is magazine 8.1 - Autumn/Spring 2005 - International Schools ...

is Autumn 2005
Spring
From international to intercultural
“In our present divided world, we need a far deeper understanding of ourselves and
others in order that we can be part of a just and tolerant solution to the challenges
facing us all, whatever our cultural and religious background might be. The entire
PLC family is taking up this learning adventure with goodwill, energy and patience.”
in Shanghai. In pursuing intercultural literacy, the staff at PLC
have looked at their teaching styles and the learning styles of the
Asian students in their classes and through staff exchanges, have
become aware of the different pedagogy and student expectations
in their classes.
Over 20 staff and many more students have now spent time in
Shanghai. Students from both schools exchange regular art exhibitions
and musicians from both schools will perform at a joint
concert during the upcoming PLC music tour of Asia. PLC musicians
will play Scottish and European music as well as music by
PLC composers in Shanghai, Kuala Lumpur, Hong Kong and
Singapore. This tour will be a wonderful opportunity for students,
staff and parents from both Australia and Asia to
strengthen their friendships against the vibrant backdrop of
Asia. PLC is also undertaking a project on common heritage in
colonial architecture with a Singapore school. Stimulating cultural
exchanges such as these can enrich the participants in a
deep and lasting way.
PLC is not interested in simply transferring its campus to Asia,
as some other school have done, to provide Asian cultural experiences.
It has chosen instead to educate students in intercultural
literacy using the vast multicultural resources from within its
own global village. Parents, students and staff all share their international
and intercultural experiences and knowledge, at assemblies,
cross-cultural workshops, concerts, beginning with the
youngest students in the Early Learning Centre and ending with
students who are studying for their VCE or IB qualification.
PLC has produced superbly educated leaders for decades, but
with its present students moving into the global career market, it
is committed to educating its graduates in the subtle but powerful
area of intercultural literacy. As the Principal, Mrs Elizabeth
Ward says, “Students at school today will live and work in an era
of unprecedented change which accelerates exponentially. We
are attempting to give all our girls the skills and sensitivity to be
able to cope with the challenge of moving effortlessly, joyfully
and productively between cultures.
“In our present divided world, we need a far deeper understanding
of ourselves and others in order that we can be part of a
just and tolerant solution to the challenges facing us all, whatever
our cultural and religious background might be. The entire
PLC family is taking up this learning adventure with goodwill,
energy and patience.”
Julie Schroeder is Executive Officer, Community Relations,
Presbyterian Ladies’ College, Melbourne, Australia.
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