“At ISP, we believe that honouring and integrating students’ diverse languages not only supports academic success but also cultivates a truly inclusive, global learning environment.”
Ruth Radwan
Group Head of Multilingualism
%
of our students are multilingual
%
of our leavers master B2 proficiency or higher in an additional world language
languages spoken by our students
Multilingualism: building bridges across cultures
In today’s globalised world, being multilingual is a life skill. It’s not only essential for access to top universities and careers, but it also fosters a deeper understanding of other cultures, builds empathy and enhances cognitive abilities like problem-solving and adaptability.
A balanced approach to language development
Multilingual learning transforms our schools. Students flourish in communities where cultural diversity is celebrated. We engage families in conversations about balancing global and home languages to optimise long-term success. Our strategies are supported by research, such as pedagogical translanguaging, which enhances literacy and cognitive flexibility.
Translanguaging for multilingual learning
Translanguaging is a key element of our commitment to fully multilingual and inclusive curricula. This approach empowers ISP students to draw from their entire linguistic repertoire, using their home languages alongside additional languages to enhance learning, express ideas, and connect with their cultural identities. By encouraging students to speak, write, and translate across languages, translanguaging fosters positive attitudes, strengthens metacognitive skills, and promotes deeper understanding.
How we embed multilingualism in ISP schools
We’re proud of our multilingual approach, which enriches both academic and social development.
Celebrate language diversity
Schools honour the linguistic backgrounds of our students, helping them feel valued and confident.
We host cultural events, language days and storytelling sessions to highlight the importance of heritage languages. Students are encouraged to share their experiences, fostering an atmosphere of inclusion and respect.
Support academic literacy
Every ISP student achieves proficiency in at least one additional global language.
Through targeted language programmes, students receive support in developing both everyday communication skills and deeper academic literacy, allowing them to excel in multilingual environments.
Equip
educators
Our teachers are trained to create inclusive, language-rich environments.
Through initiatives like the Multilingualism Professional Learning Pathway (MLP) we practice translanguaging techniques, develop strategies for supporting bilingual learners and build professional networks where educators share best practices and success stories.
Benefits of bilingual and multilingual education.
