At SIS we are always proud to open our doors for people to witness first-hand how our talented and dedicated staff create a learning environment where our students can thrive, and the confidence with which our students embrace new learning opportunities. 

This week, our latest visitors were representatives of the Liberal Party (Liberalerna) from Stockholm City Council. Jan Jönsson, City Commissioner for the Opposition, and Oskar Örn, City Council Secretary, were welcomed by SIS Director, Marisa León and Advancement Director, Emma Jones. 

While at SIS, our guests spent time meeting students and staff. In the Learning Commons they met with members of our technology team and a group of students who introduced them to the challenges of the First Lego League. The students explained how the Lego competition involves the development of analytical, problem-solving, and collaboration skills, while our staff impressed upon them how technology such as robotics or AI could be integrated with lessons in the classroom.

PROBING QUESTIONS

Our politician visitors then joined a grade 8 class that was presenting a Model UN session. After seeing how Model UN cultivates global awareness and interest in global issues, our students engage Jon Jönsson in a discussion about democracy.

It included some probing questions: 

How easily could the Liberals work in government with the Sweden Democrats? - Difficult but necessary;

What’s the worst thing about being a politician? - You can’t please all of the people;

How can youths be kept from falling into a ‘gang’ culture that seems to be gaining ground in Sweden? - Cooperation needed between agencies and between countries as gangs are often directed by international criminals and cartels.

The questions were gently direct, with heartfelt answers from Jan Jönsson providing an insight into the political mind.

The guests then round off the visit over lunch alongside the students in the NL cafeteria.

A former teacher and head teacher, Jan Jönsson looked entirely at home greeting students at the start of the day, and fielding questions at the front of a classroom. He saw first-hand the diversity and global awareness of our students; characteristics that make an international school so different. 

And he would have seen how important a school like SIS is to the community and the region in providing for internationally mobile families in Stockholm. Incoming global talent demands quality, internationally recognised education opportunities for their children, and SIS stands as the leading provider of English language IB teaching in the region, encouraging academic achievement, nurturing global citizenship, and inspiring the leaders of tomorrow.