Character Building at PGIS: How We Use the IPC’s Personal Learning Goals to Grow Great Learners

Learning That Builds Character — Not Just Knowledge

At Prasan Gateway International School (PGIS), learning isn’t just about memorizing facts or mastering math and science. It’s about growing as a person — developing the inner strength, empathy, and adaptability needed to thrive in today’s complex, fast-changing world. We also foster autodidactic leaners.

That’s why our school proudly follows the International Primary Curriculum (IPC), a globally recognized framework that balances academic, personal, and international learning. One of its most powerful elements is the Personal Learning Goals (PLGs) — eight guiding qualities that nurture students’ character, confidence, and global awareness.

The Eight IPC Personal Learning Goals

At PGIS, every child learns to live and lead through the following eight Personal Learning Goals:

1. Adaptable – Open to change and new ideas.

2. Collaborator – Works well with others to achieve shared goals.

3. Communicator – Expresses ideas clearly and listens with care.

4. Empathetic – Understands and values others’ feelings.

5. Ethical – Makes responsible and fair choices.

6. Resilient – Keeps going when faced with challenges.

7. Respectful – Values people, places, and property.

8. Thinker – Reflects deeply and makes thoughtful decisions.

Each goal begins with a simple mindset: “To be [Goal], I aim to [Action].”For example, “To be Resilient, I aim to keep trying when something is hard.”

For Parents: Partnering in Character Development

At PGIS, we believe education works best as a partnership between school and home. The Personal Learning Goals give parents and teachers a shared language to discuss character, motivation, and behavior.

What the PLGs Mean for Your Child’s Success:

The future belongs to adaptable thinkers, communicators, and collaborators — qualities that artificial intelligence can’t replace. By focusing on these soft skills early, your child gains lifelong tools for academic success and emotional well-being.

How You Can Support at Home:

• Model the Goals: Show what resilience looks like by persevering through a challenge or being ethical when making a tough choice.

• Join School Events: Our Entry and Exit Points, assemblies, and celebrations highlight these goals in action.

• Reflect Together: Ask your child which Personal Learning Goal they practiced today and how it made them feel.

For Teachers: Guiding Personal Growth Through Every Lesson

Our teachers weave the Personal Learning Goals throughout every subject and experience — from science labs to art studios and playground teamwork.

How We Integrate PLGs at PGIS:

• Intentional Planning: Each term, teachers choose focus goals (like “Resilient” or “Collaborator”) and integrate them into classroom practice.

• Visible Learning: Classrooms display our shared vision and PLG reminders so children can talk about what it means to “be” a communicator or thinker.

• Celebrating Success: Students showcase their growth during Assemblies and unit Exit Points, reflecting on how they’ve demonstrated each goal in their projects and play.

Importantly, the PLGs are not graded — they are practiced, modeled, and celebrated. Teachers guide students in self-reflection and goal-setting, helping them understand how character shapes learning.

For Students: Growing into Your Best Self

At PGIS, we tell our learners: “Your character is your superpower.”

Every Personal Learning Goal helps students discover how to learn — not just what to learn.

Personal Learning Goal	What It Means to You	How You Practice It
Resilient	You keep trying even when it’s hard.	Have another go and learn from mistakes.
Collaborator	You work well in a team.	Listen, share, and help others succeed.
Thinker	You reflect and ask great questions.	Explain your reasoning and explore new ideas.
Adaptable	You’re open to change.	Try different ways of solving problems.
Respectful	You value others and the environment.	Share resources and care for your space.
Communicator	You share ideas clearly.	Speak confidently and listen carefully.
Empathetic	You understand others’ feelings.	Think about how your actions affect people.
Ethical	You make good choices.	Follow rules and do what’s right even when no one’s watching.

Through reflection and feedback, our students learn how to improve — not just in academics, but in the way they think, feel, and act in the world.

Celebrating Success Through Personal Learning Goals

At Prasan Gateway International School, we love recognizing students who go above and beyond in living out our Personal Learning Goals. Recently, we celebrated two students who earned the “Collaborator” Certificate for consistently demonstrating teamwork and cooperation more than five times across different activities. Both students also wrote short reflective essays explaining why they believe they deserved this recognition, highlighting how they listen to others’ ideas, share responsibilities, and help their classmates achieve common goals. These celebrations remind our learners that developing good character is just as important as academic success — and that every act of collaboration makes our school community stronger.

The PGIS Difference

At Prasan Gateway International School, our vision is to help every learner grow into a curious, caring, and globally minded individual. The IPC’s Personal Learning Goals are the heartbeat of that mission — shaping not just what students know, but who they become.

“We don’t just teach for exams. We teach for life.”

🏫 Learn More or Visit Us

If you’re looking for an international school in Phuket that values both academic excellence and character development, Prasan Gateway International School welcomes you. Discover how our IPC curriculum and caring community can help your child thrive.

📍 Located in Chalong, Phuket 🌐 www.pgisphuket.com 📞 +66901888993 | ✉️ info@pgisphuket.com