A ‘new normal’ – ISP’s approach to learning during the COVID-19 outbreak

Despite the temporary closure of our school buildings around the world due to COVID-19, learning and teaching continues through our distance learning approaches across the International Schools Partnership (ISP). The safety and wellbeing of students, staff and families remains our top priority as we continue to put learners and learning at the forefront of everything we do.

We know it is a very different and unsettling time for everyone as we transition to our ‘new normal’ and that these exceptional circumstances are a change for our educators, students and their families. However, change brings opportunities as well as challenges. We continue to find strength through our global ISP community and supporting one another through these changes.

Some of our ISP schools and offices have already been learning and working from home for over three weeks, and others are only just starting this new way of life. It is a time of learning, for reflection and improving and getting better together. The truth of the matter for all of us is that living in isolation is hard and will get harder over time. We will all experience more challenging times together in those weeks ahead and the human spirit of togetherness is what will help us through.

One of the many benefits for ISP schools is being part of a community where we share best practice and get better together. Another benefit is financially we are more stable together as a global group of schools. ISP has a strong financial backing both within and outside of the organisation that will help each school through this unusual period and is another example of our strength in togetherness.

Our highly experienced Learning & Education professionals have established an effective distance learning strategy which includes a broad range of supportive materials and resources. These are designed to ensure consistency of learning whilst schools transition to a Distance Learning model and continue to get better over time. All our schools have strategies in place to enable distance learning so we can continue to focus on learning and our commitment to our students and their families. By having effective plans in place, we minimise disruption, confusion and uncertainty for our children and students.

Across ISP, we understand that distance learning is not only about technology; it’s also about our people. We recognise that there are many elements involved in providing content, experiences and connection for children and students so that they can continue to learn as part of a community.

Steve Brown, Group Chief Executive Officer at the International Schools Partnership, comments:

“I want to express my gratitude for the huge effort going into adapting to our ‘new normal’ as a global group of schools. I have never been prouder of the ISP global community and I’m hugely grateful to all teachers and staff in our schools and offices.

“I have been in awe of the way you are pulling together to make an unsettling situation one of opportunity and hope for our students and families. I also want to thank to our students, parents and families who have been supportive and patient during this constantly changing time. “

We want to reassure the ISP community that we will be doing all we can to continue to support the wellbeing of our staff, children, and students. ISP professionals within our schools are there to support students and staff and families are encouraged to reach out to them as they may need. We know now more than ever, together, we must stay connected with one another and keep vigilant for those of us who are most vulnerable. Where possible, ISP will provide additional resources to provide students and staff with access to the support and help they may need.