As a school we opted for the Be the Change programme as it delivers an important curriculum which greatly benefits our students. When students leave our school, we want them to be active global citizens and this programme empowers them to be this as they embark on their life beyond the school classroom. 
Gemma Relph, Head of Sixth Form, GEMS Wellington School Qatar
Active Citizenship in Schools
Are any of these questions arising at your school?
How are we integrating the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals into our students’ learning?
How can we support our students to learn the skills and qualities to work alongside our community in partnership for positive change?
Are we using the most appropriate approach to teach for Sustainable Development and active Global Citizenship?
Are we building student agency sufficiently?
What can we do to ensure our teachers are well equipped and inspired to facilitate the delivery of ESD and GCED programs?
Are we ‘walking the walk’ in regards to our school vision, mission and values?
How can the concepts of sustainability be effectively integrated into lessons and teaching methods?
How can we measure the impact of ESD and GCED on students' awareness, attitudes, and behavior?
How are we integrating the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals into our students’ learning?
How can we support our students to learn the skills and qualities to work alongside our community in partnership for positive change?
Are we using the most appropriate approach to teach for Sustainable Development and active Global Citizenship?
Are we building student agency sufficiently?
What can we do to ensure our teachers are well equipped and inspired to facilitate the delivery of ESD and GCED programs?
Are we ‘walking the walk’ in regards to our school vision, mission and values?
How can the concepts of sustainability be effectively integrated into lessons and teaching methods?
How can we measure the impact of ESD and GCED on students' awareness, attitudes, and behavior?
- Many schools want to engage students in community based initiatives that have an impact, but with tightly packed schedules and many curriculum areas to cover, it can be difficult to ensure this form of learning is done right.
- Changemaking without the foundational understandings and support required can lead to misconceptions in students’ learning. This can pave the way for less than optimal experiences for students and the communities they are working with.
The Solution
Be The Change is a complete online program, delivering a robust curriculum, through engaging lessons and a selection of carefully curated resources. This Turn-Key Hybrid Curriculum grows student agency and empowers youth to become partners for change.
It develops deep conceptual understandings and builds the capacity of learners, thus increasing the authenticity of their community projects and maximising the potential for learning. Be The Change ensures that young people develop socially and emotionally in a holistic manner.
Be The Change
Course
- 11 engaging, interactive Lessons
- Broken into bite-size, modular sections
- Full range of delivery: classroom to 100% online
- Include assignment and quiz submissions for assessment
- Connect key themes and topics with service.
- Students earn awards as they progress
Be The Change
Toolkit
- Scaffolds real life community engagement
- A range of informative and aspirational guides
- Downloadable activity templates and infographics
- Builds on the BTC lesson content
- Promotes student agency
- Includes Stages of Service Learning by Cathryn Berger Kaye
Program Structure and Themes
Be The Change Lessons are grouped into four parts:
Foundational Understandings
Connection with Self
Connection with Other
Connection with the Wider World
Be The Change includes the following concepts and themes
Community Engagement and Service
Sustainability and The Global Goals (SDGs)
Well Being and Mindfulness
21st Century Skills
Social and Emotional Learning
Diversity, Equity and Inclusion
Systems Thinking
Global Citizenship
Key Links to Sustainability and Systems Change
Sustainable Development Goals
Leadership and Changemaking
Systems Thinking
Interdisciplinary Approach
Practical Skill Development
Contextualised Learning
How Be The Change Builds Student Agency
Hover the cursor over the boxes to learn more.
Theoretical Learning
Choice and Engagement
Independence and Autonomy
Guided Self Reflection
Collaboration and Co-construction
Inspiration and Empowerment
Teacher Agency
Assessment and Feedback
“Student agency is thus defined as the capacity to set a goal, reflect and act responsibly to effect change. It is about acting rather than being acted upon; shaping rather than being shaped; and making responsible decisions and choices rather than accepting those determined by others.”
- OECD 2030 Future of Education and Skills
Client Spotlight
Melissa Pubil, American Community School of Abu Dhabi
Student Project Example
Click the link to our artcle below to hear more from the YSA students:
Advancing Sustainable Development Goals: A Collective Responsibility
Student Testimonials
Be The Change for Independent Learners
This version of Be The Change is designed for young people who are home or unschooling, taking GAP years, or attending university.
For more information, please reach out!
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ORENDA
(Oren-da) An innate and sometimes mystical power present in all humans which, once evoked, enables them to consciously affect change in their lives and the world around them. (n.) Iroquois origins.