Page 15 - FIS World

The students sang out enthusiastically “We are the future, we have the power, we are the agents, agents of change”
shops and restaurants, then FIS can have a pop-up (temporary) peace wall. The simplicity and honesty of the stu- dent messages, and images of peace, struck a chord with everyone who saw them and inspired contributions by our wider school community.
As with all PYP units of inquiry, this “Children’s Rights” unit was planned collaboratively with specialist teach- ers, conducting activities in German, art, PE and music, to enhance the understanding of key concepts. One of the collaborations were songs taught in the children’s music classes, “Agents of Change” and “21st Century People”. The students sang out enthusiastically at the assembly: “We are the future, we have the power, we are the agents, agents of change”, thereby taking responsibility for upholding children’s rights and reinforcing one of the unit’s goals.
According to the UN, Article 12 of the UNCRC, “Every child has the right to be heard”, has been one of the most difficult articles to implement. Adults often think that children lack the com- petence, knowledge and judgement to be involved in important decisions. A view the 3rd Graders challenged as they got to the end of their assembly:
“Y: You have rights.” I do? “Yes, hav- en’t you been listening!”
“Z: Zero kids left out.
WE ALL HAVE RIGHTS. YES WE DO!”
Gillian Köninger, ES Gr 3 Teacher
February 2015 FIS World 13