PUBLICATION
International School Leader Magazine
Latest issue – November 2024
NOVEMBER 2024
WELCOME
At ISC Research, we are currently in the midst of conference season. Taking part in these thought-provoking events is a highlight of the year for our staff who relish the opportunity to meet international school representatives from around the world.
Many key themes explored at these conferences are also picked up on in this edition of ISL Magazine with articles on sustainability, the future of education and student wellbeing all taking centre stage. If you aren’t attending any conferences this year, I hope the themes in this issue provide inspiration for you and your school for the academic year ahead.
The 2025 International School Awards are also approaching. Hosted in January 2025 in the ISC Community, the awards showcase the best practices from international school awards from around the world. One of the 2024 winners, Kopila Valley School, have contributed to this edition of the magazine, detailing their fantastic sustainability initiative in Nepal.
Adam Gray-Sims
Editor
In this issue
How do you enjoy reading our magazine? We keep options open for you! You can access all articles featured in the latest issue below, or download a PDF version via the ISC Research Community. If you’ve not already done so, click here to sign up to the ISC Community!
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
KEEP IN TOUCH
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