Why belonging matters in a global school community
At British International School New York (BIS-NY), we recognized the challenges that our Upper School students (ages 14-18) faced in engaging meaningfully with the school community.
Many students, particularly in an international setting, feel disconnected from their school environment. This prompted the introduction of the Citizenship Awards, a unique initiative designed to encourage students to contribute to their school and the wider community in ways that go beyond academics.
The problem: Student disengagement in a global school community
International schools often face the challenge of students feeling disconnected due to their diverse backgrounds and the transient nature of the student body. For our Upper School students, this disconnection became more noticeable as they focused on preparing for university, leaving them less engaged in school-based activities that promote community connection.
Many of our Upper School students were not participating in extracurricular and community-building activities.
At BIS-NY, we observed that many of our Upper School students were not participating in the extracurricular and community-building activities offered. This lack of involvement resulted in a diminished sense of belonging, a crucial factor in student wellbeing and success. We needed an initiative that would motivate students to invest more time in activities that fostered a positive school culture while developing leadership skills.
The solution: Introducing the Citizenship Awards
To address disengagement, we introduced the Citizenship Awards. This initiative was designed to recognize students for their contributions to the school and the broader community, separate from their academic performance. The goal was to create a system that rewards leadership, kindness, and social responsibility – values central to personal growth and strengthening the school culture.
Students earn points through a range of activities such as:
- Volunteering at school events.
- Taking on leadership roles in clubs.
- Participating in school-wide initiatives.
- Supporting peers through mentoring or community service.
These contributions, often overlooked in traditional academic grading, are essential for developing character, responsibility, and leadership qualities. As students accumulate points, they work towards an invitation to the Citizenship Banquet, a celebratory event where they can showcase their contributions and be recognized in front of their families and peers.
Nature of the work: Fostering long-term engagement
The Citizenship Awards are designed to be both a recognition system and a motivational tool for students. Unlike traditional academic awards, which focus solely on grades and test scores, this programme celebrates the broader development of students as they engage with their school community.
Students are encouraged to collaborate with local businesses and organizations.
A key challenge in implementing this initiative was ensuring that it was accessible and engaging for all students, regardless of their academic abilities. To solve this, we developed a flexible points system that rewards a variety of activities – from smaller acts of kindness, such as helping younger students, to organizing larger charity events. This inclusivity ensures that all students have the opportunity to contribute in meaningful ways.
The programme encourages participation by making it clear that there is no single path to earning points – every contribution, big or small, is valuable and contributes to the overall culture of the school. It also provides students with the autonomy to choose how they engage, fostering a sense of ownership over their involvement.
Building school and community connections
While the Citizenship Awards primarily focus on engaging students internally, it also strengthens relationships with the wider community. Students are encouraged to collaborate with local businesses and organizations, participating in charity fundraisers and community service projects.
For example, students have partnered with local organizations such as Riverkeeper and The Bowery Mission to raise funds and volunteer for community projects. These partnerships not only help students understand social responsibility but also give them real-world experience in event planning, leadership, and community service.
Being recognized for their efforts outside the classroom has given them a greater sense of purpose and pride.
In addition to engaging students with the external community, the Citizenship Banquet strengthens the relationship between the school and parents. This event provides a space for families to celebrate their children’s achievements, further reinforcing the importance of community involvement and recognizing the value of non-academic contributions.
Measuring the impact
The Citizenship Awards have received positive feedback from students, teachers, and parents. Students have become more involved in extracurricular activities, and there has been a marked increase in leadership roles taken by Upper School students in clubs and school events.
Feedback surveys show that students feel more connected to the school and more motivated to contribute to their community. Many students have shared that being recognized for their efforts outside the classroom has given them a greater sense of purpose and pride in their school. This recognition has been crucial in motivating students to remain engaged and take on leadership roles in school activities.
We have also seen an increase in the number of students attending the Citizenship Banquet, with over 30 per cent of Upper School students attending in 2025. This growing participation rate demonstrates the value students place on this recognition and highlights the success of the program in fostering a sense of community.
Sustainability and replication
One of the major strengths of the Citizenship Awards is its sustainability. The flexible design of the programme allows it to grow and adapt to meet the needs of the school community. What began as a response to student disengagement has evolved into an integral part of our school culture, promoting long-term student engagement and leadership development.
The Citizenship Awards are also easily replicable in other schools. The points system can be adapted to fit schools of various sizes and resources.
At BIS-NY, the programme has had a lasting impact on the school culture, creating a community where students feel valued not just for their academic achievements but for their contributions to the school environment.
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