As Cita Hati continues its journey as the first Christian IB continuum school in Surabaya, we consistently look for new ways to place the student at the center — because that is the very heart of the gospel: every child carries the image of God. Our faith values are mirrored in the IB philosophy which also places the student at the center of learning. Central to this philosophy is student agency and inquiry: the belief that learning deepens when students feel empowered to ask questions and take ownership of their own understanding.
Simply put, inquiry means questions are not just allowed — they are celebrated. Classes come alive when a student raises their hand, leans forward, and asks, "But why does that happen?" or "Can you help me understand that again?" A question is never an interruption; it is learning in action.
A Safe Space to Wonder
At the beginning of a new school year, it is natural for students to feel a little hesitant. New classrooms, unfamiliar faces, fresh teachers, and new academic challenges can make even the most curious learner hold back. Our teachers understand this. During the first weeks of school, they are intentional about pausing mid-lesson to open the floor for questions — and making space at the end of class or the close of the school day for students to voice anything that felt unclear or confusing.
Our teachers are also skilled at reading the room. A furrowed brow, a distant gaze, a quiet hesitation — these are signals our educators are trained to notice, proactively stepping in to clarify before confusion has a chance to take root.
Building Risk-Takers and Self-Managers
Beyond the classroom, we are nurturing something deeper: students who are risk-takers and self-managers — two of the IB learner profile attributes we hold dear at Cita Hati. This means encouraging students to take responsibility for their own learning, to recognize when they need help, and to have the courage to seek it. A student who asks a question is not showing weakness; they are demonstrating strength, self-awareness, and intellectual honesty.
As confidence grows through answered questions, so does academic success. Our goal is for every student to walk into each new unit feeling equipped, seen, and supported.
Continuing the Conversation at Home
Parents, you play a powerful role in nurturing your child's inquiry mindset! A simple but meaningful way to enter this space together is to have a few ready questions for the car ride home or around the dinner table. Consider asking:
- "What questions did you ask your teacher today as a curious learner?"
- "What questions did you ask your friends so you can get to know them better?"
These conversations signal to your child that questions are valued at home just as much as they are at school — and that curiosity is something to be proud of, not something to hide.
At Cita Hati, every question is a doorway. We look forward to walking through them together.