Global Competence

Our educational philosophy, written by Head of School Chris Livaccari.

The Distinctive PKS Formula

Over the past eighteen years, we’ve honed the simple formula that makes a PKS education so meaningful, powerful, and impactful in the lives of our students:

IQ × EQ × CQ = GC

These of course refer to the Intellectual, social-Emotional and inter-Cultural components of Global Competence. “Global” here refers to both “international” or “cross-cultural,” and to “synthetic” or “comprehensive,” since it involves the intentional and meaningful integration of multiple intelligences through a multicultural and multilingual lens.

Or to put it a bit differently, these are the superpowers that each of our students is developing over their time with us at school. They enable our students to thrive and have success personally, academically, professionally, and in their engagements with the wider world. While many schools focus on one or two of these, PKS is unique in not only embracing but intentionally supporting and developing all three.

Modern Learning, Ancient Roots

There are many ways in which our unique formula is radically new, but I see it as having deep roots in the Chinese philosophical tradition, dating back some 3,000 years. In the Classical text called the Great Learning 大学, there is a wonderful passage that gets right to the heart of this, showing that engaged, capable citizens who are committed to excellence, inquiry, integrity, self-reflection and creativity – coupled with a strong commitment to service and justice – create the foundation for a thriving yet peaceful and dynamic society.

Below I offer the Classical Chinese original (in traditional characters), along with my own translation. It’s a Classical statement of IQ × EQ × CQ = GC!

* * *

In ancient times, those who wanted to manifest virtue in the world first ruled their states with justice;

In order to rule their states with justice, they first had to have harmonious relationships with their families;

In order to have harmonious relationships with their families, they first had to perfect themselves;

In order to perfect themselves, they first had to develop a sense of empathy and justice;

In order to develop a sense of empathy and justice, they first had to be genuine and sincere;

In order to be genuine and sincere, they first had to develop a passion for learning;

In order to develop a passion for learning, they first had to show curiosity and investigate the world around them.

古之欲明明德於天下者、先治其國。

欲治其國者先齊其家。

I欲齊其家者先脩其身。

欲脩其身者先正其心。

欲正其心者先誠其意。

欲誠其意者先致其知。

致知在格物。

* * *

A Living Philosophy

So there it is – the core of our school’s educational philosophy in a text from well over 2,000 years ago.

In PKS terms, effectively serving our community and the broader world starts with a sense of curiosity and humility, and a driving passion for learning about the world around us. As always at PKS, the traditions of progressive education and Mandarin immersion are simply a perfect match.

Chris Livaccari | 李克立

Aug 20, 2025