Empowering students to lead with empathy, agency, and global purpose.
TISCA is our school’s signature service-learning program, designed to connect students with real-world challenges through purposeful action. Rooted in our mission to nurture global citizenship, and aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, TISCA bridges classroom inquiry with global impact - giving students the tools to lead with empathy, agency, and intention.
Through exploration of social and environmental issues, cross-age collaboration, and meaningful contributions to their communities—locally and globally—students develop the skills and mindsets needed to shape a more compassionate, sustainable future.
This Year's Focus: SDG #3 Good Health and Wellbeing
Real-World Impact, Rooted in Community
This program not only empowers students to engage with global issues—it also strengthens ties across our local and regional community. Families, educators, and partner schools are invited to take part in events, conversations, and campaigns that reflect our shared commitment to values-driven education.
Originally launched in 2018 as the Activist-in-Residence initiative, the program has since evolved into TISCA—a broader, more inclusive platform for student leadership and community engagement. While its name has changed, the heart of the program remains the same: real-world relevance, values-driven learning, and meaningful impact.
TISCA also brings to life TIS’s mission “to develop socially responsible, lifelong learners able to problem solve, think critically, and make positive changes in our global community” by giving students direct access to experts in the field—those whose work models courage, empathy, and impact.
Over the years, TIS has welcomed a diverse group of changemakers whose work spans clean water access, climate justice, sustainable food systems, and marine conservation. Each visit is designed to spark dialogue, deepen understanding, and inspire action—both within and beyond the classroom.
A Legacy of Action & Impact
Students at TIS have long turned learning into action—partnering with changemakers, raising funds for global causes, and leading initiatives that connect inquiry with impact. From restoring ecosystems to advocating for clean water or publishing their own books, these experiences help students engage deeply with the world around them. We’re proud to help make these moments possible—connecting students with lived experience and inspiring action that reaches far beyond our walls.
Student-Led, Community-Wide
TISCA is powered by students—from Kindy to Grade 12—who lead with purpose and inquiry. Through initiatives they design and campaigns they champion, students collaborate across age groups, building leadership, strategic thinking, and civic responsibility. Families, staff, and local partners join through themed weeks, mentorship projects, and shared challenges, reinforcing our values in action.
This spirit is deeply woven into our PYP framework and our holistic approach to learning. Inquiry leads the way—from Kindy students self-publishing Friends Under the Sea while exploring coral reef restoration with Andrew, to student-led performances and activism that raise funds for Sudan. Our rooftop garden offers another living classroom, where sustainability becomes tangible and shared.
These moments aren’t isolated—they’re part of a legacy of student agency and community care.
The highlights that follow show how this commitment continues to evolve, year after year.
2018/2019: Salva Dut, Water for South Sudan (SDG 17)
TIS partnered with Salva Dut, Founder of Water for South Sudan, who visited our school to share his story of resilience and impact. Inspired by his mission, our community TIS community raised 135,000 MOP, funding a well named in honour of our school
2019/2020: Songqiao Yao, Wildbound
Songqiao’s visit included classroom sessions, a parent evening, and a student leadership conference. Together, we raised USD 16,451, supporting the Earth Innovation Institute and Wildbound’s UN student ambassador program.
2020/2021: Local Environmental Educators
Amid the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, TIS remained committed to providing students with meaningful, values-driven experiences. Focused on UN Sustainability Goal 12: Responsible Consumption and Production, students explored the environmental impact of food choices through locally led workshops. Urban farmers from Mighty Greens and Alyson Lundstrom of The Blissful Carrot guided students in urban farming and plant-based cooking, bringing the “farm to table” concept to life.
2021-2023: Andrew Taylor, Blue Corner Marine Conservation
Marine biologist Andrew Taylor joined us to explore ocean ecosystems, conservation strategies, and the role students can play in protecting our planet’s blue heart. Through the lens of SDG 6: Clean Water and Sanitation, students examined the impact of pollution, runoff, and waste on marine habitats, and proposed actionable solutions to safeguard water sources. The initiative continued into a second year, allowing for deeper engagement and expanded student-led inquiry across grade levels.
2023/24 Antonio Anoro, Gabon Untouched
TIS partnered with conservationist Antonio Anoro to support the Papa Hytu (Hope) project in Gabon—often called Africa’s last Eden. Through immersive workshops, field trips, and inquiry-based classroom learning, students explored SDG 15: Life on Land, discovering the ecological richness of Gabon and the urgent need to protect its forests, wildlife, and coastal habitats.
2024/2025 Responsible Consumption and Production SDG#12
In its inaugural year, TISCA centred on Sustainable Development Goal 12: Responsible Consumption and Production. Students led initiatives to reduce waste across campus, including collaborating with our lunch provider to rethink packaging and food disposal. The Parent Association championed a successful uniform swap, promoting reuse and community engagement. From classroom audits to creative campaigns, the school embraced a culture of mindful consumption—empowering students to take ownership of everyday choices that shape a more sustainable future.