At ISL, we recognise and respect the diversity of our learners in terms of background, culture, language, gender, interests, readiness to learn, modes and rates of learning, confidence and independence as learners.

We believe that:

• ·       The goal of learning is to gain lasting understanding
• ·       Learning with understanding is enhanced by self-assessment, reflection and thinking about the way we think
• ·       Learning with understanding is facilitated when students construct meaning around the major concepts and principles of a discipline, make connections among the disciplines and apply trans-disciplinary skills
• ·       Learners benefit from continuous assessment that provides clear, thorough and individual feedback
• ·       Learners learn most effectively when they take an active role through inquiry, analysis, problem solving and discovery
• ·       Learners learn best when they are appropriately challenged, interested in the material, find it relevant and are confident that success is within their grasp
• ·       Learners learn in many different ways, have diverse abilities which are most effectively addressed when teachers differentiate instructional opportunities

We recognise that students differ as learners in terms of background, culture, language, gender, interests, readiness to learn, modes of learning, speed of learning, support systems for learning, self-awareness as a learner, confidence as a learner and independence as a learner.

These differences profoundly impact how students learn and the support they will need at various points in the learning process. Teachers create flexible, rich learning environments and construct learning experiences based on what they know about each of their learners in order for each student to continue to develop further.