A Vibrant Celebration at ISA
International School Aberdeen (ISA) was transformed into a global village this past weekend as our community gathered for the highly anticipated International Festival 2026. An annual highlight of the ISA school calendar, the festivities began with a moving formal Guard of Honour, featuring student flag bearers representing the dozens of nations that make up the ISA tapestry. Dressed in stunning national attire and heritage colours, these ambassadors created a spectacular visual tribute to our global identity, lining the entrance to greet guests as they arrived for an afternoon of profound cultural connection. Under the theme “One School, Many Stories,” the event served as a powerful reminder of the diversity that defines our school, bringing together students, staff, and families to celebrate the open-mindedness and caring nature that create our inclusive campus culture.
The Power of Language and Voice
As a school that champions multilingualism, the festival highlighted the vital importance of mother-tongue expression. A spectacular Welcome Ceremony featured our ‘language and cultural advocates’ greeting the crowd in their native tongues, while Grade 4 students acted as communicators by teaching the community useful phrases in different languages. This focus on language was the culmination of a week-long initiative where Elementary students started the day broadcasting announcements in their home languages throughout the building each morning. Additionally, groups of students visited Middle and High School advisory classes to speak about their heritage, encouraging their peers to be inquirers and ensuring that the open-mindedness required for a truly inclusive experience remained at the forefront across all grade levels.
The International Festival is the heartbeat of our school year. To see our students standing side-by-side, flags in hand, is a beautiful representation of how ISA functions not just as an educational institution, but as a small-scale model of a harmonious global community.
Nick Little, ISA Head of School
A Culinary Journey Through the Street
“The Street” (the central open hub and café area of our school) was alive with the aromas of a “Global Village,” where families hosted interactive stalls featuring live cooking and hands-on treats. This year moved beyond static displays to create a truly sensory experience; from the art of pizza making and the flipping of crepes at dedicated stations to the expert folding of traditional dumplings, the community shared their heritage through sweet and savoury specialities. To make this possible, families met in advance, forming country teams to plan their food offerings and design their interactive stations. These exchanges offered more than just a taste of home; they provided a platform for students to act as knowledgeable hosts and thinkers, explaining the cultural significance behind every dish to their peers and visitors.
Cultural Artistry in the Queen Elizabeth Theatre
The celebration of identity continued in the Queen Elizabeth Theatre, which hosted a rolling showcase of song and dance throughout the afternoon. Students took to the stage to perform acts from their home countries or pieces deeply meaningful to their national identity, embodying the IB value of being a risk-taker. From traditional folk dances to intricate musical arrangements, these performances allowed our young people to be confident communicators, sharing the art and rhythm of their heritage with a captivated and supportive audience.
A Colourful Finale of Community Spirit
The festival reached its emotional peak with a closing parade of all students, who marched out to the front of the school to the enthusiastic applause of parents and families. Arranged in grade-level groups, the students created a vivid picture of our school’s diversity, with many draped in their national flags or wearing intricate traditional dress. This final walk served as a powerful reflection of our unity and the strength of the bonds forged between our families. It proved that while we have many stories to tell, we stand together as one proud and supportive ISA family.
International Day is always one of the most memorable events on the ISA calendar.
ISA Parent
It beautifully reflects one of the many reasons I chose ISA for my daughter – its genuine celebration of diversity.
It’s a wonderful reminder of just how unique, inclusive, and supportive the ISA community truly is.
Thank you to the incredible ISA team for creating such a fantastic day!
