Global and Social Action - Cognita Schools

Kind students become kind people

Our students aren’t just a part of our schools. They’re a part of local and global communities. So we want to help them foster empathy through their learning and show them how they can help others.

That’s why social issues and global challenges are part of our curriculum. Our service-learning projects, community initiatives and volunteering opportunities all encourage students to give back to their communities. And make a positive impact.

They’ll learn ethical decision making, respect for diversity and sustainable practices. So by the time they leave school, they’ll be ready to take action and solve problems.

A part of something bigger

It’s not just about what’s on our doorstep. We’re preparing our students to be global citizens. And we want to make sure they’re ready. So our curriculum involves diverse perspectives, challenging stereotypes and encouraging critical thinking.

Our students will tackle social justice issues, sustainability and human rights on a local and global scale.

And if they can understand and appreciate different perspectives early on, they’ll be ready to thrive in our diverse world.

Examples from our global community

Throughout 2023, Cognita schools supported 500+ unique causes, devoting 1,600,000+ hours to charitable work and raising £400,000+. This included 450+ occasions where schools supported local charities and 180+ occasions where schools supported charities operating overseas.

Spreading a little Sparkle

In the Middle East region, Cognita partners with The Sparkle Foundation, a charity which aims to improve the lives of vulnerable children and families in Malawi and beyond, through the provision of education, medical care, nutrition and community empowerment. The partnership brings an opportunity for students to embed social purpose and responsibility into their learning and school life, and for staff to engage in the act of giving and volunteering, promoting cooperation and social connection.

OlinMUN & MINIMUN at Colegio Olinca, Mexico

Students participating in Colegio Olinca's Model United Nations, where the main objective is to raise awareness of global issues amongst young people through debate with varying cultural and national perspectives. The programme encourages whole-school involvement and Olinca invited students from more than 15 schools to debate and propose solutions to worldwide issues.

Ramadan Souk at Ranches Primary School, Dubai

At Ranches Primary School (RPS) the parent community organised a Ramadan Souk where students went 'shopping' to put together Ramadan packages which they later gifted to hardworking members of the school community. Over 700 gift packages were donated thanks to the generosity of the RPS families.

Hunger-free Christmas campaign at Instituto GayLussac, Brazil

Instituto GayLussac in Brazil launched the 'Hunger-free Christmas in Niterói' campaign, inviting their school community and other schools in the city to participate. The initiative aims to join forces with the Niterói Solidária campaign, already active in the city, whereby Gaylussac receive non-perishable food items to play a part in ensuring that people in the city are well-fed during the festive season.

Planting the Hastings Forest in Torrelodones, Spain

As well as aiming to become the first Carbon Neutral school in Madrid, Hastings School has planted 800 trees as part of the Hastings Forest. Once fully grown, these trees will absorb approximately 4 tonnes of CO2 per year.

Stories on Wheels at CHIREC International School, India

Ananya, from CHIREC International School, exemplifies what it means to be a Student Leader. As part of her "Stories on Wheels" project, Ananya has been awarded a grant of up to $3,000 and 8 weeks of Social Entrepreneurship training from the IB Global Youth Action Fund. Ananya will use this to enhance her mobile library which aims to provide underprivileged students in rural villages with access to better physical and digital learning resources to help them have a better schooling environment.

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