In today’s interconnected world, academic excellence is only one piece of the puzzle. At Surabaya European School (SES), we understand the critical importance of enabling strong social skills in our pupils, equipping them to navigate complex social situations, build meaningful relationships, and thrive in a diverse global community. SES integrates social-emotional learning into all aspects of school life, enabling children to develop into socially intelligent individuals.

What are Social Skills and Why are They Important?

Social skills encompass both verbal and non-verbal communication, the ability to understand social cues, and the capacity to respond appropriately in various settings. These skills are fundamental for:  

• Building Positive Relationships: Strong social skills enable pupils to connect with peers and adults, fostering collaboration and teamwork.  
• Effective Communication: Clear and respectful communication is essential for academic success and future careers.  
• Navigating Social Situations: Understanding social rules and expectations helps pupils feel confident and comfortable in different environments.
• Emotional Well-being: Social-emotional learning contributes to a pupil’s overall happiness and resilience, enabling them to manage their emotions effectively.  

How SES Enables Social Skills Development:

SES is committed to creating a learning environment that enables social intelligence. Our approach includes:

• Holistic Education: We believe in balancing academics, creativity, and well-being. Our curriculum incorporates activities that promote emotional intelligence, empathy, and social responsibility, enabling pupils to develop well-rounded social skills.  
• The Cambridge Curriculum: The Cambridge curriculum, with its emphasis on collaboration, communication, and critical thinking, provides a strong foundation for social skills development, enabling pupils to engage in meaningful social interactions. Group projects, presentations, and discussions are integral parts of the learning process.  
• Inquiry-Based Learning: We encourage pupils to actively explore and discover knowledge, fostering a love for learning and enabling them to articulate their ideas effectively. 
• Extracurricular Activities: A wide range of extracurricular activities, from sports to drama to Model United Nations, provides opportunities for pupils to develop teamwork, leadership, and communication skills, enabling them to practise social skills in diverse contexts.  
• A Nurturing and Inclusive Community: SES fosters a supportive and respectful environment where pupils feel valued and empowered to express themselves, enabling them to build strong social connections. We celebrate diversity and promote intercultural understanding.  
• Dedicated Educators: Our experienced and passionate teachers act as role models, guiding pupils in developing their social skills and providing a safe space for them to learn and grow, enabling them to navigate social situations with confidence.  
• Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) Programmes: SES implements structured SEL programmes that address key areas such as self-awareness, self-management, social awareness, relationship skills, and responsible decision-making, enabling pupils to develop a strong foundation in social-emotional intelligence.

Examples in Action at SES:

• Collaborative projects in Cambridge Global Perspectives, where pupils learn to work together to address global challenges, enabling them to develop teamwork and communication skills.  
• Debates and discussions in various subjects, fostering communication and critical thinking, enabling pupils to express their ideas effectively.  
• Participation in World Scholar’s Cup and  Model United Nations, developing diplomacy and negotiation skills, enabling pupils to engage in complex social interactions.  
• Service-learning projects that connect pupils with the local community, enabling them to develop empathy and social responsibility.
• Activities that promote empathy and understanding, such as role-playing and group discussions, enabling pupils to understand different perspectives.  

The SES Graduate: Socially Intelligent and Ready for the World

At Surabaya European School, we are committed to graduating pupils who are not only academically successful but also possess the social intelligence and emotional maturity to thrive in a globalised world. We believe that by enabling these qualities, we empower our pupils to become confident, compassionate, and engaged citizens who are prepared to make a positive impact on the world.