Teaching and learning through a pandemic

At ISD, technology was already an integral part of the learning experience well before COVID-19 arrived. One of our most important goals is for every student to be a responsible, global digital citizen who can safely and confidently navigate online spaces, and use digital tools to enhance their own learning. 

Thanks to this existing digital learning infrastructure, our teaching teams were able to immediately implement a versatile remote-learning programme across all grades. Our families, too, played a significant role, supporting their children to negotiate this uniquely challenging experience. Together, our entire learning community was able to approach the challenges presented by COVID-19 with creativity and resolve. 

For example, virtual workshops with visiting artists enriched our visual and performing arts programmes; our physical education and outdoor learning classes were able to move seamlessly to gardens, balconies and living rooms, while kitchens and bathrooms became our new science labs; the majority of our after-school activities were able to continue in the virtual domain, while our student athletes continued to be supported as they switched to individual training regimes; our student progress conferences switched smoothly to an efficient online model; and community engagement continued, with online workshops, fireside chats, and individual and family challenges.

In short, school and community life continued to thrive, despite the unprecedented challenges, and not a minute of learning time was lost. 

However, COVID-19 wasn’t all that the past twelve months have thrown our way: natural disasters, and a widespread demand for social change have reminded us that the world our children will inherit, and the opportunities and challenges they will encounter, will not always be easy to predict. 

Amidst such volatility, the value and relevance of an international education – one that promotes kindness, positive leadership and a love of learning – cannot be overstated. 

We’re proud to say that at ISD, there is no ‘one size fits all’. We welcome students with different interests, talents, and abilities into our school, and support each and every one of them to become the very best version of themselves they can be. 

Flexibility is therefore a hallmark of learning at ISD: our learning environments are adaptable and dynamic; our interdisciplinary units allow students to develop creative solutions outside the bounds of a single subject; our supplementary “elective” courses provide opportunities for students to forge their own path, while our Additional Learning Opportunities (ALOs) allow students the freedom to be curious, and to discover connections between their passions and their talents.

Crucial to this flexibility, is our talented teaching staff. Recruited from around the globe (currently over 35 nationalities are represented) they bring an abundance of knowledge and experience, as well as a wealth of diversity to our classrooms. Working collaboratively, they provide a challenging and supportive environment for all students.

Families are another key partner in the learning journey. At ISD, parents enjoy ample opportunity to engage in school life, as well as ready access to their children’s teachers, support staff and leadership. We believe such broad community engagement exposes our students to different expertise and more varied learning opportunities and is an important part of what makes learning at our school rich and authentic.

In fact, the idea of the “ISD family” is a defining feature of the ISD culture. As an international community, we place great emphasis on inclusion. New students, and their families, are warmly welcomed and carefully supported to integrate quickly into the school community. 

For our parents, there are a myriad of opportunities to become involved through our community enrichment and volunteer programmes. For many, ISD becomes a home away from home, where lifelong friendships are forged.

This, in a nutshell, is ISD: a school committed to providing an education that is relevant, today and tomorrow; an education that sees our students flourish and inspires them to make a positive difference in their world.