Analysis of the Entry Plan for The International School

of Hyderabad

Oli Tooher-HancockHead of SchoolJanuary, 2014

Background on New HoS?• Leadership

• Curriculum (including extra and co)

• Educational Research

Educational philosophy

Beyond the necessity of a strong academic background,

students need to feel respected, secure and empowered to learn

in an optimal environment that prepares them for the 21st

century and develops them into caring, compassionate and

well-rounded human beings.

Why do an Entry Plan?• Bringing ISH to Greater Heights (Board Directive at Interview)

• Strengths, Opportunities, Aspirations and Results

• Gather as much information as quickly as possible

Strengths:•Atmosphere - open and friendly, personal•Accessibility and individual care by faculty•Special days •Great facilities •Big kids mix well with small kids

Strengths:

•Love the infrastructure – good size school – individual attention. •International community and diversity – 26 countries AMAZING•Children are happy at school•The children feeling like they are part of shaping the school.

Opportunities:•Need to be more academic (perception it was weaker in secondary school)•Build up high school with challenging curriculum•Inconsistency in teaching style and approach•Leaders need to set clear expectations for their teachers•Need to make learning more relevant to the real world

Opportunities:•Need an orientation for new students –INTERNATIONAL •Need Professional Development of teachers. •Better sporting opportunities, better equipment in the playgrounds etc.•Buses need a complete overhaul•Canteen – food and cost

A summary quote:The way I see it; there is a challenge ahead finding a way to make the teachers grow as leaders to our children and have the best ability to guide our children into becoming independent young adults’!

Aspirations:• Move the school ahead to be modern and advanced – in content, ICT, teaching style, attitude.•Nobody wants to leave•Compete with other schools in sports and academically•School of choice in Hyderabad•High academic scores

Results: How do we know?

•Academic results •Whole person•Evidence of service learning•Student leaders•Alum contact•Local and International reputation

Preserve at ISH:• The International spirit! The welcoming feeling for both parents and students! • The friendly and personal atmosphere of teachers and students• Listening to parents• Embracing cultural diversity• Building an inclusive atmosphere• Integrity and Honesty

Some misunderstandingsComparing curriculum to other local schools

Not understanding our curriculum – need for information evenings

Nature of 21st century learning

A Way Forward

•Information evenings on the IBDP and IGCSE•Open day at ISH to encourage more students in final two years with DP•Develop a more meaningful connected curriculum K-8

•Develop our assessment and reporting•Revise schedule for learning in depth•On going PD for faculty•Orientation for new students, teachers and parents.

Five Year Review - October 2014Accredited by:

Council of International SchoolsNew England Association of Schools and Colleges

Authorized by:

International Baccalaureate for the Diploma Program

What has been addressed:• Weekly PD for teachers on 21st century

learning – ongoing• PD Task Force• Technology Committee – improved routers• Transportation Committee – two buses

purchased – two routes added• Student led learning on Global Citizenship• Service Learning for ASA• Three Way Conferences- Students

responsible for their own learning• Researching for a new curriculum K-8

What has been addressed:

• Campus has been cleaned up – Canteen over the break – ongoing system to keep the campus beautiful

• Ongoing dicsussions with ICRISAT regarding the cafeteria (less complaints)

• Commencing conversations with ICRISAT • Meeting with like international schools in India to form a

league• Marketing campaign with focus on sponsorship

………To a vision that fosters:

• Responsible Global Citizens• Responsibility for their own learning - lifelong learners• Leadership• Service learning• Inter-connectivity• Learning that is relevant, current and concurrent• Environmental education• Interdiscipinary links to ICRISAT

= A CONNECTED CURRICULUM

Thank you for listening

Questions?