Good Grades Are Not Enough: Students Also Need to Learn to Care for Others
JAKARTA – Education is expected not only to produce students who excel academically, but also to help them build character, creativity and social concern. Developing students’ potential through competitions, arts activities and community service is one way to broaden learning experiences beyond the classroom.
SMA Wardaya applied this approach through its Wardaya Berdampak 2026 programme, held from 3 to 17 October 2026. The programme combined academic competitions, an international education expo, social activities and arts performances involving students and the community.
SMA Wardaya headmaster Anton Wardaya said every child had different abilities and ways of learning. Schools, he said, needed to give students opportunities to develop their talents and discover their potential, rather than focusing solely on academic marks.
“Every child has different talents, ways of learning and dreams. Some shine in science, some express themselves through the arts and sport, while others are still on a journey to discover their potential,” Anton said in a press release on Saturday (24 October 2026).
He said the educational process should also give children opportunities to build confidence and identify their future direction. Support from schools and families was important because each student’s development followed a different path.
“Every child has their own time to grow and develop. Education is not simply about marks and achievement; it is about creating space for every child to recognise their potential, build character, discover their identity and have the courage to pursue their dreams,” he said.
One of the activities in Wardaya Berdampak 2026 was a community service event held on 3 October. More than 500 participants, including parents and residents from four neighbourhood associations near the school, took part in health services and educational activities organised with several partners.
The event collected 191 bags of blood through a donation drive and provided free health checks to 200 people. It also distributed 96 reading glasses to people in need.
Other services included pap smear tests, psychological consultations, eye examinations, financial literacy and advice on overseas education. A bazaar selling second-hand clothes and books in good condition was also held for the community.
In the academic field, SMA Wardaya organised the 2026 Math, Science, and Social Studies Competition (MS²C), which attracted 582 applicants from junior high schools and equivalent Islamic schools across Indonesia. The competition ran from 3 to 17 October, with four subjects: mathematics, biology, physics and social studies.
The preliminary round was held online to give participants from different regions the opportunity to take part. The semi-finals and final were held in person at SMA Wardaya on 17 October 2026.
Access to information about higher education was another focus. At the Wardaya International Education Expo (WIEE) 2026, held at Pullman Jakarta Central Park on 11 October, more than 2,000 registered participants had the opportunity to learn about further study options.
The expo featured more than 40 exhibitors and universities from various countries. Information covered university options, degree programmes, admission requirements and opportunities to obtain full scholarships.
Anton said access to information and family guidance were needed to help students plan education suited to their interests and abilities. Learning about a range of study options could also help students decide what to do after completing secondary education.
Students’ creativity was also developed through Colors of Hope Wardaya 2026, held on 11 October. The arts showcase and fundraising event drew around 800 audience members and involved more than 80 students as organisers and performers.
Students presented music, traditional and modern dance, martial arts and an exhibition of artworks. The event also included an inspirational discussion with Sandy Kristian Waluyo and Axel Giovanni Hartanto, alumni of the first season of Clash of Champions.
During the event, students presented a smart cane they had made to the Petra Dormitory Community. A singing performance by the Monas Pelita Foundation was also part of the programme, bringing creative expression together with social engagement.
Anton said that taking part in social and arts activities could help students understand success in broader terms. Achievement, he said, was measured not only by academic results, but also by the ability to use knowledge and skills to benefit the community.
Wardaya Berdampak 2026 was organised through a collaboration between SMA Wardaya and the Lions Clubs Indonesia Association, District 307 A1. Participating organisations included Lions Club Jakarta Wardaya Gemilang, Lions Club Jakarta Centennial Monas Hang Tuah, Lions Club Via Solis Nova, Leo Club Humanita, Leo Club Stella Viva and Leo Club Meliora.
Through academic activities, international education, arts and community initiatives, the school aims to provide students with a range of learning experiences. The programme is intended to help students develop their academic abilities while building character and concern for the community.