Embracing the Philosophy of Ubuntu in the Junior School for Personal Success and Self-Awareness

Written by Bec Collie, Head of Junior School

At the heart of our Junior School’s mission is the goal to inspire every child to strive for personal success and develop a deeper understanding of themselves and their place in the world. This journey of growth and achievement is greatly enriched by a philosophy that resonates deeply with our values: Ubuntu.

This year, the Junior School is working with the Ubuntu philosophy to strengthen our concept of community for staff and students, also embracing the wider community of parents and families.

Ubuntu is an African philosophy that emphasises the interconnectedness of all people. Its essence can be translated as “I am because we are,” highlighting that our individual well-being and success are intrinsically linked to the well-being of others. The philosophy teaches the importance of compassion, respect, and community and encourages us to recognise our shared humanity in every interaction.

In the context of our Junior School, Ubuntu offers us a guiding principle for how we interact with one another and how we approach personal success. It reminds both our students and staff that success is not just measured by individual achievements but by how we contribute to the collective growth and well-being of our community. A child who excels academically, socially, and emotionally does so with the support of teachers, peers, and their family. Their personal success is woven into the fabric of the community that nurtures them.

For our students, Ubuntu teaches the importance of empathy and awareness of others. By embracing this philosophy, our students develop a sense of responsibility for the success and happiness of those around them. It also fosters an environment where collaboration, cooperation, and respect are at the forefront. Through these values, our students are empowered to set goals, reflect on their actions, and celebrate their achievements in ways that strengthen themselves and those with whom they share their journey.

For our staff, Ubuntu is a constant reminder of the power of community and teamwork. We are committed to creating an environment where every member of the Junior School feels valued and supported. By encouraging one another to grow, reflect, and thrive, we ensure that our collective success becomes a shared achievement, one that benefits not only our school but also the broader community in which we live.

In the coming weeks, we will be introducing activities and discussions designed to deepen our understanding of Ubuntu and its application in our daily lives. These opportunities will help our students reflect on their personal growth while also encouraging them to contribute positively to the success and well-being of their classmates, teachers, and families. Our students have already reflected an excellent understanding of this philosophy. I am reminded once more that we can learn so much from the children in our school!

The philosophy of Ubuntu works well with the values of the International Baccalaureate and specifically as our students live the attributes of the Learner Profile. The ten attributes of the learner profile include being: knowledgeable, reflective, inquirers, communicators, thinkers, balanced, open-minded, principled, caring, risk takers.

As we move forward, let us all embrace the spirit of Ubuntu, along with the IB Learner Profile attributes — understanding that our personal success is not just for our own benefit but for the greater good of the community. In doing so, we will continue to nurture a school culture that values both individual self-awareness and collective achievement.

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