Open-minded: “You don’t get harmony when everybody sings the same note” Doug Floyd

Possessing an open mind is a significant part of IB learning. IB students are open-minded when they understand and appreciate cultures and personal histories, and are open to the perspectives, values and traditions of other individuals and communities. When students become accustomed to seeking and evaluating a range of points of view, they develop and grow from this experience. At the Bay Academy we want students to learn and understand from their own experiences, and to help put knowledge into perspective as they get older. 

This fortnight I have spent time in the Room 3 and 4 classes hearing all about their inquiry“Homes reflect lifestyle influences and local conditions.” Students looked into a range of cultures and then created stunning models of homes with information on traditions. Students have become very knowledgeable about their chosen society which was clear in their student voice. 


Our whānau games on Friday had an open-minded theme and we had so much fun wearing blindfolds, acting out uses for random objects and thinking of as many uses as possible for a coat hanger. Not only did we see many open minded students but also caring senior students looking after younger friends and also many risk takers.


Speaking to students as I walk around the school I have been asking what being open minded means to them;


“Listening to other peoples ideas” Pheonix D

“It means being open to trying new things, like if someone gives you a challenge, it is accepting and trying.”  Leah Y


“My mind is open and I am ready to learn new things” Aliyah H

“Listen to other people’s ideas and think outside of the box.” Sophie H