A core element of the Haileybury experience is fostering an international outlook in every student. This is achieved through the deliberate development of global competence from the Early Learning Centre through to the Senior School.
Global competence is about helping students to look beyond the ‘school bubble’ and to develop the knowledge, skills and respect for other cultures that enable them to travel, work and live anywhere in the world.
The activities offered at Haileybury are based on the School’s extensive and decades-long global experience and expertise, and on rigorous worldwide research conducted by Global Competence Associates, which resulted in the Global Competence Model™.
In Term 1, students in the Senior School International Outlook Club have actively strengthened their global competence through a range of student-led initiatives.
Students touring international delegations
An essential aspect of developing global competence is learning to communicate effectively across cultures. This requires not only awareness of others, but also an understanding of one’s own cultural assumptions and local expressions.
Recently, Senior School students in the International Outlook Club undertook training with Dr Stephan Muller (Deputy Principal – Education Research & International). Students were guided on how to communicate clearly and thoughtfully with international delegations visiting Haileybury throughout the year.
For example, students explored how terms such as ‘footy’ and ‘oval’ are uniquely Australian, and how these might be adapted to ‘Australian Rules Football’ and ‘sports field’ when speaking with international guests. Through this practical training, students gain authentic, real-world opportunities to refine communication skills that will serve them well into the future.
Communicating within our Asia-Pacific neighbourhood
During Lunar New Year celebrations organised by Girls Prefect and Douglas House Captain Rachel , International Outlook students hosted mahjong tables in the Keysborough Quad, introducing the traditional Chinese game to the Senior School community.
The activity was warmly received, with many students taking the opportunity to try something new and learn about an important cultural tradition within the broader context of Lunar New Year celebrations. Experiences such as these reflect the many ways Haileybury students cultivate global competence within their own community.
Lunar New Year Celebrations
During Lunar New Year celebrations organised by Girls Prefect and Douglas House Captain Rachel Yu, International Outlook students hosted mahjong tables in the Keysborough Quad, introducing the traditional Chinese game to the Senior School community.
The activity was warmly received, with many students taking the opportunity to try something new and learn about an important cultural tradition within the broader context of Lunar New Year celebrations. Experiences such as these reflect the many ways Haileybury students cultivate global competence within their own community.
Dr Nonie Tuxen
Head of International Outlook
