The GCD
Structure & Elements
OVERALL STUCTURE OF THE GCD
CORE VALUES
The core values of
global citizenship reflect
an understanding of
others, awareness, action
and advocacy.
COMPETENCIES
In addition to core values,
each student has an
individual combination of
competencies that shape
what they contribute to
the world.
AREAS OF EXPERTISE
Sometimes students
transcend their roles as
students and participate
in the world as adults
with paraprofessional
expertise.
GCD ELEMENTS
ACADEMICS
Achieve a level of education
that makes it possible to hold
informed opinions.
Certificates can be earned prior to high school graduation. Diplomas are earned upon graduation.
COMMUNITY
ENGAGEMENT
Make a consistent, sustained
commitment to serving &
developing connections
with others.
GLOBAL UNDERSTANDING
Seek personal understanding
of the interaction of power or
privilege & economics, ethics,
politics, religion, environment
between countries / cultures.
INTERCULTURAL
COMMUNICATION
Commit to connecting
with and understanding
others across linguistic &
cultural barriers.
ACADEMIC SKILLS
Develop proficiency in
interdisciplinary academic skills
such as research, reflection,
transfer, organization,
collaboration & inquiry.
ARTISTIC
EXPRESSION
Nurture the habits of creative
exploration & communication
through sustained
engagement with the arts.
MANAGEMENT
Take responsibility for
managing resources such
as space, money, & time,
towards the completion of
a goal.
PERSONAL GOAL
Set an ambitious goal, &
plan systematically, act,
reflect and adapt in the
pursuit of it.
PUBLIC
COMMUNICATION
Engage an audience &
communicate effectively,
ethically, & publicly on issues
of personal interest or passion.
WELLNESS
Learn how to maintain
their own physical, social,
mental / emotional, &
spiritual health.
WILDERNESS
ENGAGEMENT
Assess risk, & develop a skill
or understanding through
interaction with nature.
WORK EXPERIENCE
Provide work of practical
value and develop a
range of skills in a
professional setting.
ADVANCED ACADEMICS
Engage & perform at the
highest academic level in one
subject/across disciplines/in a
specific academic skill.
LEADERSHIP
Fulfill their vision through the
effective leadership of
people & management of
resources.
MULTILINGUALISM
Function at native or fluent
proficiency in at least two
skills of reading, writing &
speaking, in at least two
different languages.
PERSONAL
ACCOMPLISHMENT
Achieve & be recognized at the
highest or paraprofessional levels, on a par with adults.
LEVELS OF RECOGNITION
1.CORE VALUES
2.COMPETENCIES
3.AREAS OF EXPERTISE
CERTIFICATE
- Signifies a commitment to the values of global citizenship.
- Core Values + at least 1other element.
- Students are eligible to earn the Certificate prior to graduating.
DIPLOMA
- Core Values + any 6 elements
- Demonstrates learning in each of the Core Values including meeting academic requirements for graduation.
DIPLOMA WITH DISTINCTION
- Core Values + 9 elements including 3 Areas of Expertise.
- Signifies achievement above the expectations for high school.
