Service Learning

Our Commitment to Service Learning

Service learning is an educational approach that combines learning objectives with community service in order to provide a pragmatic, progressive learning experience while meeting societal needs.

At British School Jakarta (BSJ), we pride ourselves on being a caring community that actively engages in various community projects and initiatives. All through school year leavels our students work tirelessly to make a positive impact on society, with service learning at the core of our school's philosophy.

The BSJ service learning programme empowers our students to understand the needs of the community and respond to them with compassion. With research, advocacy, and direct and indirect learning, our students are well-equipped to make a positive impact on both local and global levels.

As global citizens, our students work closely with the service team to foster a sense of responsibility towards the wider community. Our weekly community work includes lessons with local children, financial and resource support to the community, and building a preschool using recycled materials, among others.

We also value our community's wider concerns and respond to emergencies, disasters, and immediate needs, such as earthquake and flooding relief. Our students strive to widen their outlook and respond to local needs with the support of our generous community and the wider public to create a positive difference.

Overview

Year 1-6

The concept of 'society' is fundamental to learning in the Primary, and at BSJ, we facilitate meaningful connections between classroom learning, the local community, and the wider world. Our goal is to empower our young learners to become responsible global citizens who understand the impact of their actions on others.

Service learning is a critical part of this approach. Through our service projects, our students gain hands-on experience in making a positive impact on the world around them.

BSJ students believe small things can make a difference and are always eager to start their next project!

Year 7-11

The IB MYP encourages students to participate in service within their communities actively, and at BSJ, we take this commitment seriously. Through the BSJ ‘Service as Action’ programme, our students engage in community work during residential trips and through partnerships with local organisations.

During the third year of the MYP (MYP3) curriculum, our students undertake the community project, which focuses on service and encourages students to explore their rights and responsibilities in implementing action through service. This project provides students with an opportunity to develop an awareness of the needs of various communities and to address those needs through service learning.

The community project involves sustained, in-depth investigation, which leads to our students taking meaningful action to serve their community. Through this process, our students acquire crucial skills and experiences that prepare them to become responsible, active citizens of the world.

Years 12-13

The CAS (Creativity, Activity, Service) and Service Learning programme at BSJ are deeply rooted in our commitment to social justice, community engagement, and environmental sustainability. Over the years, our students have earned a regional and international reputation for their efforts to contest social inequality, promote common humanity, and address environmental issues.

All of our International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IB DP) students participate in the CAS program, which challenges them to develop their interests and act responsibly as globally-minded young adults.

Each year, our students engage in over 50 sustainable service projects that demonstrate careful consideration of the needs of our local and global communities. Our students and community also respond to emergencies, with a response action team made up of teachers and students.

These are some highlights from our CAS programme:

Sekolah Bisa

A project initiated by our CAS students in 2011 remains one of our proudest achievements. Each year, we support 25 students attending Sekolah Bisa (Indonesian for a school that can’), and our CAS program continues to provide support to the school’s alumni as they pursue their education. In 2019, we celebrated the opening of a new Sekolah Bisa building, made possible by the collaborative efforts of BSJ, The Body Shop, and Yayasan Sekolah Bisa.

Wanita Bisa

Refugee Learning Centre (RLC) Cisarua

Our collaboration with the Refugee Learning Centre (RLC) Cisarua has strengthened over time, providing opportunities for our students to run workshops and share their expertise with different groups at both BSJ and the RLC. These workshops have covered an array of subjects, from science to soap-making to self-reflection. Our interactions with the RLC team have been enriching for all parties involved, inspiring us to learn from each other and build supportive communities.

Recently, four student-led groups from our school, namely Stem4Pemuda, Heart4Heart, Arts and Letters, had the opportunity to join a staff visit to the RLC. Their main objective was to share their knowledge and experiences with the local community. Stem4Pemuda conducted a hands-on science class for three different student groups and also left behind valuable resources to encourage further experimentation. Heart4Heart engaged with mothers in journaling activities, promoting self-reflection and inspiring them to find ways to support their community. Lastly, Arts and Letters facilitated collaborative art sessions and encouraged children to write letters to their future selves. Wanita Bisa also dedicated their time to teaching soap making to women in the community, equipping them with valuable skills for personal and professional development. Each interaction with the RLC team has proven to be an enriching experience for all parties involved, fostering a strong sense of togetherness and inspiring mutual support among the participants.

Case4Care

Cases4Care, an internationally award winning group, has made a profound impact on local communities by establishing five libraries in and around rubbish sites in Jakarta. Through their dedication and perseverance, the team has successfully raised sponsorships and diligently worked on sales projects to finance the books and workshops provided. Moreover, they have actively encouraged fellow students to participate in painting the libraries and organizing workshops for the children, fostering a collaborative and inclusive environment.

https://www.cases4care.com/