Wo International Center

Distinction in Global Education

The Distinction in Global Education is granted to Punahou Academy students who demonstrate focused study, passion, and mastery in global education.

Beginning early in the Academy, students should begin work on global competency requirements. The Distinction process is a valuable opportunity that recognizes outstanding achievements in global knowledge, skills, and dispositions, while receiving a high level of mentorship from Wo International Center directors.

Process

Students may indicate interest in a Centers Distinction at any time, though it is advised to begin thinking about the competencies and required evidence early during the Academy experience. Progress toward the Distinction will be monitored, reviewed, and awarded by Center Directors upon completion of requirements.

Portfolio Requirements

Competencies

Final portfolio will require at least three pieces of evidence demonstrating growth toward each competency.

List of 3 items.

  • Disposition for Action

    Students have a disposition for action.

    • I display empathy and value intercultural perspectives.
    • Show commitment to ethics and respect values such as diversity, equity, inclusion, and social justice.
    • I take informed action for collective well-being and sustainable development.

  • Know Your World

    Students know about the world and its interconnections.

    • I can explain local and global conditions and events.
    • I can explain the interconnections in our world.
    • I know my community and my place within a broader world.

  • Skillfully Interact With the World

    Students can skillfully interact with their world.

    • I am self-aware.
    • I can collaborate and communicate across differences.
    • I can critically weigh information and perspectives.
    • I can adapt and show resilience in response to changing landscapes.
    • I can use creativity and innovative thinking to address challenges.

Providing Evidence for Competency

The following list is a road map for how students would gather sufficient evidence for the Distinction. Students may, however, discuss and plan for an alternative road map with Center Directors.
All distinction candidates must provide the following evidence

  • At least four years of language (can be three years of a single language and one year of a new language)
  • Complete and reflect on the Intercultural Development Inventory Assessment
  • Complete one requirement from Category A, two from Category B, and one from Category C

List of 3 items.

  • Category A

    (One required. May combine multiple from this category to fulfill Category B)
     
    *Note: Distinction candidates may receive special funding options

  • Category B

    (Two required. May combine multiple from this category to fulfill Category C)
     
    • Significant participation in a club or organization aligned to the global competence framework – ex. MUN, Sustainable Living, Seeds for Peace, etc.
    • Collaborative work on a project with a student from another school – either local or global, but must be in a significantly different context than Punahou. 
    • Work with Wo Directors to promote and support global experiences on campus
    • Outbound travel program*
    • Teacher Assistant in the language program
    • English Learning Buddy or equivalent
    • Global Online Academy course
    • Design or lead a globally oriented or citizenship-based G-term or Exploration course
    • Multi-week online global conference  
    • Grade 11 GSD: Race and the American Experience
    • Global or citizenship-based internship
    • Other student initiated approved opportunities 
    *Note: Distinction candidates may receive special funding options

  • Category C

    (One required)
     
    • Hiroshima Peace Scholar
    • Wo Sponsored Conference (ex. SGLI, Water is Life, World Quest, CIF)
    • The Experimental Digital or another multi-week global program
    • Ke Kilohana/Capstone service topic that is relevant to the Center and the Distinction competencies.
    • School Year Abroad (SYA) ** SYA can also take the place of other required categories
    • Other student initiated approved opportunities 

Past Distinction Recipients

List of 2 items.

Punahou School

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