Table of Contents
Overview of Service as Action (SA)
Service as Action (SA) is a cornerstone of the Middle Years Programme (MYP) at Tesla Education. Aligned with the IB mission and philosophy, it empowers students to translate their learning into meaningful, purposeful action that addresses local and global challenges. Through SA, students develop the attributes of the IB Learner Profile – becoming caring, principled, reflective, and open-minded individuals who actively contribute to their communities.
Objectives of Service as Action
The SA programme at Tesla aims to:
- Develop awareness: Help students recognize and understand the needs and challenges within their local and global communities.
- Foster empathy: Inspire compassion by engaging students in experiences that support others.
- Promote responsibility: Cultivate a sense of responsibility and ethical awareness in decision-making and action.
- Enhance skills: Strengthen collaboration, problem-solving, research, and critical thinking through experiential learning.
- Advance international-mindedness: Build intercultural understanding and global engagement through service that transcends borders.
Implementation of Service as Action
At Tesla, SA is integrated across the curriculum and is a core requirement for all MYP students. The programme offers flexibility, enabling students to select service activities that align with their interests and passions while connecting to the MYP Global Contexts. Students engage in SA individually or collaboratively, both within the school and broader community. Our approach supports student agency, encouraging learners to take ownership of their service initiatives, plan and execute projects, and reflect on their growth.
Types of Service Activities
Students participate in diverse forms of service, including:
- Direct service: Personal interaction with individuals or groups, such as tutoring younger students or volunteering at local charities.
- Indirect service: Designing solutions to benefit the community, such as organizing donation drives or environmental initiatives.
- Advocacy: Raising awareness and promoting action for causes like sustainability, equity, or human rights.
- Research: Investigating community issues to inform action plans, such as analyzing local environmental data.
Reflection and documentation
Reflection is integral to Service as Action. At Tesla, students are guided to reflect on their experiences, considering their learning, challenges, ethical implications, and personal growth. This reflective process deepens connections between service, academic subjects, and real-world applications.
Students use ManageBac to document their SA journey, including:
- Activity descriptions: Outlining the nature and goals of each project.
- Reflection entries: Recording insights, lessons learned, and impact on self and community.
- Evidence of participation: Uploading photos, videos, or artifacts showcasing engagement.
Examples of Service as Action projects
Tesla students have engaged in diverse SA initiatives, including:
- Environmental stewardship: Leading recycling programmes or organizing clean-up campaigns in the community.
- Social justice advocacy: Collaborating with NGOs to promote children’s rights or gender equality.
- Health and wellness promotion: Hosting workshops on nutrition or mental health awareness.
- Educational outreach: Creating literacy kits or tutoring peers and younger learners.
Through Service as Action, Tesla students experience the power of making a difference, fostering agency, leadership, and a lifelong commitment to meaningful action.
