Scan Magazine | Education Profile | International School of London
‘Genuinely international, genuinely diverse’ With a focus on academic challenge and enquiry as approach, International School of London (ISL) is renowned for its diverse and rigorous language profile. The school prides itself on providing a friendly, secure base for students of all ages whose parents come to London for work.
friendly atmosphere with a degree of informality. People know each other, the families are involved; we pride ourselves on really strong interpersonal relationships,” he says.
By Linnea Dunne | Photos: ISL
“We’re an International Baccalaureate [IB] school, so naturally we’re very strong on this – but other than that, our real strength is our language programme,” says Yoel Gordon, head of admissions. “We offer English as a second or additional language, as well as mother-tongue teaching in 22 different languages.” The language programme has given the school a respected name and provides insight into the unique environment prospective students can expect. Gordon estimates that the single largest language group represents no more than nine per cent of the entire student population, pinpointing just how diverse the atmosphere is. “There’s no dominant culture or language,” he explains. “There’s a tremendously dynamic and exciting mix of backgrounds; we’re genuinely international, genuinely diverse. That really is a defining aspect of the entire academic experience.” 30 | Issue 104 | September 2017
A non-national curriculum offering the IB programme all the way from primary – starting at age three – through secondary and all the way up to the IB Diploma programme, ISL champions the practical, enquiry-focused approach typical of IB, with a non-national curriculum. This makes for an attractive option for parents who come to London on a two- or threeyear expat assignment. Key for their children is a welcoming environment where they can easily make friends, as well as an academic programme shaped around a cultural awareness of the great academic and social changes these pupils are going through. Crucially, they need support for whatever adventure awaits next, be it an international school elsewhere, a return home, or the first year at university. Gordon believes that the school’s relatively small size, with only around 400 pupils in total, helps. “There’s a very
Right now, what is perhaps most exciting is the fact that a four-year-long building programme is coming to an end, presenting a brand-new building for the IB Diploma students and significantly increased capacity for the school overall. “We’re growing!” Gordon enthuses. “There are plenty of interesting projects going on, including a huge new sports complex in our neighbouring Gunnersbury Park. It’s a very exciting time.”
Web: www.islschools.org/london