Risk-Takers | Thinkers | Ambitious | Principled | Curious | Confident | Determined | Creative |
The Speak Academy Learner Profile represents our collective educational philosophy by outlining the attributes that we believe will most likely produce life long, high performing learners.
We want our students to acquire the personal and social intercultural competencies and dispositions that will allow them to thrive and flourish wherever in the world they find themselves.
The attributes of the Speak Academy Learner Profile underpin this intention as the Learner Profile describes the qualities that we aspire to develop in all Speak Academy students.
Being aware of our desired learner profile allows us to take targeted concrete steps towards developing those learners during their Speak Academy educational journey.
First and foremost, they are risk-takers, unafraid of stepping outside their comfort zones to explore new ideas and perspectives. This adventurous spirit fuels their journey of self-discovery and personal growth.
Furthermore, Speak Academy learners are thinkers, individuals who engage in critical analysis and reflection. They approach challenges with a strategic mindset, considering various angles and potential solutions. This cognitive agility empowers them to navigate complexities with ease.
Ambition is a cornerstone of our learner profile. Our students are driven by a desire to achieve and excel in their pursuits. Whether it's academic excellence, personal goals, or making a positive impact in the community, ambition propels them forward, fostering a culture of continuous improvement.
Principled in their actions, Speak Academy learners adhere to a strong moral compass. They prioritize ethical behaviour, integrity, and a sense of responsibility towards themselves and others. This commitment to principles ensures a community built on trust and mutual respect.
Curiosity is another defining attribute, as our learners possess an insatiable thirst for knowledge. They actively seek to understand the world around them, ask insightful questions, and embrace the joy of lifelong learning. This intellectual curiosity fuels a dynamic and engaging educational environment.
Confidence is woven into the fabric of our learner profile. Speak Academy students believe in their abilities, knowing that self-assurance is a key ingredient for success. This confidence enables them to express their ideas, collaborate effectively, and face challenges with resilience.
Determination is a driving force behind our learners' achievements. They approach goals with unwavering resolve, persisting in the face of obstacles. This determination propels them forward, transforming challenges into opportunities for growth and achievement.
Creativity flourishes within our learning community. Speak Academy learners embrace their imaginative potential, leveraging creative thinking to solve problems and bring fresh perspectives to their endeavours. This creativity enhances the richness of their educational experience and prepares them for a world that values innovation.
In essence, the Speak Academy learner profile reflects a holistic approach to education, fostering a well-rounded individual equipped with the skills, mindset, and attributes necessary for success in an ever-evolving global landscape.
How do we use our Learner profile?
Risk-Takers | Thinkers | Ambitious | Principled | Curious | Confident | Determined | Creative |
Integrating the learner profile into the curriculum at Speak Academy is a deliberate and comprehensive approach aimed at nurturing well-rounded individuals. Here's how we use the learner profile across various aspects of our educational program:
Curriculum Design:
Alignment with Attributes: Each subject and learning module is designed to incorporate aspects that promote the development of the learner attributes. Lessons are crafted to encourage critical thinking, risk-taking, creativity, and other profile characteristics.
Real-World Application: Curriculum content is contextualized to real-world scenarios, fostering the application of learned concepts to practical situations, encouraging students to become thinkers and risk-takers in their problem-solving approaches.
Assessment Strategies:
Holistic Evaluation: Assessment methods go beyond traditional exams, encompassing a holistic evaluation of students' abilities. Assessments include projects, presentations, and collaborative activities that reflect the learner attributes.
Reflective Assessments: Students are encouraged to reflect on their progress and growth, emphasizing not only academic achievements but also the development of personal attributes like determination, curiosity, and creativity.
Extracurricular Activities:
Enrichment Programs: Our extracurricular activities, clubs, and workshops are designed to complement the learner profile. These activities provide opportunities for students to showcase and further develop attributes such as creativity, ambition, and confidence.
Leadership Opportunities: Students are given leadership roles and responsibilities, fostering principled behaviour and encouraging them to take risks in leadership capacities.
Professional Development:
Educator Training: Faculty members are trained to recognize and promote the learner profile attributes in their teaching methods. Professional development sessions focus on strategies that cultivate critical thinking, creativity, and other desired qualities in students.
Collaborative Learning: Teachers facilitate collaborative learning environments that encourage students to share ideas, take risks, and think critically. This approach supports the development of the profile attributes in a social context.
Individualized Learning Plans:
Personalized Goal Setting: Students work with educators to create individualized learning plans that align with their academic and personal goals. This process encourages ambition, determination, and reflection on one's own learning journey.
Feedback and Guidance: Regular feedback and guidance sessions help students understand how their efforts align with the learner profile. This feedback loop supports continuous improvement and reinforces positive behaviours.
Community Engagement:
Service Learning: Community service projects are integrated into the curriculum, promoting principled behavior and instilling a sense of responsibility toward the community.
Guest Speakers and Mentors: Bringing in guest speakers and mentors from diverse fields provides students with role models and exposes them to different perspectives, fostering curiosity and a broader understanding of the world.
In essence, the learner profile is not just a set of ideals but a guiding framework that shapes the entire educational experience at Speak Academy, ensuring that students graduate not only with academic knowledge but also with a rich set of attributes that prepare them for success in a dynamic and interconnected world.
How do we encourage students to relate to the learner profile?
Risk-Takers | Thinkers | Ambitious | Principled | Curious | Confident | Determined | Creative |
Throughout their educational journey, Speak Academy students are encouraged to reflect on the learner profile, and to see themselves as part of it in everything that they do. Reformulating the aspects of the learner profile as a series of ‘I…’ statements allows for the attributes to be discussed within classes in a way that fosters deep understanding and comprehension.
Risk Takers:
I embrace challenges that push me beyond my comfort zone, willingly taking risks to discover new possibilities.
I learn from setbacks and view them as opportunities for personal and academic growth.
Thinkers:
I continuously enhance my critical thinking skills by analyzing information from multiple perspectives.
I plan my approach to tasks, seeking effective and strategic solutions.
I articulate my goals, fostering a proactive mindset in my academic and personal pursuits.
Ambitious:
I set ambitious goals for myself, aiming for excellence in both academic and personal endeavors.
I actively seek opportunities for advancement, driven by a determination to achieve and surpass my own expectations.
Principled:
I adhere to a strong moral code, making decisions based on ethical considerations and integrity.
I take responsibility for my actions, fostering an environment of trust and respect within the community.
Curious:
I nurture my natural curiosity by asking questions, seeking knowledge, and exploring new ideas.
I actively engage in continuous learning, approaching each experience with an open mind and a thirst for understanding.
Confident:
I believe in my abilities and express myself with assurance.
I acknowledge the value of self-confidence in collaboration, communication, and facing challenges, enabling me to contribute effectively to my learning community.
Determined:
I approach goals with unwavering determination, persisting in the face of challenges.
I view setbacks as opportunities for learning and growth, channelling my resilience to overcome obstacles on my educational journey.
Creative:
I tap into my creative potential to approach problems with innovative solutions.
I embrace a mindset that values imaginative thinking, encouraging creativity in both my academic pursuits and personal projects.