Celebrating Connection Through Art: Joanna Bevan Wins Innovation Champion Award

At Nexus International School (Singapore), service learning is an essential part of how we help our learners grow.

Service learning sits at the heart of the Nexus experience, shaping lessons, CCAs and community partnerships across the school. Much of this work is led by Joanna Bevan, our CAS Coordinator and Service Learning Lead. For Jo, the heart of service learning lies in genuine connection and meaningful action — moments where learners understand the impact they can have. “Learners see the impact of their work and realise that they can make a difference. That is powerful.”

Her dedication has helped build a strong culture of care at Nexus, and this year, that work was recognised at a national level. 

At the SG Cares VC @ Geylang and Serangoon Thanksgiving 2025 ceremony, Jo received the event’s top honour, the Imprint of Commitment Special Award: Innovation Champion (School).

This award acknowledges her leadership in creating meaningful, inclusive and sustainable service opportunities, and celebrates the strong partnerships she has helped forge between Nexus and our local community groups.

A Recognition of Innovation, Care and Community

As part of the nomination, SG Cares highlighted how Jo has pioneered new, creative approaches to volunteering, from establishing a flourishing Service CCA with weekly visits to St Andrew’s Senior Care, to leading the entire Year 12 cohort in a service experience at the Geylang East Day Care Centre.

More recently, Jo partnered with Maitri School, supporting their learners in cultivating new school gardens through the Nexus Green Guardians CCA. She also organised a new intergenerational ceramics programme with seniors from the Serangoon Arts Centre, which was the centrepiece of her award.

In her acceptance speech, Jo shared:

“When we started developing new ways for our learners to volunteer and serve, we were not just looking for different methods; we were searching for deeper connections. This award is a testament to the passion and collaborative spirit of everybody involved.”

Art as a Bridge Between Generations

The ceramics programme began earlier this year as a new initiative to connect Nexus learners with seniors in the Serangoon Arts Centre through accessible, hands-on artistic learning. Over eight weeks, a group of volunteer learners and seniors met weekly to learn clay techniques, share stories, and collaborate on their own creative pieces.

“It was heartwarming to see confidence grow, friendships form, and so many smiles. The atmosphere changed completely,” Jo recalled. “By the second week, everyone was greeting each other by name.”

The programme culminated in a celebration exhibition at Nexus, where SG Cares invited members of both the Serangoon and Geylang communities, along with families of the participants, to view the artworks created together.

A Shared Journey of Creativity and Confidence

For Jo, the most special part of the experience was watching meaningful bonds form across generations.

“Despite coming from different backgrounds, our learners and the seniors connected through sharing stories and a love for art. The intergenerational experience fostered mutual respect while building confidence and clay skills.”

This sentiment is echoed in the SG Cares Stories of Care feature, which described the project as “a shared journey of growth, confidence, and connection… proving that creativity has no age, and that care flows through both hands and heart.”

The collaboration was made possible through Jo’s partnership with SG Cares, which linked Nexus with the Serangoon Arts Centre. After visiting Nexus and viewing the ceramics facilities, both teams saw the potential for something transformative.

“Ceramics felt like the perfect place to start,” Jo explained. “It’s tactile, accessible and enjoyable for all ages. Anyone can jump in, regardless of skill level.”

What’s Next for Service and the Arts at Nexus

The success of this programme has opened the door for future intergenerational Arts CCAs. Another ceramics CCA is already planned with a new community partner, and Jo hopes to expand into drawing, painting, and other mediums.

“Innovation in service means finding better ways to care together,” Jo said. “I am excited to continue that work, ensuring that giving, creativity and connection remain at the core of our school.”

At Nexus, we believe in nurturing responsible, empathetic and globally minded young people. Jo’s work is a powerful example of how education extends far beyond the classroom, shaping individuals and communities alike.