This award is presented to up to two members of the graduating class, who best exhibit John’s passion for living, enthusiasm for excellence and courage to dream. These students embody WAB’s Gong He spirit. This student recipient should:
Embody the “work hard/ work together” spirit
Have a vision and be willing to put this vision into action
Demonstrate a willingness to take risks
Problem-solve creatively and for the common good
Contribute to the WAB community in a variety of ways
Work respectfully with students of other nations and languages
Use China as a platform for learning
Work in a way that shows engagement with the philosophy of lifelong learning
Be involved in dynamic collaboration rather than solely as a leader
Care about themselves, others, and the environment.
The Hilary Munro Service Award is given to one student (or group) in each grade level. In honor of Hilary’s role as a founder of WAB, this award recognizes individuals who exhibit initiative and take action to help those in the Chinese community who are in need, or to further a local environmental cause. These students (or group) have recognized a need, designed a program and carried it out.
The Brandeis Book Award is given to an outstanding Grade 11 student in the top 10% of the class who demonstrates a commitment to civic engagement, community service, political activism, social justice, or volunteer work.
This award is presented to a student in Grade 11 who embraces the qualities of a global citizen. This student is a proud representative of his/her nation while respectful of the diversity of other nations, has an open mind, is well informed, aware and empathetic, concerned and caring for others encouraging a sense of community and strongly committed to engagement and action to make the world a better place. Finally, this student is able to interact and communicate effectively with people from all walks of life while having a sense of collective responsibility for all who inhabit the globe.
CIS recognises the outstanding work being done by students attending CIS Member Schools through the CIS International Student Award. Award winning students promote global citizenship and the development of international awareness in their communities. This award is given to one Grade 11 student each year. Directors/Heads of CIS Member Schools may submit a maximum of one nomination per school section (primary, middle, or senior/high school) each year according to the following criteria:
The student(s) must have demonstrated a clear commitment to sustained interaction with students of the other nationalities, languages or ethnic backgrounds in a spirit of international understanding and cooperation.
The student may be a part of a group (one certificate will be awarded to the group - with individual members of the group also receiving a certificate).
Projects should encompass efforts directed beyond participation in regular school activities.
Possible award projects (by an individual or group of students) include projects that:
Creatively solve known or emerging problems
Acquire and effectively deploy knowledge or resources beyond those immediately available in the school
Directly involve peoples of other cultures, racial and ethnic backgrounds, political/economic systems. The student(s) must have made a genuine commitment to initiate, sustain and complete the project or activity. Schools are encouraged to nominate students who have demonstrated a commitment to using languages other than their own mother tongue during the completion of the project.
The Global Youth Action Fund, an award open to any student or student group ages 12 through 19 who has a project or idea they believe will make an impact in their community. Broadening the grant funding will shine a light on more impressive work young people are doing around the globe, both at IB World Schools and beyond.
Each project must be aimed to support one of the 17 UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) and will be reviewed on the following selection criteria:
Selected students will receive:
Any secondary school student between the ages of 12 and 19 is eligible to apply. Students are eligible to apply as individuals or groups, but we highly recommend students collaborate whenever possible. Students do not need to be enrolled at an IBWS but must be enrolled in a secondary school at time of the application deadline.
Global Youth Action Fund - International Baccalaureate® (ibo.org)
The Karen O’Connell Award is given to one graduating student. This award recognizes the student who is a force to generate, support, and see initiatives through to both completion and sustainability. This student has attended WAB since elementary school.
This award is given to students in Grades 9 through 12 who have made a difference in our WAB community. Were these students to leave WAB, there would be a void in the life of the school. She/he has enriched our community; she/he has indeed connected, inspired, challenged and made a difference.
The WABX Co-Curricular Clubs Award recipient is chosen by the WABX team and CAS coordinator. This award is given to the student, regardless of grade level or gender, who:
Attained a high standard of achievement in their clubs
Made a significant commitment within the clubs program as they pursued their passion
By example and support, inspired other students to pursue their interests.
The Gong He award is given to one recipient in each of grades 9 through 11. This award recognizes those students who, through their contributions to the school community, reflects WAB Spirit. These recipients should:
Embody the “work hard/ work together” spirit
Have a vision and be willing to put this vision into action
Demonstrate a willingness to take risks
Problem-solve creatively and for the common good
Contribute to the WAB community in a variety of ways
Work respectfully with students of other nations and languages
Use China as a platform for learning
Work in a way that shows engagement with the philosophy of lifelong learning
Be involved in dynamic collaboration rather than solely as a leader
Care about themselves, others, and the environment.
The Personal Project Award is nominated by the Personal Project Coordinator and chosen by the Awards Committee. The Personal Project Award is given to a tenth-grade student who embodies the essence of the project by exhibiting the following attributes:
The ability to conduct a sophisticated and rigorous inquiry
The ability to develop a goal that is achievable, challenging and clearly articulated
Highly effective organization and time management skills
The ability to consistently work independently under the guidance of a mentor
Highly effective collaborative and communication skills, as evidenced in their work with their supervisor, peers and other adults
A willingness to take risks throughout the process in order to grow as a learner
The ability to reflect on their own learning at each stage of the process and make adjustments along the way based on their reflections and research
A desire to ensure all of their action as are principled and ethical throughout the process
The CAS award is given to one recipient from each Grade. This award recognizes students who have gone above and beyond to extend themselves in the areas of creativity, activity and service both in school and the community in the spirit of one of our founders, Michael Crook. These recipients should be:
Balanced – they enjoy and find significance in a range of activities and projects involving intellectual, physical, creative and emotional experiences
Global citizens – they are aware of their responsibilities towards each other, their communities and the environment
Active – part of sustained, collaborative projects and committed to looking after their physical well-being
Initiators – they are willing to accept new challenges and new roles as well as working on developing leadership skills
Strategic thinkers – they give careful consideration to planning, reviewing progress and reporting
Reflective thinkers – they understand their own strengths and limitations, identify goals and strategies for personal growth.