What happens when parents become learners for the morning? At St. Michael’s International School, our parent workshops offer a chance to find out! They bring families into the heart of school life, helping parents discover how their children learn while building stronger connections across our community. This week, we welcomed parents to an interactive workshop exploring the International Primary Curriculum (IPC). The session was especially valuable for families who are new to St. Michael’s and keen to learn more about our approach to teaching and learning.
Rather than simply listening to a presentation, parents experienced learning firsthand. Their challenge was to work together to build the tallest possible tower. What followed was a lively mix of creativity, teamwork, problem solving and plenty of laughter! Parents shared ideas, tested different approaches and worked together to improve their designs. The activity brought some of the key principles of the IPC to life. Learning is not simply about finding the right answer. It is about asking questions, exploring ideas, making connections and developing the confidence to try something new.
The IPC combines exciting themes with clear learning goals in each subject. Children explore topics that connect their learning to the world around them, while developing essential knowledge, skills and understanding. Each subject has its own learning objectives, ensuring that lessons are carefully planned, challenging and academically rigorous. This balance helps children make meaningful connections while building strong foundations for future learning.
Our parent workshops help families see how this approach works in practice. They offer a chance to understand what children learn, how they learn and why we use different teaching methods. This shared understanding helps parents feel more confident in supporting their children’s learning at home. Just as importantly, these workshops bring people together. Parents have time to meet other families, talk with teachers and ask questions in a relaxed and welcoming setting. For those who are new to St. Michael’s, these connections are an important first step towards feeling part of our school community.
We know that children thrive when home and school work closely together. Parents bring valuable experiences, ideas and perspectives, and we welcome their involvement in school life. By opening our classrooms and sharing our approach to learning, we build trust, strengthen relationships and create a community where everyone feels valued. Our school motto, Growing, Working, Learning Together, captures the spirit of these workshops perfectly. Learning is a shared journey, and it does not stop at the classroom door.
Thank you to everyone who joined us for this week’s workshop. We look forward to welcoming more families to future sessions as we continue to learn, connect and grow together.