At Global Jaya School, we define learning as the lasting growth, change, and development of knowledge, skills, understanding, and behavior.
As an institution, we have thought long and hard about what it means to be a learner, and one of the critical elements of it is engagement with the students, faculty, and parents.
Implementing a New Initiative
When implementing a new initiative to drive change, it is crucial to recognize the collaborative effort, support, and partnerships involved.
Who is Cory Carson?
I know it sounds cliché, but it’s true: I’m a husband, a father, and finally, an educator.
Before moving overseas, a group of friends planned and completed a 500-kilometre canoe trip in northern Canada on the famed Nahanni River. It was the makings of a true adventure, a single-propeller airplane, remote drop-off location, portages, whirlpools, waterfalls, canyons, and wildlife, including plenty of bears and moose. We carried in everything we needed to survive for the two weeks of paddling and carried out any waste. It was a fantastic trip – and we survived to talk about it.
While born in Canada, I consciously chose to work overseas in international schools for the past 26 years. If I had to pick one, I would say golf is my hobby.
My responsibility at GJS is as Head of School, collaborating with our faculty, students, parents, and community and driving our school forward positively.
Why Indonesia?
When I was looking to depart from my previous position, one of my key factors was remaining as head of the school. I had interviews with schools worldwide, including with the leadership of GJS. I was drawn by the sense of community and warmth exuding when you come onto our campus. It starts with the students, continues to the teachers, and then extends to the parents. It has been extremely positive and refreshing.
It starts with students being inquiry-driven – asking questions and being encouraged to investigate and find information. We have kindergarten kids performing fearlessly on stage in front of the whole school – that’s risk-taking!
One of our 17-year-old students has been serving as a UN representative, working on a campaign supporting women’s empowerment. She will be heading to Washington, D.C., for an upcoming congress related to her efforts. This is but one example of the power of inquiry, empowerment, and advocacy demonstrated by members of our student body.
GJS Values the Mother Tongue
Students at GJS come from Asia, North America, and Europe, with at least 95 per cent speaking English, Indonesian, and Korean, and the other five per cent covering other languages. Our PYP is a dual language program focused on Bahasa Indonesia and English; meanwhile, the MYP and DP support English, Bahasa Indonesia, Korean, Mandarin, and Spanish language development.
We recognize that while English may be the predominant language of instruction, the home language is vital. Sometimes, it requires a partnership between parents and the school to develop it further.
What Do You Notice Most in Students?
I can’t say this enough: our kids are typically well-behaved, good kids. My sons, for example, first enrolled here in a foreign land where they didn’t speak the language and were not fully aware of local customs. I am thankful as they were quickly befriended and folded into the community through their participation in school activities and sports.
Every morning I greet the kids as they come in. The other day, a kindergarten girl skipped down the hallway near me, so I said, “Good morning Happy Tuesday!” She said, “Happy Tuesday I love School!” That kind of spontaneity fuels me every day.
Our graduates have developed their toolkit, supporting their becoming capable, independent, critical thinkers while engaging with others and finding the middle ground when collaborating or seeking solutions. That’s a recipe for success.
Students at GJS are…
…inquiry-driven, empowered, and advocates for their beliefs.
