The world is joined up – through travel, trade and technology – in a way it has never been before. What we do in our country affects others in theirs, and what they do affects us.

In the 21st century, we have come to recognise that all people are members of one world community and that all bear responsibilities to each other. But if this is now economic and social reality, it’s also at the heart of traditional Christian belief.

Our country occupies a unique position in this world: at the heart of the European Union and of the Commonwealth, linked by language and historical ties to the United States, linked by history and population to countries around the world that were once in the British Empire.

Through bodies like the United Nations and its different agencies, Britain remains a vital political player on the modern global stage, while British companies trade worldwide every hour of the day. Our own city, London, with its myriad cultures and languages and traditions, has been called “a world in one city”.

All this means that UK citizens in the new millennium must be equipped with a global understanding. As our children grow up, they will be competing for jobs with people from across the planet, not just people down the street. And many of the issues we now face can only be faced internationally. They include sustainable development, climate change, cultural diversity and global economic inequality.

Learning in a global context

At St Mary Magdalene Academy we believe that living in a global society requires understanding of eight key concepts:

Citizenship – gaining the knowledge, skills and understanding of concepts and institutions necessary to become informed, active, responsible global citizens

Social justice – understanding the Christian basis for stressing the importance of social justice as an element in both sustainable development and the improved welfare of all people

Sustainable development – understanding the need to maintain and improve the quality of life now, without damaging the planet for future generations

Diversity – understanding and respecting differences, and relating these to our common humanity as people made in God’s image

Values and perceptions – developing a critical evaluation of images of other parts of the world and an appreciation of the effect these have on people’s attitudes and values

Interdependence – understanding how people, places, economies and environments are all inextricably interrelated, and that events have repercussions on a global scale

Conflict resolution – understanding how conflicts are a barrier to development and why there is a need for their resolution and the promotion of harmony

Human rights – knowing about human rights and, in particular, the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child

Think globally, act locally

Knowledge and understanding of these key concepts permeates the curriculum of the Academy. Our Christian perspective understands that such concepts must express themselves in action on the part of the learner. So we see service and participation as part of every child’s experience at the Academy. We do not just “think globally”, we also “act locally”.

The humanities, in particular, have a key role in promoting understanding of these concepts in different topics and resources. Religious education is compulsory and seeks to provide a basis for pupils to confirm and challenge their own and others’ beliefs, from a position of mutual understanding and regard.

Not just learning, but experiencing

The modern world provides unparalleled opportunities for young people to have direct experience of others’ cultures, beliefs and environments, particularly through the new communications technologies and the ease of international travel.

Our aim is that each student will participate in “live” contacts with other countries in each year of their education. This is designed to counter the subtle forces which lead to insular attitudes and intolerance, helping pupils mature as global citizens.

Photo: NASA