students designed a survival guide that would give travellers some basic survival tips in an emergency. This enabled students to be aware of dangers and how to be prepared (English).