At Star International School, Al Twar, students bring different languages, cultures and experiences into their learning every day. Recognising those different starting points and creating opportunities for students to develop as multilingual learners can help young people communicate, connect and participate confidently in the world around them. Star International School, Al Twar at the ISP Leadership in Multilingualism Conference Recently, Ms Lila Boughedir, Head of Multilingualism and French Educator, represented Star International School, Al Twar at the ISP Leadership in Multilingualism Conference in Dubai, joining colleagues from ISP to explore how multilingualism can translate into meaningful experiences for students. The two-day conference brought together multilingualism leads and senior leaders from ISP schools across Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Qatar, alongside regional, divisional, global and Group colleagues. Participants explored multilingualism through the lens of their own school communities, while learning from the experiences and expertise of colleagues working in different contexts. Reflections from the conference Ms Lila Boughedir, Head of Multilingualism and French Educator “One of my key takeaways from the conference was the importance of recognising the different languages and experiences students bring into the classroom. At Star, Al Twar, we want every student to feel valued and confident in expressing themselves. The conference gave us valuable ideas to explore how we can further support language development and create meaningful learning opportunities for our students.” Understanding multilingual learners Students across ISP schools have different experiences of language. Some already use several languages in their everyday lives, while others may be developing an additional language for the first time. ISP’s wider ambition is to give every student opportunities to develop and benefit as a multilingual learner. During the conference, participants considered how the languages and knowledge students already have can support new learning, how Learning Design can create opportunities for language development and how evidence can help schools better understand student progress. They also used ISP’s Multilingualism Roadmap to reflect on practice and consider priorities within their own school contexts. Sharing learning across the region Gemma Donovan, Regional Head of Multilingualism for ISP Middle East, said: “One of the most valuable parts of coming together as a region is learning from the different experiences across our schools. Colleagues can take that shared learning back to their own communities, reflect on what their students need and identify practical priorities that can strengthen multilingual learning in their school.” Learning from different school communities The conference brought together colleagues from schools with different curricula, communities and student language profiles. This gave Ms Lila Boughedir the opportunity to hear different perspectives, share experiences from Star International School, Al Twar and consider how ideas discussed at the conference relate to their own students. At Star International School, Al Twar, English is the main language of instruction, with Arabic integrated into the curriculum from Early Years to Post-16. Rather than applying the same approach in every school, the focus was on developing a shared understanding of multilingualism while recognising that strong practice needs to respond to each school’s particular context. Mr Rory Galvin, Regional Learning Director for ISP Middle East, said: “Strong Learning Design begins with knowing our learners. The conference gave colleagues time to explore how language can support learning, consider evidence from different contexts and reflect on what this means for their own students. Taking that thinking back into schools is where it can begin to make a difference.” Creating opportunities for student For ISP Middle East, developing multilingualism is ultimately about what students experience in their schools and classrooms. Mr Kam Bhamra, Regional Managing Director for ISP Middle East, said: “Our students are growing up in communities where different languages, cultures and perspectives are part of everyday life. We want them to see that as an opportunity that enriches their sense of culture, belonging and identity. Developing as a multilingual learner can help young people communicate with more people, understand different perspectives and prepare for opportunities beyond school. Our responsibility is to create environments where students’ languages and cultures are valued, they feel a genuine sense of belonging, and multilingualism becomes part of who they are and who they can become.” Looking ahead for multilingual learning at Star International School, Al Twar For Star International School, Al Twar, taking part in the conference provided an opportunity to contribute to that wider regional conversation while bringing fresh thinking back into the school community. At Star International School, Al Twar, we believe that every student’s language, culture and individual experiences contribute to a rich and inclusive learning community. As an established British curriculum school in Dubai, welcoming families from Dubai and Sharjah, we are committed to creating an environment where students feel a strong sense of belonging and are encouraged to express themselves with confidence. Through meaningful learning experiences and a focus on communication, collaborationand respect for different perspectives, we aim to nurture curious, confident learners whoare prepared to connect with the wider world. As colleagues across ISP Middle East take their learning back into their individual school contexts, the connections created through the conference will continue to provide opportunities to share expertise and learn from one another. At Star International School, Al Twar, the learning and perspectives brought back by Ms Lila Boughedir will contribute to that continuing journey, with the shared ambition of creating meaningful opportunities for students to develop and thrive as multilingual learners.
