Student Services
The International School of Islamabad strives to provide the maximum level of support for all of our students. The various services include: Learning Support, English Language Learners, Counseling and Guidance Services from two full-time Counselors, and Medical and Health Support from a full-time School Nurse.
Learning Support
ISOI is proud to offer the ‘Optimal Match' program - an initiative of the United States Department of Overseas Schools. Optimal Match strives to match the individual, relative learning strengths and weaknesses of each student with the appropriate kind of academic support and/or enrichment. Through regularly scheduled, grade-level meetings, the teachers, the Resource Director, the Counselor and the Principal, discuss the on-going progress of each student, and the degree and nature of support that can be offered.
Please note, however, that by Board policy, the school is unable to offer individual student education programs. Parents of students who have special educational needs are strongly advised to consult with the Resource Director prior to initiating the enrollment process. While we make every effort to provide a viable learning support program, students are expected to be able to meet the demands of the regular academic program at all grade levels. Students whose needs cannot be met by the school will not be enrolled.
The school maintains two resource rooms - one in the Elementary School and one in the Middle School (for HS and MS students). Students are generally seen in the Elementary resource room for individual or small group remedial instruction. Middle and High School students may receive help with a specific assignment or to complete a test or quiz with accommodations such as additional time, use of a computer, or provision of a reader or scribe.
For more details about learning support services please contact the Resource Director.
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English Language Learners
The school provides ELL testing and instructional services for students in Grades 1-10. In most cases, each student in need of this specialized language help receives one period (approximately 45 minutes) daily in one of two ELL classrooms. While the school does accept non-speakers of English, it is expected that Juniors and Seniors (Grades 11 and 12) will have sufficient English skills to cope with the regular academic program without requiring this specialized assistance.
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Counseling and Guidance Services
ISOI’s Guidance Counselor provides services to the Elementary, Middle and High Schools.
The Counselor works in partnership with students, parents, teachers and administrators to further the School’s mission. ISOI’s proactive and responsive counseling services support social/emotional health, academic success, and attainment of each student’s college and career goals, while incorporating the global perspective that is unique to international schools.
The role of the Counselor is crucial to the success of the Optimal Match program, as we recognize that emotional and social development go hand in hand with academic growth. In addition to Optimal Match support, the Counselor meets students and parents by appointment for individual needs and meets with class groups as needed.
In the High School, the Counselor also serves as the students' College Placement Counselor. Current students and parents can access the College Counseling Moodle page for a variety of resources and information to guide them through the college planning process. PSAT and SAT courses and testing sessions are coordinated by the Counselor and conducted throughout the school year.
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School Nurse
A full-time, registered, and experienced School Nurse is available throughout every school day, and also at school sports meets and other functions to provide quality medical attention to the entire school community. All incoming families are expected to provide up-to-date medical records (medical history, immunization records etc.) which are kept in secure files in the Nurse's office. Throughout the school year, the Nurse administers medicines, does routine health screening (such as vision and hearing), contacts parents as required regarding student health, and engages with the wider school community on issues of nutrition, general health and safety.
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