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International School Leader Magazine
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ISL Magazine is an online publication for senior leaders in the global international schools market. It shares solutions-oriented, quick-to-read features, ideas, insights and good practice including evidence-based approaches to school leadership to support international school management, school-wide initiatives, and development.
ISSUE 36 – NOVEMBER 2024 OUT NOW
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Here are some highlights from recent issues of International School Leader Magazine.
Metacognition in the Middle School
Tanusankar Chakraborty explores the transformative benefits of the International Baccalaureate's Theory of Knowledge (TOK) course, highlighting its capacity to enhance emotional awareness and critical thinking. He explores the rationale behind integrating a metacognitive program into international school curricula, identifies the key challenges to its implementation, and offers practical strategies to overcome these. Read more
The View from My Wheelchair – PART 2
In Part 2 of this two-part article series, Matthew Savage discusses how truly inclusive schools go beyond surface-level accommodations by engaging the community in reducing barriers, adapting policies for flexibility, and fostering accessible environments that empower disabled individuals with independence. Read more
Education for Sustainability to Transform Schools in Nepal
Sunita Bhandari and Rajen Karki discuss Kopila Valley School's wide-ranging sustainability initiatives, emphasising the importance of place-based education, community engagement, and fostering students' growth into independent, eco-conscious citizens. Read more
Enhancing Wellbeing through Technology and Authentic Connection
In today’s rapidly evolving educational landscape, student wellbeing has become a crucial focus for schools worldwide. Matthew Parker of Harrow International School Bangkok explores a pioneering approach that combines student-led technology use with a strong emphasis on community and connection. Read more
Amala’s Global Secondary Diploma: Education for refugee youth
Polly Akhurst, Co-founder and Co-executive Director of Amala Education, discusses the development of the world's first programme specifically designed for refugee youth to complete their secondary education. Read more
Integrating United Nations’ SDGs into International School Leadership
The United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) create a common agenda for governments, organisations, and individuals worldwide, emphasising the need for a sustainable future. But how can school leaders apply these global goals to their leadership strategies, and what are the practical implications of integrating them into school governance? Read more
Project Nepal: 10 years of international humanitarian outreach
Back in 2014, ACS International School Egham launched its flagship humanitarian initiative: Project Nepal. Ten years on, Project Director Carmel Kelly discusses the significance of supporting both local and global communities, and why outreach initiatives like these are vital to educational practice. Read more
Building a Sustainable School Culture of Wellbeing
How do we keep staff happy and engaged whilst constantly focused on continued learning? Kate O'Connell explores how schools can create trusting, supportive environments that empower teachers to develop their professional skillset. Read more
Moving all learners forward: Implementing UDL in PE
Matt Magowan reflects on the challenge of creating a truly inclusive learning environment and the hidden barriers within teaching practices that may hinder student success. By exploring the Universal Design for Learning (UDL) framework, he highlights the importance of designing a PE curriculum that anticipates diverse learners' needs from the start, thereby promoting inclusivity and bridging educational gaps. Read more
How VR and AR are transforming education
Technologies like Virtual Reality (VR) and Augmented Reality (AR) hold great promise for use in instructional design in education. Danie de Beer, Ian Malloy and Emlyn Majoos delve into how VR and AR can revolutionise learning by enhancing engagement, interaction, and comprehension. Read more
How to combat the Vitamin N deficiency
Oanh Crouch discusses the growing concern of Nature Deficit Disorder among children, exacerbated by the digital age. The article outlines a structured outdoor learning programme, 'The Journey,' designed to reconnect students with nature, enhance their physical activity, reduce stress, and support cognitive development. Read more
Restorative Practices and Leadership
Alistair Goold discusses Restorative Leadership in schools, emphasising respect, relationships and community. He shares tips on becoming a Restorative Leader and explores the principles of Fair Process. Read more
Balancing risk and opportunity with AI
Tom Wade, Assistant Head (Digital Strategy) at Haileybury, highlights a key conundrum in AI education: it can enhance learning and reduce teacher workload but also risks plagiarism and diminished student critical thinking. Balancing these factors is crucial as we integrate AI into classrooms. Read more
The View from my Wheelchair – PART 1
In this two-part article series, Matthew Savage reflects not only upon what it means to be disabled in an ableist world, but also upon what he has learned from his disability, about schools, school leadership, and what it means to provide a truly inclusive education. Read more
Reframing Diversity to drive Belonging in international schools
In the wake of George Floyd's murder in 2020, international school leaders are more acutely aware of longstanding discrimination and harm, spurring intentional efforts to create inclusive environments. However, Dr Derrick Gay highlights that as society grows more politically polarised, diversity initiatives face increasing complexity, often misunderstood and resisted, leaving individuals from marginalised groups to bear the brunt. He shares strategies to reframe diversity efforts, aiming to foster deeper belonging for all community members. Read more
Social-emotional learning in an international context
Sanjeev Baga underscores the importance of social-emotional learning (SEL) in fostering resilience among diverse students in international schools. He highlights the challenges of implementing SEL without a standardised curriculum and the need for teachers to embrace multicultural identities Read more
Enhancing mindset and improving learning in international schools
International schools have significantly evolved to meet diverse student needs, emphasising critical literacies, cultural responsiveness, and holistic development. Sekolah Cita Buana in Indonesia turned to the International Curriculum Association (ICA) for guidance, using the International Early Years Curriculum (IEYC) to enhance resilience and adaptability among students, ensuring continuous, meaningful learning experiences despite the crisis. Read more
Promoting awareness of human trafficking through primary and secondary connections
Jannapha Hubeny and Kennon Coe, primary educators at Atlanta International School (AIS), are dedicated to raising awareness about human trafficking both within their school community and on a global scale. They serve as key facilitators of the school's organisation, Atlanta International School Against Human Trafficking (AISAHT), working tirelessly to educate students and combat this critical issue. Read more
Transforming school communities with healthy food and farming
Award-winning Kopila Valley School serves 400 of the most vulnerable and at-risk children from the region each year using a holistic approach, with a major focus on experiential and place-based education. Sunita Bhandari and Rajen Karki discuss the school's healthy lunch program and agriculture initiatives. Read more
International mindedness at work
Lincoln Community School in Ghana won a 2024 International School Award for its hosting of the inaugural Model United Nations Conference. Johnny Schwerk, Counsellor at Lincoln Community School in Ghana, discusses the award-winning initiative. Read more
More than just a grade: Improving assessment literacy with leadership from the middle
In the middle of the COVID-19 pandemic, the ISF Academy in Hong Kong embarked upon the Assessment as Responsive Teaching (ART) Project. This emerged from a Professional Learning Community (PLC) on Assessment for Learning. Nicholas Forde outlines how a PLC model with ‘leadership from the middle’ can act as a driver of change within a school community. Read more
A purposeful journey: Integrating service learning and the SDGs
Samuel Hodge, Deputy Principal at Prince of Wales Island International School (POWIIS), discusses the award-winning POWIIS Project, a service learning/passion project curriculum addressing local environmental and social concerns. It is not just one initiative, but rather close to 30, aiming to cover all 17 SDGs. Read more
Service learning in action at the Kansai Food Bank
All schools want students to make a difference, but ensuring that this change is authentic can be a challenge. Mark Beales, Principal of Osaka YMCA International School, emphasises the importance of establishing sustainable initiatives exists at the school's core. He delves into the school's award-winning student-led initiative while sharing practical advice. Read more
Standardised assessments that meet the demands of international schools
For international educators, finding the right progress assessment can be a tight balancing act; with an increasing number of schools now teaching a combination of curricula across subjects, assessing progress effectively can present several challenges. Cerys Hadwin-Owen, Senior Lead Product Manager at Hodder Education, explores how choosing a skills-based assessment has many advantages in an international context. Read more
Empowering global citizens: DPS International’s journey towards sustainable impact
DPS International School in Gurugram won a 2024 International School Award for its Student Task Force, reflecting their commitment to innovative, student-led initiatives for community wellbeing. Gunjan Tomar, Activities and Service as Action Coordinator at DPS International School, tells us about the evolution of the Student Task Force and the various initiatives to exist within it. Read more
What do our students think ‘leadership’ is?
Schools are often keen to bandy about the term ‘leadership’. But it begs the question. In placing so much value on acquiring leadership skills, what exactly are we promoting, and how? Tom Wingate, Head Teacher at The Wingate School in Mexico City, discusses some insights into what students think of the above question and shares some useful leadership qualities. Read more
Empowered leaders empowering learners
UNIS Hanoi believe strongly that great leaders are made, and not born. Megan Brazil and Jenny-Lee Moore from UNIS Hanoi share some advice to help empower international school leaders. Read more
Action research as an improvement driver in international schools
By engaging in action research projects, a team of advanced skills teachers have successfully improved the quality of teaching and learning against the school improvement plan. By supporting practice with educational research and emphasising the ‘why’ behind improvement efforts, staff members have bought into the process and are achieving more meaningful progress. Read more
Hybrid learning partnerships: three ways to support your school’s growth
A hybrid learning partnership can be the key to steadying, expanding and futureproofing your international school. Delivering world-class, live, interactive teaching fully online, 2023 COBIS Award winner King’s InterHigh is a solution international schools trust. Read more
AI is coming to school. Are we ready?
Imagine walking into a classroom where an artificially intelligent tutor provides individualised instruction to each student. Where a virtual assistant instantly answers questions, summarises passages of text and offers writing suggestions. And where algorithms analyse reams of data to flag students at risk of falling behind. This vision of an AI-powered classroom is closer than you may think, but is it what we want? Read more
Building consensus for a meaningful AI policy
Since ChatGPT became publicly available in November 2022, schools have been reeling from the effects of artificial intelligence. In this article, Chris Ferrara discusses ways schools can build a consensus for a meaningful AI policy. Read more
Growing through kindness
In light of World Kindness Day, Lauren Kelley, Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging Coordinator, ACS International Schools, discusses the pivotal role that kindness plays in ACS’ organisational values and what kindness looks like in an educational setting. Read more
Navigating edtech challenges in international K-12 schools
Educational technology has the power to transform learning in international schools. Technology can help teachers and administrators create an inclusive, flexible and adaptive learning environment that helps to prepare students for the challenges and opportunities of the 21st century. Dr Megan Conrad from ExploreLearning shares some advice to help international schools choose effective edtech products that work for their students. Read more
Restorative practices and Third Culture Kids
Alistair Goold discusses restorative practices – a growing phenomenon gaining traction in international schools – which hold the promise of transforming school culture and climate through evidence-based methodologies. Read more
Make bilingual CPD part of your leadership development strategy
One problem that often appears in schools with a high proportion of local staff is the difficulty they have in accessing the plethora of professional development opportunities that are only accessible to those with a professional or proficient level of English. There is a solution, which does not seem to be common practice, which is to deliver professional development programmes bilingually. Jeremy Newton shares some tips to help international educators clarify what is possible and how to implement a professional development programme at their school. Read more
The Third Space – A reflection on ways we develop our sense of context, community and culture as international schools
As the sector has evolved from primarily teaching the children of globally mobile expats, to a demographic increasingly made up of local students, there is a mandate upon school leaders to consider ways in which the values and curricula of our schools should evolve to meet the changing needs of our students. Simon Probert reflects on the changing international school sector. Read more
Adding value through connections
When you think of innovation and creativity in learning, you might be forgiven for picturing something high-tech, cutting-edge and expensive: something beyond the reach of many schools; something perhaps attributed to the mantle of the computer science expert. Audrey McLean tells us about an interdisciplinary approach to innovation that involves adding value through cross-curricular connections. Read more
Facilitating innovation in teaching
Innovation plays a crucial role in driving excellence and continuous growth in schools. This article shares strategies to foster a culture of innovation where teachers feel encouraged and supported to materialise their ideas. Read more
Wellbeing: a way to flourishing
At The Millennium School Dubai, the journey of fostering a culture of wellbeing commenced in December 2019, as Ambika Gulati explains. Read more
Creating safe and secure learning environments: a school’s perspective
Sanah Batta explains some challenges schools are faced with when it comes to implementing strategies for child protection and safeguarding, and lists some key areas that schools can work on to overcome such obstacles. Read more
Nurturing social and emotional skills in students
Poonam Arora explains how, at Bombay Cambridge International School, the core objectives expound the all-round development of children, so that the values of human dignity and equality are enshrined in their hearts to create a true democratic and secular society. Read more
Safeguarding in international schools: operational vs. strategic leadership
Matt Harris from ChildSafeguarding.com shares some safeguarding considerations for schools and school leaders to think about. Read more
AR in school: transforming design and technology education
Stuart Douglas explains how his school's design and technology (D&T) department embarked on a groundbreaking journey into the world of augmented reality (AR). This initiative was driven by a desire to provide students with a dynamic platform to review designs, simulate real-world environments and gain valuable insights from experts. In the wake of the disruptions caused by COVID-19, this AR initiative has not only bridged the gap but has also opened new doors for our students in the realm of D&T. Read more
The Universal Design for Learning glacier
Nanjing International School has started down a path to address the challenge of differentiation by shifting the instructional focus to Universal Design for Learning (UDL). Read more
Leading multilingualism in international schools
This article puts forward the case for a formal leadership role at international schools focused on multilingualism. Jacob Huckle, Susan Stewart and Fatima Aissani-Miller share case studies of three international schools in different contexts that have a head of multilingualism, exploring the rationale for the role and what it involves. Read more
Integrating maths and design through robotics
Irina Mach discusses how, for the second year in a row, grade 8 students at Western Academy of Beijing (WAB) have engaged in an interdisciplinary unit (IDU) that integrates maths and design through robotics. Read more
Building bridges through intergenerational learning
Jade Amalou outlines the intergenerational initiative implemented at Ma Kindy International School that emphasises community partnership. Read more
The Bubble
Our students were living in a bubble, largely isolated from the local culture and language. Rwandan Culture Week was the moment I decided something had to change. We were spending only a week celebrating the culture we are lucky enough to live in every single day. Lauren Jones recalls how her school has blossomed to implement the local culture into its school curriculum and ethos. Read more
How ‘Faux Snow Day’, a student-led initiative, changed the American School of Paris’ vision of student agency
Upon returning to school in 2021, the American School of Paris (ASP) took much care to bridge academic gaps, yet in the social scene, awkwardness lingered as everyone had seemingly forgotten how to interact without a screen. The students decided to take it upon themselves to compensate for the lack of socialisation. Read more
Middle leaders as drivers of school success
Since 2019, the English College in Prague (ECP) has seen year-on-year increases in International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme results, even after a post-pandemic worldwide average decrease. While many incremental improvements across the school have contributed to this success, Emily Rankin outlines how ECP have worked hard to make Middle Leaders drivers of outstanding teaching and learning. Read more
Bringing sustainability into our core priorities for a successful learning experience
Heritage International School in Moldova was shortlisted for its sustainability initiative by ISC Research at the International School Awards in 2023. Tatiana Popa explains the approach the school took to implement sustainability as a top priority, and how they involved everyone in it. Read more
Empowering youths: SALT’s QLEP initiative transforms education and inspires ethical leadership
In a world that is increasingly interconnected, bridging the gaps between nations, cultures and perspectives has become a paramount goal. At the forefront of this transformative journey, students at SALT International School set out to exemplify the essence of unity, communication and understanding. Read more
Instructional coaching
Our whole school learning objective is to make use of evidence-based strategies to unlock student potential. This year Instructional Coaching is the central strategy we are practising in the primary school to achieve this objective. Read more
The potential of Artificial Intelligence for inclusion
While we acknowledge concerns about the rapid development and adoption of Artificial Intelligence (AI), we recognise it also offers great potential to include students in more sophisticated ways. Ochan Kusuma Powell and Becca Leech discuss the potential of AI. Read more
Implementing multi-tiered systems of support (MTSS) to meet the needs of students within the PE context
Matthew Magowan discusses how UNIS Hanoi implemented Multi-tiered systems of support (MTSS) within a PE context, a framework which focuses on providing high-quality, data-informed instruction to meet the needs of every student. Read more
How to avoid school leader burnout
While the wellbeing of students and staff has climbed the agenda since the pandemic, the wellbeing of school leaders is still a low priority. This is short-sighted as research shows the quality of headteacher and principal wellbeing can have a significant impact on school effectiveness. Dr Helen Kelly shares practical advice on how school leaders can work to avoid burnout. Read more
Reclaiming hope
Centred in community, inspiration and action, the Festival of Hope is an initiative created by the International Baccalaureate (IB) that aims to create spaces for millions of young people to speak up and turn complex challenges into positive action and hope. This article gives insight into the lives of students at UWC Atlantic College (AC) and their exploration of the concept of hope as they worked with the IB to host the Festival of Hope in Wales. Read more
What the pandemic taught us about wellbeing
Being a teacher isn't easy. Schools set high standards for educators to provide superb instruction and nurturing pastoral care, fully engage in campus life and communicate with many stakeholders. As such, it is essential for school leaders to prioritise faculty wellbeing, which Robbie Shields is here to tell us all about. Read more
Taking our community with us on our DEIJ journey
As a leader in inclusive education, our DEIJ journey at the International School of Kuala Lumpur (ISKL) has continued to gather momentum. Rami Madani shares practical advice in how to make DEIJ learning accessible to all, how to engage student voice, and more. Read more
A forest full of learning
Seeking to inspire more appreciation of the natural world, International College Hong Kong - Hong Lok Yuen (ICHK-HLY) made the decision to become the first school in Hong Kong to plant a Miyawaki Forest in an unused area at the end of a field. Derek Pinchbeck tells us all about this! Read more
Rights respecting framework guides ethical values focus
Earlier this year, Tanglin Trust School were delighted to be presented with two 2023 International School Awards: the award for best Ethical Values Education and the International School of the Year Award. Peter O'Brien talks about the school's initiative here. Read more
Students lead belonging
Co-constructed by students and faculty in 2020, the International School of Helsinki’s (ISH) Student Voice Commission (SVC) empowers students to foster a culture of inclusivity for their peers and take action to promote equity. Rachael Thrash and Sofie Horák tell us all about it! Read more
Role models support pathways for girls
Dubai College was shortlisted for a 2023 International School Award. Cliona McMenamin, Head of Careers and teacher of Mathematics, explains the future pathways initiative that was recognised. Read more
Taking drama digital
The digital drama initiative at the Alice Smith School in Malaysia turned a challenging situation forced by the pandemic into a new and innovative approach. Holly Sullivan shares how it has diversified and electrified the curricular and extracurricular offers through cutting-edge approaches to theatre design and communication technology. Read more
Supporting dyslexia and EAL through technology
At Ajman Academy, meaningful technology integration has been at the heart of our school improvement journey over the past few years. The dilemma was to decide how to leverage technology in supporting our students by removing barriers to learning whilst maximising our impact on student learning outcomes. Read more
Embracing the right kind of struggle
Newton College in Alicante, Spain was shortlisted for a 2023 International School Award. Its Principal, Alan Taylor, explains the strategic leadership initiative that was recognised for an award. Read more
Self-studies for school improvement
Are you in a constant loop of self-study preparation? Is your staff burnt out by the requirements of the different accrediting bodies? In this article, Ildiko Murray, Head of School at Changchun American International School, China, explores how to collect, organise, present and use the materials for accreditation that go beyond checking boxes and aid continuous school improvement. Read more
Enhancing careers of the local workforce
For the third year in a row, Wellington College China has received HR Asia's Best companies to work for award and is the only education company to receive this honour. It stems from a strategic priority for the group to be the employer of choice in the region – both foreign and local. Is this a duty or a choice for all of us as leaders in the international school sector? Read more
A vision-aligned digital skills curriculum
Dubai College was shortlisted for the Digital Technology in Learning award at the 2023 International School Awards. Read more
Students as community-led changemakers
SALT is a school community that aims to play an integral role in bringing people together to help communicate, build relationships and understand each other. Justin Park talks about SALT's goal to provide an all-inclusive approach towards learning that experiences the collaboration and cooperation of various entities. Read more
Social media – A window to your education world?
Nalini Cook looks at the full interviews from the Edruptors of 2022 and shares some of her favourite comments. Read more
It doesn’t have to be lonely at the top
Jo Evans was once told to think carefully about moving into senior leadership roles because “it’s lonely at the top”. It doesn't have to be lonely, as Jo explains and offers leadership support. Read more
Transforming minds and lives in Nairobi
Still I Rise is an NGO that provides high-quality education to out-of-school and refugee children. Its international school in Nairobi is the first school in the world providing the IB framework for free to vulnerable Kenyan and refugee children. The school received a Highly Commended award at the 2022 International School Awards. Read more
Helping where it matters
The American School of Warsaw (ASW) in Poland won the Community Partnership Award at the 2023 International School Awards for a student-led community initiative with scale and impact as explained by Jon Zurfluh and Ligita Miele. Read more
ChatGPT and AI in school: The artificially intelligent teacher
Edruptor of 2022 Sunny Thakral shares his experience of working with artificial intelligence in the classroom. Read more
Addressing suicide ideation in schools
North London Collegiate School (NLCS) Jeju received the Safeguarding Award at this year’s International School Awards in January for an initiative to confront suicide ideation as James Caudle explains. Read more
Meta, Meta everywhere but in an analogue way we think…
In a light-speed world where we needed everything two days ago and perfection at the click of a button, are we prepared for a world in the metaverse? Are we prepared for a world where artificial intelligence (AI) can teach students to be discerning with information? Are we ready to pivot into the future, no matter the direction? Read more
How to confront a changing landscape
Ghana International School (GIS) is a not-for-profit, private, non-sectarian, coeducational day school established in September 1955 to provide international education to students of all races and creeds, at a time when Ghana was yet to achieve full independence and international schools were a rarity. Dr Mary Ashun explains the need for international mindedness and how GIS is on a mission to confront this. Read more
Educating East Jerusalem: The UN Sustainable Development Goals as a change agent of society
A whole school focus on the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) helped to both resuscitate and bring hope to a school community and allowed its students to understand themselves anew, as authors of their own destinies, as Andrew Watson explains. Read more
Data-driven interventions for Third Culture Kids
Third Culture Kids (TCKs), children who grow up outside their passport countries, face a lot of mobility and transition which increases difficulties that serve as sources of resilience – if adequate support is provided. When that support is not present, we see struggles with regulation, connection and empathy for others. Read more
Empathy at Sara Village School
Our mission at Sara Village School is ‘We Inspire Innovation and Compassionate Action’. Our work integrating empathy into our curriculum, and our celebration of Empathy Week, has been a key strategy in our efforts to live our mission. Read more
Supporting equality in international school leadership
Beccy Fox, Director of Teaching and Learning at KIS International School, Bangkok, shares her recent thoughts about women in leadership in international schools. Read more
Changing school culture and infrastructure
Diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) work is change management work. Embedding DEI practices in one’s institution requires knowing what accelerates change, and what impedes it. In this article we draw on Lippitt’s Managing Complex Change model and Powell and Powell’s NFI Inclusive Toolkit, to introduce a Total Inclusivity Change Components Model. Read more
Tech cognisance, competence and confidence in teachers
As you look ahead to 2023, how are the decisions made about using digital technologies in your classrooms shaping the skills and awareness of your students to live in a globalised world? Read more
Post-COVID wellbeing in international school communities
There is a desire to move forward and leave the past behind, and many students and teachers are more or less able to do this. However, a significant proportion of staff, students, parents and families continue to experience difficulties relating to the pandemic. There is much we can do if we take the initiative now. Read more
Leading recovery through positive contagion
In 2019, AFNORTH International School was flying high, following a cultural shift that placed Values-based Education at the core of its work. However, with the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, the innovative and ambitious international model for education that had seen four different national sections, and six school sections, collaborate to establish and embed a commonly agreed ethical values approach was ‘attacked’ overnight. Read more
Exploring the world of work with meaning and purpose
Dulwich College Beijing in China won the Pathways to Continued and University Education Award at the 2022 International School Awards. Here, Anthony Coles explains the initiative and its continued development since receiving the recognition. Read more
A common language for great teaching
As part of a review of Continuous Professional Learning (CPL), the senior leadership team at Kellett School has identified the potential of using a clearly articulated common language when it comes to teaching and learning. Read more
Are parents of international school students racist?
Danau Tanu, Author and Japan Foundation Research Fellow at the Waseda University Institute of Asia-Pacific Studies in Tokyo, shares her experiences of internalised racism, helping to raise awareness around the issue. Read more
Wellness in Action
Students looking out for the mental health of peers is always positive, especially when students can actively engage in activities that they can incorporate into their lives. Mick Admundson-Geisel, High School Counsellor at The International School Yangon, Myanmar, shares advice on how to implement a student-led wellness project. Read more
Eight lessons in experience strategy for the school of the future
Living in the shadow of a global pandemic, it is hard to avoid articles about the school of the future. David Willows and Suzette Parlevliet, co-founders of Yellow Car, share eight lessons in experience strategy designed to help schools stand out. Read more
A kinder, better place
The International School of Zug and Luzern was honoured with two 2022 International School Awards in January: the International Impact Award for its Global Changemakers Project and the Environment Award for its Aquaponics Programme. Both initiatives highlight work by students and for students towards realising a vision for a better, kinder world as Head of School Barry Dequanne explains. Read more
A data-driven route to better life and learning for students
Over the past five years, Gems Founders School, Dubai (GFS) has focused on shifting the assessment paradigm as part of their school improvement strategy. Read more
Supporting SEN in all environments
Identifying, planning for and meeting the needs of SEN students in an international setting throws up an array of unique challenges. Recognising SEN in countries such as Thailand, where a stigma around those with learning difficulties and/or disabilities still exists, is often the first hurdle to overcome. Read more
Addressing teacher recruitment challenges through training
Good schools need good teachers. But the fact is that teacher supply presents a significant challenge for the international sector. Dr Fiona Rogers, Deputy CEO, Director of Professional Development and Research at COBIS, highlights how to overcome these challenges. Read more
Developing an empathic community
Everyone needs a role model. The smallest of children naturally find someone they look up to, and seek out those they most relate to, and this continues throughout life. Professor Dr Ger Graus OBE shares insights into how to develop an empathic community within international schools. Read more
The future is Meta
Sunny Thakral, Head of Computer Science at Brighton College Bangkok, discusses how we can educate children in the metaverse and through using virtual reality. Read more
Leading a smart campus
How do you run a campus with 3,500 students who have the option of learning multiple curricula under one roof, right from their early childhood years until they graduate high school? It’s a humongous task to say the least, and it's challenging. But it's not impossible, especially when you have designed it to be one of the first smart campuses of the world. Read more
Pathways into aviation, aeronautics and STEM
Mariona Coderch López shares insights into her journey of taking GEMS International School - Al Khail (GIS) through the accreditation process of the International Baccalaureate Career-related Programme (CP). Read more
Transitions care matters for everyone
Jessica Fortin, Admissions Director at the International Community School of Addis Ababa, shares insights into the implementation of transitions-care learning. Read more
Improving the induction of new staff in international schools
With an average of just three years per contract, what are international schools doing to support new staff – those new to the location, and those who are local but new to the school? Read more
A strategic approach to wellbeing within an international school community
Marlborough College Malaysia won the strategic leadership award at the 2022 International School Awards for a whole-school positive psychology and wellbeing initiative for students and staff, involving a wellbeing researcher-in-residence and peer group mental health first-aiders for staff. Read more
Big ideas: forging partnerships to tackle climate change
Graeme Lawrie's role is to drive ACS's charitable mission to advance the education of its students and also the wider community, by working locally and internationally, sharing expertise and resources, as a valued partner to schools, businesses, and communities. Read more
Every drop counts: A whole-school approach to sustainable development
When Greta Thunberg stood outside the Swedish Parliament in September 2018 with a sign saying ‘School Strike for Climate’, she captured the imaginations of young people everywhere, including those at Chinese International School (CIS) in Hong Kong. Read more
Creativity on a roll – Bringing innovation and creativity into the international school curriculum
The Design, Innovation, Computing, Enterprise (DICE) curriculum at Nord Anglia International School Dubai (NAS Dubai) recently won the International School Awards (ISAs) Innovation and Creativity in Learning category for its novel and creative approach. The award is testament to the work and dedication of the staff, students and school community. Read more
Developing self-directed learners
The educational journey from kindergarten right through to high school and beyond can be extremely fulfilling and inspiring for many young people, but it can also be a real struggle for others. Read more
Jack and me: What I learned about inclusivity, and how schools can become more inclusive, from my transgender son
Modest estimates suggest that at least 1% of the global population currently identify as trans or non-binary. This means that, even in smaller schools, some of your students will be questioning their gender identity and, in private if not in public, many of these students will be taking their first steps towards transitioning from the sex that was assigned to them at birth. Read more
DEIJ and the educational journey. Listening, learning and committed to action for meaningful systemic change
At UWCSEA, for over 50 years we have acknowledged that our vision of a peaceful, sustainable future would only be achieved through the combined strengths and differences of many, working together and committed to deliberate actions for greater equity and inclusion on our campuses. Read more
Award-winning digital tech-centred project-based problem-solving
Colegio Panamericano in Colombia won the Digital Technology in Learning International Schools Award 2022 for an interdisciplinary project-based approach to problem-solving that integrates digital technology. Read more
Embedding a culture of inclusion
In recent years, diversity, equity, inclusion and justice (DEIJ) has risen to the fore of the international school agenda. The scope of focus is broad, from examining DEIJ as employers to enabling it as educators. However unique these areas may seem operationally, the key to progress is the same – developing a culture of inclusion Read more
Leading a long-term digital strategy within an international school setting
Emily Colyer, Content Producer at Bett, talks to Brian Taylor, Assistant Principal at Bangkok Patana School in Thailand about how Bangkok Patana is honing its long-term digital strategy. Read more
Empowering students to disclose abuse
The International School Ho Chi Minh City – American Academy won the Safeguarding awards at the 2022 International School Awards for an initiative that protects students from abuse and trains international schools in child protection practices. Michael Tower, the school’s Safeguarding Lead, shares details. Read more
Supporting students displaced by war
For the past five years, Amala has worked with young people who are displaced. Here are some things to keep in mind when receiving and supporting students displaced by war. Read more
Investigating value through storytelling and fantasy
Berlin Brandenburg International School won the Ethical Values Education Award at this year’s International School Awards and explains their award-winning initiative here . The judging panel considered it a model for all schools as judge Paul Regan explains. Read more
Growing the change-makers of tomorrow
Berlin Brandenburg International School won the Ethical Values Award at the International School Awards 2022 for its Growing Up initiative. The project was piloted in the Early Education Programme and received widespread acclaim from the judges who proposed it as an approach that “all schools could model”. Read more
Pioneering a culture of inclusion
Al-Bayan International School received a special commendation at the 2022 International School Awards for introducing extensive inclusive education in Kuwait. Read more
Reshaping learning the IB way
When Pathways School Noida, received a request to help introduce Delhi government teachers to the IB Middle Years Programme (MYP) we were delighted to leap in to help. Our initiative preceded the formal training that the IB itself conducts. It demanded a lot from our teachers who volunteered. They needed to understand where to begin, conduct sessions after school hours and during the Diwali mid-semester break, and review lesson plans and classroom activities. Read more
Make waves in your curriculum
At this year’s International School Awards, The Harbour School, Hong Kong received the Teaching and Learning Award for its place-based experiential learning initiative. Read more
Developing change-makers
In an increasingly (and some might say over) globalised world, schools often utilise terms such as ‘global citizenship’, ‘sustainability’ or ‘service learning’ to describe a set of conditions aimed at making the world a better place through student work. American School of Dubai (ASD) strives to be such a school, in part through its change-maker education programme. Read more
Contextualising international mindedness
Christopher Allen is Director of Learning and Technology and the Theory of Knowledge Coordinator at the Al Sahwa Schools in Oman shares his thoughts on the topic of international mindedness. Read more
Connecting the community through big and small talk
Rugby School Thailand won the Community Wellbeing initiative at the 2022 International School Awards. Read about their initiative and advice here. Read more
Leading comfort and purpose during uncertain times
At this year’s International School Awards, the European Azerbaijan School received a special commendation for delivering educational support to students who are living in the Nagorno Karabakh war zone. CEO and Director, Francesco Banchini, shares the school’s story. Read more
My PhD journey as Head of School
Dr. Omolola Wright-Odusoga, experienced international school head and education consultant to schools discussed her PHD journey as a head of school. Read more
Are your DEIJ initiatives meaningful?
As a future or current revolutionary educator what will you do to ensure that transparency and accountability become an intrinsic part of your values? How will you ensure that all community members feel humanised, seen, and valued? How will you fight for students' right to discover themselves and be provided the adequate tools to understand their reality so that they do not simply feed into the cycle of oppression? Read more
Atomic theory in the primary years
On a global scale, the teaching of atomic theory is not commonly introduced into the curriculum until secondary school. With the support and guidance of specialist science duo, Ian Stuart, founder of Atomic School, and Ruben Meerman, physicist and science educator, Bangkok Patana School has introduced an atomic theory curriculum into its primary school. Read more
Sustainable STEM
Take a moment to imagine a school focused on sustainability. What does it look like? What are the students doing? You might have imagined upcycled fashion, growing food and recycling plastics. You might have imagined awareness campaigns, low-energy days or a meat-free cafeteria. What you might not have imagined are computer simulations, programming or electronics. Why? Read more
Whose voices should be heard?
What do you think is the most influential way of effecting community wide change within international schools and whose voices should be heard? What advice would you like to give to school leaders and educators today? Read more
Finding benefits in online leadership training
Discover the benefits of online training. As an international school teacher, online learning can, if delivered well, offer a welcome chance to talk with teachers working in domestic and overseas contexts about a huge range of common educational issues. It also gives you the chance to put learning into practice alongside another school in another part of the world. Read more
Scholarship towards change
In 2021, the Education Collaborative for International Schools (ECIS), awarded two scholarships for two university students. One of the recipients was Leila Belkacem, a final-year Saharawi refugee student at United World College in Maastricht (UWCM), Netherlands. Here is Leila’s story of education as a refugee and the impact of scholarship. Read more
A coaching way of leadership
What does contemporary international school leadership look like in 2022? The challenges of the last 24 months, while arguably ‘unprecedented’ (how often have we seen that word since early 2020?), showed us that the most effective leadership approaches continue to align with the skills and methods of effective coaching. Read more
A pre-university experience
Chris Lowe, Head of Secondary at The British International School of Abu Dhabi, explains the initiative that won them the Pathways to Higher Education Award at the International School Awards 2021. Read more
Finding pathway guidance in different sources
What pathway support do international school students find most valuable? Reina Tayyibji shares the results of research she conducted with her peers about this question. Read more
Distributed guidance: A new era in pathways planning
Nik Higgins Co-founder at The Ambassador Platform, speaks about the emerging technologies and the applications of Experience Communication Management (XCM) in school pathways planning and how they are offering a mechanism for the guidance burden to become distributed. Read more
The impact of being an international school alumna
Celine* is a 20-year-old international school alumna who attended international schools in the Asia-Pacific for 13 years. She now studies Business Administration at her country’s national university. In this interview, Anson explores Celine’s choices, the challenges she faced and how being an international school student influenced her experience. Read more
Pathways and possibilities
One of the biggest questions any school can ask itself is ‘what is our purpose’? Some schools will say they exist to ensure students get into university and focus on grades and exams, others look a little further along the timeline and view their role as preparing students for university and career. The International School of Kuala Lumpur (ISKL) in Malaysia believes the answer is much broader and longer-term, as Jeff Farrington, ISKL’s High School Principal, explains. Read more
Empowering learners to build their futures through personalised learning courses
The American International School of Budapest’s (AISB) mission is to empower learners to build their futures and contribute to a better world. In support of this mission, AISB offers rigorous and relevant learning experiences intended to help students explore their passions and interests, and to transform their curiosity into knowledge and skills that can make meaningful contributions to the world. Read more
The community college route to a US bachelor’s degree
Wendy Stewart, Vice President of International Programs and Extended Learning at Green River College, discusses the community college route to a US Bachelor's Degree. Including tips for college counsellors. Read more
Developing a community of inspiration and aspiration
Children can only aspire to what they know exists. This goes for every child, whether they’re in a state school in Manchester or in a Dulwich school in China. Aspiring to a future where they have passion and purpose is, to a very significant degree, all about children writing their own narrative of the possible – in other words, making their own decisions about their aspirations. Read more
Our DEI journey
UNIS is taking a multi-pronged approach to address DEI. The first step was creating a DEI team composed of various constituents to focus on the school culture, curriculum and overall composition of our community. Read more
Language support in the mainstream classroom
At Vinschool Central Park in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, we are implementing a school-wide initiative for embedding language support across the curriculum. We are aiming to create a sustainable model that can last as and when teaching staff change. Read more
Hacking education to inspire innovators
American Community School of Abu Dhabi won the future-thinking innovators award at the 2021 International School Awards last January. Here Superintendent, Monique Flickinger tells their award-winning story. Read more
Leading leaders to leave
Much has been written about how a Head of School must fight to retain their most talented leaders who are eager to move on to headships themselves. Let me offer a contrarian view: let them go. In fact, wish them bon voyage with fanfare and your sincere blessing, knowing that the departure of these gifted individuals is good news to be celebrated. This has become a cornerstone of leadership development at Frankfurt International School (FIS). Read more
Achieving evidence-informed leadership
While there is no shortage of data and evidence captured in schools, it is rarely used to guide school leadership in a meaningful way. But we can do more – we can use evidence to establish where we are heading and what we need to do to get there. Read more
What racism and bias look like
What can racism look or sound like in an international school that already believes that it is an authentically internationally-minded school? Read more
Concrete action to address discrimination and bias
‘Where do we start?’ ‘Talking about racism and discrimination will upset too many people.’ ‘We do not have that problem here.’ ‘How do you get people of colour to apply to your school?’ These are the statements and questions I have heard over the past two years when discussing how to make a school more inclusive. At the International School of Dakar (ISD), we started with a problem. Read more
Emojis enhance emotional literacy
New Cairo British International School in Egypt won the Pastoral Initiative at the 2020 International School Awards this January. Deputy Head Tracy Connor explains the initiative which implemented a daily student check-in platform to make emotional wellness an everyday practice at the school. Read more
Introducing progressive child protection
The English School, Kuwait won the International School Awards Safeguarding Award 2021 for a safeguarding initiative that supports its entire international community and that of the wider schools network throughout the country. Read more
Our journey towards diversity, equity and inclusion
The world we live in today has never been so open. Through media and travel we can experience all the world has to offer and become fully immersed in living life and learning how others live their life. The question is, can you do this without preconceptions, judgemental attitudes, and a true sense of openness? Read more
Embedding digital literacy across school staff
Sunny Thakral participated in a panel session at the ISC Research Edruptors Conference, engaging many educators with his solutions for sustainable tech-supported teaching and learning. Read more
Sustainability: a mission, not a token
Sal Gordon inspired many at this summer’s ISC Research Edruptors Conference with his advice for international schools on embracing sustainability within the school ethos. Here he expands on his conference comments. Read more
Social justice in international schools
Anson Wong speaks to Kotoha Kudo. Kotoha Kudo was one of the student speakers at the ISC Research Edruptors Conference. She is co-founder of student-led activist group Reset Revolution and participated in the Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Justice panel discussion. Here we ask her to dig a little deeper on her views about social justice in international schools. Read more
Embracing new pedagogies from a virtual school experience
At Nord Anglia International School, Hong Kong (NAISHK) we were delighted to win the strategic leadership award at the International School Awards for our approach to online learning. We called this our Virtual School Experience (VSE) and it has irrevocably changed a multitude of aspects of our school and left us with some deep questions to consider for the future. Read more
Data Mining in the Early Years
Fiona Carter, Director of Academics at Wellington College China and Matthew Savage, educational consultant and trainer Savage Education share some best practices on Early Years data. Read more
A route to global understanding and wellbeing
The Ethical Values Education award at this year’s International School Awards was won by Dulwich College Singapore for a compassionate systems framework developing students’ emotional literacy. Here, Jacob Martin shares details of the initiative. Read more
‘When life gives you lemons’: the importance of positivity
It goes without saying that the past year has been a time of unprecedented challenge and uncertainty for school communities around the world. If supporting the social and emotional health of a school community is a big task in a regular school year, what happens to nurturing wellbeing in the midst of a global pandemic? The winner of the International School Award Wellbeing Initiative 2021, The International School of Kuala Lumpur (ISKL), shares how it tackled the challenge. Read more
International School of the Year 2021
To win the globally contested International School of the Year Award is such an incredible achievement for Branksome Hall Asia, a school that only opened its doors in October 2012. Read more
Higher Education special issue of International School Leader Magazine
The December issue of International School Leader Magazine is now published. It is a special issue focused on pathways to higher education. Read more
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