ISA’s culture of care and compassion helps shape future success

Our children’s education in their early years cements their passion for learning and fundamentally shapes their lives. At ISA, children are given the opportunity to embrace a different kind of learning, driven by a school-wide culture that focuses on children for who they are as individuals.

At the top of the list for families choosing a school is almost always the level of care their child will receive to support their learning and wellbeing. Studies show parents focus on a variety of different issues including caring teachers, quality of curriculum, student safety and quality of facilities, among the main reasons when it comes to considering the school with the right fit for their child.

Student wellbeing sits at the heart of everything we do as we equip our students with the tools they need to build a strong foundation for the future. We consider the uniqueness of each of our students and how they are navigating their developmental milestones, as well as considering the parents’ own visions for their child’s education.

It’s no wonder our student population has increased year on year with the school population now sitting at just over 530 as we continue our pledge to create positive learning environments with a sense of inclusion and belonging.

From pre-school age upwards, we pride ourselves on ensuring students are free to be themselves, encouraging natural curiosity and a zest for learning. Student-centred learning takes a whole child approach, which includes having two full-time counsellors dedicated to elementary and middle school.

Academic progress is one piece of the puzzle alongside ensuring a child is developing emotionally, socially and behaviourally.

It’s important to remember that most academic growth will come from a child feeling safe and included. All these factors combined create the space to grow, try something new in class, seek help, provide help to others and learn in their best way.

Our team of experienced teachers know that by engaging with young people and giving them a sense of control over their own learning, their brains will adapt to produce powerful results.

Elementary school at ISA covers pre-school to

Grade 5 (pre-school to Primary 6). Our elementary school principal, Morio Kajiwara, who has more than two decades’ experience in the education sector, says: “It is a privilege to work here with a wonderful staff and parent community but most of all our amazing students. Aside from achieving some of the world’s top exam results, ISA has fantastic pastoral care and a true passion to empower, support and inspire the next generation.”

We make every decision with the child in mind, and we know it is the quality of our relationships that determine the strength of leadership.

Assistant elementary school principal Paul Bertolotto leans on past experience working in more than 100 other schools and universities when considering ISA’s mission to provide excellence in education and exceptional care for every child. He says: “I can honestly say I’ve never worked in a school that provides such a holistic experience and care for children than ISA. Children experience their learning at our school through real-life meaningful engagement with their community, and it is from these experiences that children learn at their best.”

As Scotland’s first international school, ISA welcomes children from age 3 to 18. With small class sizes and first-rate learning, language and counselling support, your child will receive the support they need to prepare them to thrive in a globalised world.

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