{"id":17222,"date":"2020-08-24T18:15:33","date_gmt":"2020-08-24T10:15:33","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/owis.org\/sg\/?p=17222"},"modified":"2026-03-16T17:01:35","modified_gmt":"2026-03-16T09:01:35","slug":"the-kindness-council-at-owis","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/owis.org\/sg\/blog\/the-kindness-council-at-owis\/","title":{"rendered":"The Kindness Council at OWIS"},"content":{"rendered":"

The research is in, and it turns out that kindness in schools reduces bullying, improves student health and helps children focus on their academic progress. At One World International School (OWIS), we trust the experts and we believe our experience, so we know kindness works. We’re excited to announce a new Kindness Council at OWIS.<\/p>\n

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WHY TEACH KINDNESS IN SCHOOL<\/h5>\n

School is more than a place to practise academic skills in order to advance through layers of education<\/a> and employment. It’s also the beginning of a journey toward global understanding, empathy and positive interaction with others. Like any other skill, kindness grows through regular practice, guidance and feedback. It should become second nature, and it is something that is ingrained in us from a young age. That is why it is so important to promote kindness throughout the educational journey.<\/p>\n

Kindness not only helps students flourish in the future, but it also teaches them to open up and learn today. Tomorrow’s leaders are learning how to treat each other in today’s classrooms. These children will be managers, leaders and colleagues. By creating an inherent positive mindset with care and empathy at the core, our children will go on to be kind and respectful adults. \u00a0\u00a0Recognising that children need an education in kindness as much as they need to learn mathematics, science and languages, OWIS launched the kindness initiative.<\/p>\n

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WHY KINDNESS IMPROVES ACADEMIC SCORES<\/h5>\n

Kindness does more than co-exist with academics. Improving the quality of social performance actually enhances academic retention.<\/p>\n

Recent research from the University of Arizona supports the theory linking kindness education and academic performance.\u00a0 This study found that kindness education created an inviting school environment, increased attendance, improved grades, encouraged the sharing of resources and decreased tardiness.\u00a0 The researchers behind the study wrote, “Research has found that programming that aims to develop students\u2019 social-emotional skills positively influences a range of academic, health and social outcomes.”<\/p>\n

In other words, science supports what empathetic people have known all along – learning to be kind is fundamental to learning everything else. By creating a culture of kindness, peer-to-peer and student-to-teacher connections are enhanced. Spending time to promote kindness intentionally cultivates understanding and empathy between individuals.\u00a0 It also helps to develop trust and value within the classroom and the wider world.<\/p>\n

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THE KINDNESS COUNCIL AT OWIS<\/h5>\n

“Recognising random acts of kindness” isn’t just a slogan at OWIS.\u00a0 Our school emphasises a global community and a comprehensive approach to education.\u00a0 That means we believe success and passion work hand-in-hand, a conviction evidenced in the 70-plus nationalities represented among our students.<\/p>\n

According to neuroscientist and educator, Dr Judy Willis:<\/p>\n

\u201cClassrooms can be the safe haven where academic practices and classroom strategies provide students with emotional comfort and pleasure as well as knowledge. When teachers use strategies to reduce stress and build a positive emotional environment, students gain emotional resilience and learn more efficiently and at higher levels of cognition. Brain-imaging studies support this relationship.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n

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Here at OWIS, we are passionate about the power of kindness and more importantly nurturing a community of kindness. We teach our children the importance of friendships within classrooms. We promote compassion in their day to day activities. For instance, if one student is sharpening their pencil they may decide to sharpen their friend\u2019s as well so that they can continue working together on their project; these little acts of kindness help to promote empathy as second nature. As young people grow and develop with compassion and kindness as core values, we are securing an empathetic, tolerant and honourable future for them as global citizens.<\/p>\n

We transformed our traditional student council into the Kindness Council.\u00a0 Students serving on the council embody and model the values of kindness and promote this throughout the school.\u00a0 These students also act as role models for others. They are a link between different classes and groups, and they offer the opportunity for individuals to communicate their thoughts and ideas to further promote kindness within the school.<\/p>\n

To find out more about the kindness council, please don\u2019t hesitate to contact us<\/a>. We enjoy hearing ideas from parents and families.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

The research is in, and it turns out that kindness in schools reduces bullying, improves student health and helps children focus on their academic progress. At One World International School (OWIS), we trust the experts and we believe our experience, so we know kindness works. We’re excited to announce a new Kindness Council at OWIS. 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