Principal

Lutheran Faith and the International Baccalaureate

Have you ever wondered why learning in a faith-based school is so successful?  Do you wonder why we have devotions and chapel in our school? Why do we do both at Good News and does being a “good citizen” help us to be good learners?

Jesus is often referred to as a “teacher” so there is much to learn from his words. Martin Luther had a focus on teaching when the Lutheran church was established over 500 years ago – in fact, he saw Lutheran schools as an important place to be curious about the world and spirituality.

Over 50 years ago when the most recognised international education program started, the International Baccalaureate (IB), recognised 10 learner profiles that describe what students should strive to develop, to be successful and responsible members of society. Where did these profiles come from, and why are they so important to learning?

My favourite learner profile is “risk-taker” because it can be very hard and you must be prepared to fail sometimes, which is scary!

Joshua 1:9 "Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go."

The scripture encourages us to be "strong and courageous" in the face of challenges and obstacles. By being courageous, we can step out of our comfort zones and tackle new and difficult situations with confidence. This is an important part of learning and our education.

This passage also reminds us that we are not alone in our journeys. The Lord is with us wherever we go, providing us with the support and guidance we need to succeed. This knowledge can give us the courage to take risks and pursue our passions, even when the road ahead is uncertain.

Other examples of where we are encouraged to be risk-takers:

2 Timothy 1:7 – For God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control. 

John 14:27 – Peace I leave with you; My peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled; do not be afraid. 

The learner profiles have their origins in the teachings of Christ, and learning at Good News Lutheran College works so well because we can be curious about both spiritual and earthly things. We are good learners when we are learning for a purpose we believe in, and we are good citizens when we use our knowledge for what we believe in.

My prayer,

Heavenly Father, I pray for all our students, teachers, and staff at Good News, that we will strive to develop our learner profile attributes and in doing so demonstrate what we have learned from You through your Son.  

Amen

In the next edition of The Good News, I will continue to explore the learner profile attributes and how the Lutheran faith and the IB work in harmony.