RU
We are the International School of St Petersburg, but what does it mean to be international? There are many other schools in the city with such a moniker. What makes them “international”? The fact they aren’t a Russian state school? The fact they teach some of their curriculum in English? Do one or two of their teachers coming from somewhere foreign make them “international”? With so many aspects that could play a part, it means it can be difficult to understand what exactly the title international means in the whole context of schooling.
So what is it that makes a family choose an International education and how do we at ISSPb differ from all the other ‘international’ and language schools within the city?
As both an educator and a parent, there are numerous appeals to the world of international teaching and learning. First and foremost is the curriculum, which provides a strong emphasis on the core subjects of English, Mathematics and Science, whilst offering a wide range of other non-core subjects. Each school year is dedicated to preparing the children for success and readiness to positively embrace and succeed in standardised tests. Being proficient in these subjects will allow students to move easily to other International schools across the globe, or perhaps you might decide to make the switch to a prestigious boarding school in the UK or Switzerland. If you’re considering universities in Europe or the US, then A-levels are accepted in over 160 countries worldwide and IGCSEs are the stepping stone to them.
The English National Curriculum offers Geography, History, a Modern Foreign Language (in our case, French) Design & Technology, Physical Education, Art, Music and Computing. With such a wide range of topics, students are able to discover their passions, strengths and weaknesses.
The fact that we have these subjects delivered by experienced and qualified teachers who have the qualifications to deliver and understand the next steps of the students allows us to work towards the end goals of the examinations at 16 and 18. This is a profession, just as with a dentist or a doctor, you want professionals at the helm who understand the children and can guide them in the right direction. At ISSPb we understand that those directions are not simply the English National Curriculum, which is why native Russian students can simultaneously continue with the Russian Programme, working towards sitting their OGA examinations.
When Shakespeare famously stated, the whole world’s a stage, he wanted people to be bold, be brave, take their chances and make something of all their opportunities. That’s what we aim for at ISSPb. Our school centres around the student’s experience – be it centre stage during one of our school performances, playing an instrument, partaking in a sports tournament or even showcasing their artwork. Everything we aim to achieve, ends in a final product that the students can be proud of and are driven to think after its completion – what’s next? The inclusion of class trips and residentials allows students to experience learning first hand, puts themselves in the real world where they can put their learning to the test.
At the heart of genuine international schools, there is also a meaningful pastoral system aimed at promoting a sense of belonging, providing leadership opportunities and helping students to develop collaborative skills across the school. This is achieved through our House system, where the students participate in various house competitions and earn themselves points throughout the school week to be awarded the coveted House Trophy. The students gathered together to decide on the names of their houses, this is something that helps them understand competition and how to work as a team.
Finally, it’s not only the students that benefit from an international education, but also the teachers and parents. With the possibility of building relationships with other schools in Russia – such as in Moscow and Kazan – as well as being part of COBIS (Council of British International Schools) and LRN accredited, we work together to provide an even richer experience for our students. For many people in our community, school is a home away from home, a warm and friendly atmosphere open to all. We want ISSPb to be a wonderful place to teach, learn and be a part of each and every day, and we think that’s obvious as soon as you walk through the doors.
Chloe Herman, KS3-5 English Language and Literature, Deputy Head
