Daily Times

ISLAMABAD: Beaconhouse Newlands Islamabad (BNI) hosted an enlightening seminar on “Learning in the 21st Century” at the Marriot Islamabad.

The purpose of the seminar was to discuss how learning needs of our students are changing with the rapidly changing world. The event commenced with the welcome note of Ayesha Kasuriin which she proudly announced the authorisation of Beaconhouse Newlands as an ‘International Baccalaureate World School’, which aims to provide quality education on international standards.

The programme focused on a panel discussion on how the ‘International Baccalaureate’ (IB) suits the learning requirements of 21st century students.

The worthy panelists who participated include Nassir Kasuri, the executive director of BSS North, Lawrence Burke, an international baccalaureate examiner and the BSS Academic Director Saira Minto, IB senior manager Primary Years Programme for BSS, NaseemUr Rehman, communications director for a DFID assisted programme and Ayesha Kasuri, a trained childhood and early years educator, an IB administrator as well as the head of BNI. The panel discussion was moderated by Maheen Shafqat, IB manager for BNI.

While answering one of the questions, Nassir Kasuri said that the general philosophy about education is changing everywhere in the world and there is a need of cross disciplinary learning.

He reiterated the fact that IB provides a well-rounded curriculum that can better equip our future generations for the challenges it will have to face in next 50 years.

Burke said that IB is a rigorous academic programme where learning is research based. In this context, he spoke about two very vital IB cores; theory of knowledge and extended essay, and explained how they enable students to become inquires, thinkers and lifelong learners.

While comparing CIE and IB, Burke said that the knowledge level in both is the same but it is the approach to learning that is distinctly different. NaseemUr Rehman remarked that the community service, which is an essential part of IB programme, is imperative and learning in the 21st century should enable younger generations to give back to the community.

Minto, while discussing the rigorous procedure of IB authorisation, commented that the transition from a mainstream to an IB school is tedious as schools have to commit a lot of development beyond the mandatory training. Ayesha highlighted how Beaconhouse Newlands Islamabad is committed to the quality of education and development of students.

The event concluded with questions from the audience. The programme turned out to be huge success.