International School Aberdeen (ISA) hailed as ‘outstanding’ by inspectors: Book a tour for your child
ISA welcomed HM Inspectors from the country’s governing education body who visited the campus on the outskirts of Aberdeen earlier this year.
The school was judged on four standards, receiving two ‘excellent’ scores (6 out of 6) which is ‘extremely rare’ and only occurs in very few inspections. ISA was also awarded two ‘very good’ scores meaning the inspectors had no recommendations for improvement.
The report included many positive statements and the main recommendation was to "continue to deliver high-quality, enriching learning experiences for children and young people".
Highlights of the report include the “consistently very high standards of learning and teaching across the school”.
Inspectors also had praise for the way teachers and support staff work together, saying: "The dedication of all staff in creating a supportive ethos of nurture and achievement, where children, young people and adults feel valued and included."
ISA’s Head of School, Nick Little, said the report demonstrates that ISA is truly a leader in the field of independent education.
“To receive this exceptionally good report with largely unparalleled results in Scotland is wonderful for our entire school community,” said Mr Little.
“We are delighted that our dedication to providing children and young people with a global approach to education has been recognised in this way.”
The report commended ISA’s “exceptional quality of leadership at all levels across the school” and the “consistently very high standards of learning and teaching”. Teachers were commended for ‘providing rich and dynamic learning experiences that promote diversity and celebrate internationalism’.
“I am extremely proud of the dedication of all staff at ISA who can feel justly proud of how we have worked through some tough years to produce a remarkable education recognised by an external national education agency,” said Nick.
High achievers
ISA’s high levels of attainment across the school were identified as exemplary with all children and young people developing valuable skills and depth of knowledge across the curriculum, leading to outstanding results in external exams and assessments.
The supportive ethos of nurture and achievement was also commented on and the report noted that the children were “highly motivated to learn and that “they contribute to improving their school in highly meaningful ways”.
Sense of community
Nurturing a sense of community is fundamental to the school’s approach to child-centred learning, and says it recognises academic progress is just one piece of the puzzle as it works to ensure its youngsters are also growing emotionally, socially and behaviourally.
Student welfare is paramount but the school also offers modern, purpose-built facilities.
“ISA is a very special place; we have a wonderful staff and parent community, and our remarkable children and young people inspire us every day. We have a true passion to empower and support the next generation, not only with academic success, but with the power that compassion and respect for all holds,” said Nick.
About the school
As the school celebrates its 50th anniversary year, some 50% of its 500 or so students are now UK citizens and that percentage is evenly balanced with those joining the school from overseas.
ISA is the only school in the region to offer the prestigious International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma, allowing students to go one step further than core academic skills. Uniquely for a school-based system, pupils are explicitly taught how to think about thinking. ISA teaches students to become critical thinkers and problem solvers who take the initiative to find new ways of working. Statistics also show IB students are more likely to complete university, to get a better grade and graduate better equipped for the workplace.
Latest appointment
ISA has announced the appointment of former director with LEGO, Stuart MacAlpine, as its new Middle and High School Principal.
With more than two decades’ experience in the education sector, Stuart will take up the new role as Principal for Grades 6-12 in August.
Born and raised in the UK with his formative years spent living between England and Scotland, Stuart’s career in education has taken him all over the world, to Singapore and New Zealand and more recently to Denmark where he’s spent the last 2.5 years with the LEGO Foundation as Senior Director.
His role with the LEGO Foundation’s Centre for Playful Learning has most recently been to lead the technical advisory team, focused on the relationship between learning and play, a key area of focus in Stuart’s educational philosophy.
“I’m delighted to have been appointed as ISA Middle and High School Principal and very grateful to have the chance to put my experience to use at such a progressive and inclusive school,” said Stuart.
“I have always cared deeply about schools that bring diverse people together to help shape stronger communities and a better world. International education therefore was something that I was strongly drawn to and whose ideals I share.”
Book a school tour
So, join the trend, move with the times, and let’s shape the future together.
To find out more and to book your tour, visit: www.isa.aberdeen.sch.uk