Global Context
Global contexts direct learning towards independent and shared inquiry into our common humanity and shared guardianship of the planet. Using the world as the broadest context for learning, MYP Capstone Community Projects can develop meaningful explorations of any of the six global contexts defined in the table on the next page. The table also provides examples of CCPs that can be completed. The selected global context will inform the questions that you will ask as you develop your CCP, and it will help you explain why your project matters.
Consider the following questions as you choose a global context:
What do I want to achieve through my capstone community project?
What do I want others to understand through my work?
What impact do I want my project to have?
How can a specific context give greater purpose to my project?
Identities and Relationships
Who am I? Who are we?
Students will explore identity; beliefs and values; personal, physical, mental, social, and spiritual health; human relationships including families, friends, communities, and cultures; what it means to be human.
Project Examples
Laughter therapy campaign in children’s hospital or elder care home
Tutoring classes providing additional or special instruction to primary school students
Researching the effects of cola drinks on digestion and developing a campaign to promote healthy choices available from school vending machines
Orientation in Space and Time
What is the meaning of ‘where’ and ‘when?
Students will explore personal histories; homes and journeys; turning points in humankind; discoveries; explorations and migrations of humankind; the relationships between, and the interconnectedness of, individuals and civilizations, from personal, local, and global perspectives.
Project Examples
Joining a museum or historical society in the community to contribute to maintaining, restoring, and recovering local history
Making a plan for wheelchair accessibility
Inspired by lack of facilities in the local community, seeking to improve the facilities for young people by producing an article for the school magazine summarizing the problem and possible solutions
Personal and Cultural Expression
What is the nature and purpose of creative expression?
Students will explore the ways in which we discover and express ideas, feelings, nature, culture, beliefs, and values; the ways in which we reflect on, extend, and enjoy our creativity; our appreciation of the aesthetic.
Project Examples
Improving the environment in the local hospital by designing and creating a series of pictures to hang in the corridors
Performing a theater play to raise awareness on bullying
Promoting intercultural understanding through a graffiti contest
Scientific and Technical Innovation
How do we understand the worlds in which we live?
Students will explore the natural world and its laws; the interaction between people and the natural world; how humans use their understanding of scientific principles; the impact of scientific and technological advances on communities and environments; the impact of environments on human activity; how humans adapt environments to their needs.
Project Examples
Helping a local community make an efficient, low-cost use of energy-powered devices
Developing a program to promote the use of wind energy for domestic devices
Campaigning to reduce paper use and to promote recycling
Campaigning to reduce water, electricity, or fuel waste
Globalization and Sustainability
How is everything connected?
Students will explore the interconnectedness of human-made systems and communities; the relationship between local and global processes; how local experiences mediate the global; reflect on the opportunities and tensions provided by world interconnectedness; the impact of decision-making on humankind and the environment.
Project Examples
Campaigning to raise awareness and reduce plastic straw waste use
Passing a plan to local authorities for tree planting in an area in need of re-greening
Creating a school or community garden
Fairness and Development
What are the consequences of our common humanity?
Students will explore rights and responsibilities; the relationship between communities; sharing finite resources with other people and with other living things; access to equal opportunities; peace and conflict resolution.
Project Examples
Campaigning for fair-trade awareness
Contributing to educational opportunities, for example, supporting a local non-governmental organization that works on literacy in our town
Addressing the concerns of immigrants and migrant populations