Nurturing International Mindedness & Global Competence at Prasan Gateway International School (PGIS)

Why International Mindedness & Global Competence Matter

At Prasan Gateway International School (PGIS), we believe that educating future citizens goes beyond academics. It’s about nurturing curious, empathetic, and socially conscious learners—qualities central to international mindedness and global competence. These values are deeply embedded in our academic programs, which include the IEYC for Early Years and the IPC for Primary.

Core Concepts We Embrace

1. Curiosity & Cultural AwarenessWe inspire students to explore the world—from Thai traditions to global biodiversity. As highlighted in our blog on Early Years learning through IEYC in Phuket, young learners thrive when introduced to real-world themes, setting the foundation for international learning.

2. Self, Community & Global InterconnectednessBy helping children explore their own identity and community, we build bridges toward understanding others. Our IPC curriculum is designed to cultivate a strong sense of self and an appreciation for global citizenship.

3. Multiple Perspectives & Critical ThinkingThrough inquiry and thematic learning, students learn to view issues like sustainability, fairness, and wellbeing from many angles—developing metacognitive skills that support reflection and open-mindedness. This is detailed in our post on metacognition at PGIS.

4. Agency & Action for Positive ChangeOur learners don’t just talk about change—they act. Even simple projects like multilingual storytelling or environmental clean-ups reflect the belief that one child’s voice matters. You can see this in action in our article on autodidact kids and self-directed learning, where global awareness meets learner agency.

IPC & IEYC: Frameworks Built for Global Learning

IPC: A Journey Toward Global CompetenceAs part of our internationally aligned curriculum, IPC promotes holistic development. The International Learning Goals guide children to move from local understanding to engaging with real-world issues such as the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

IEYC: Early Years with a Global LensOur youngest learners begin their journey through the IEYC programme in Phuket, where themes like identity, nature, and community introduce them to cultural awareness and the seeds of global competence.

Seamless Curriculum Progression

At PGIS, we ensure that children experience a coherent academic journey from the IEYC in the early years to the IPC in primary. These programs share thematic foundations and promote personal, academic, and international growth across all stages of development.

Embedding Global Competence in School Life

• Bilingualism & Linguistic DiversityIn line with our values, multilingual classrooms support empathy, flexible thinking, and cultural literacy—key tools for understanding the world.

• Global Resources & VisualsFrom student-created world maps to multilingual storybooks, our environment is rich with resources that reflect our diverse school community.

• Community EngagementOur learning doesn’t stay inside the classroom. Through Exit Points, local partnerships, and reflective projects, students apply their learning to real-life situations and global issues.

• Reflection & ResponsibilityAcross age groups, children are encouraged to pause, ask questions, and reflect on their own growth—especially through our approach to metacognitive learning, which builds the habits of lifelong thinkers.

  
  

Research-Backed Benefits

Education experts agree that global competence must begin early:

• Early cultural exposure promotes inclusion (Boutte, 2008; OECD, 2018).

• Multilingual learners show higher empathy and perspective-taking (Fan et al., 2015).

• Thematic, real-world connections support depth and engagement (Drake & Reid, 2010).

• Reflective environments help children internalize fairness, justice, and social impact (Hyun, 2005).

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These research-backed strategies are embedded in the daily life at PGIS, from lesson planning to whole-school events.

At PGIS: What This Looks Like

Area	Examples
Curriculum	Thematic IPC units focused on global citizenship, nature, wellbeing, and culture
Environment	Global artefact displays, interactive maps, multilingual signage
Relationships	Respectful classroom culture, international family engagement
Action	Student-led SDG projects and reflective journaling activities

🎓 The Future Begins Here

At PGIS, our mission is clear: to prepare learners who are not only academically capable but globally compassionate. By embedding international mindedness and global competence across our curriculum, learning environment, and community practices, we ensure that children become thoughtful changemakers in an interconnected world.

Whether you’re a prospective parent exploring admissions or a fellow educator seeking inspiration, we invite you to discover how PGIS is nurturing the next generation of globally competent learners—right here in Phuket.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What is international mindedness in education?

International mindedness refers to a student’s ability to understand and respect different cultures, perspectives, and global contexts. At PGIS, it’s nurtured through inquiry-based learning, multilingualism, and opportunities for students to reflect and take action on global issues.

How does PGIS develop global competence in students?

At PGIS, global competence is developed through the IPC and IEYC frameworks. Students explore real-world themes, engage in reflective dialogue, and participate in action-oriented projects that connect them to both local and global communities.

What are the IEYC and IPC programs used at PGIS?

The IEYC (International Early Years Curriculum) and IPC (International Primary Curriculum) are internationally recognized curricula that focus on thematic, holistic learning. They emphasize personal, academic, and international learning goals, all aligned with global citizenship.

Why is bilingualism important for global competence?

Research shows that bilingual or multilingual learners are more empathetic and better at perspective-taking. At PGIS, we support multilingual learning through language classes, multicultural books, and inclusive communication strategies.

How do PGIS students take action on global issues?

PGIS students participate in projects linked to the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), engage in community initiatives, and reflect on ethical choices. Even small actions in the classroom are seen as meaningful steps toward global responsibility.