Different people can interpret an international education in many ways. Here at BMIS, internationalism underpins everything we do, from the IB curriculum framework that spans the whole age range in the school, which is supported by our values and beliefs. Of course we have a rich diversity in our student and teaching bodies, with over 56 nationalities represented, which helps us recognize and celebrate our shared values while appreciating our individual cultures and backgrounds.
International Day is a special occasion for the school, where we set aside a whole day, completely restructure classes with combined year groups, and focus on exploring some tricky concepts through age-appropriate activities. Students and staff wore outfits that represent their own culture/country of birth. These included, dresses, shirts, scarfs, football/ rugby/ sports tops of their country.
Internationally mobile individuals with increasingly virtual social networks may characterize the 21st century, yet with values and traditions that are forged in the family home. For many of our children, their “home” country may be a place they visit on holiday, or even may be different countries, but they live here in Malawi. Regardless of whether our children are “Third Culture Kids,” to prepare students for success in their international future, these skills of recognizing, celebrating and developing cultural identities is important to us!
Last year, in a spirit of unity and great teamwork, the students and staff paraded and formed the letters ‘B’, ‘M’, ‘I’ and ‘S’. See the video below: