Whole Child Wellbeing
Learn about our holistic support network for students
At ISA, your child's wellbeing isat the heart of everything we do.
To help us support every student’s positive growth, we often use the eight SHANARRI wellbeing indicators (Safe, Healthy, Achieving, Nurtured, Active, Respected, Responsible, and Included). This simple and powerful framework, based on Scotland’s “Getting it Right for Every Child” (GIRFEC) approach, helps us ensure we are looking after the whole child.
Our first line of support starts in the classroom with our key workers, homeroom teachers, and advisory teachers, who build strong, daily connections with our students. We also have a fantastic group of specialists ready to support your family. Our School Counsellor is here to help with social, academic, and wellbeing support at any age. For older students in Grades 9-12, our dedicated University and Careers Counsellor guides them towards the right future pathway.
Behind the scenes, our Student Support group meets regularly to ensure a coordinated approach. This network includes our school nurse and our learning support specialists, who all work together to provide comprehensive care and academic support for every student.
Wellbeing at each school stage
Preschool
In our Preschool, we’re all about creating a warm, caring environment where your child’s happiness comes first. We believe one of the most important things we can do is listen to our students, which is why our preschool is designed to be a child-friendly and inviting space where they feel comfortable sharing their thoughts.
Central to this is your child’s Key Worker—a dedicated teacher who becomes their go-to person at school. This special relationship helps your child feel safe, understood, and nurtured. It also means you have a consistent point of contact, building a strong partnership between home and school to help your child grow in confidence and curiosity.
Elementary School
In Elementary School, your child’s Homeroom Teacher is their key contact and champion, providing daily academic and pastoral support. Our wellbeing network includes dedicated learning support staff, an immersive room for sensory breaks, and weekly visits from Mackenzie, our therapy dog.
To build positive relationships, our School Counsellor hosts a “Lunch Bunch” for friendship skills, and staff eat with students daily to model social skills in a relaxed setting. We bring everyone together at our weekly community assembly, strengthening the vital connection between our families and the school.
Middle School
In Middle School, the day starts with the Advisory Teacher, who meets with their group each morning for activities focused on everything from organisation and social skills to current issues. This relationship is central to student life, with a Head of Grade also overseeing pastoral care for the whole grade level.
Wellbeing is woven into the schedule with weekly global citizenship classes and engaging Community Time events that build friendships across grade levels. Our School Counsellor continues to support students individually and in small groups, and works with our student ambassadors to ensure a smooth transition for new families. To top it off, our campus offers a healthy and active environment at break and lunch, with the sports hall, astroturf, tennis courts, and playground all open for students to enjoy.
High School
When students begin their four-year High School journey, they are matched with an Advisor and a Head of Grade who stay with them right through to graduation. This allows our staff to get to know each student deeply, providing consistent support both academically and personally as they navigate their way to young adulthood.
The University & Careers Counsellor also plays a key role, meeting regularly with students individually, in groups, and with parents to plan for the future. For any of life’s more complex challenges, our school nurse and School Counsellor are always available to provide expert wellbeing support and guidance. To complete the picture, our student common room, sports facilities, and weight room provide safe and positive spaces for students to relax and socialise, which is a vital part of their overall wellbeing.
Ecosystem of Care
Ultimately, our commitment is to the whole child. This ecosystem shows our holistic approach in action, demonstrating how every part of our community works together to support our students’ academic, social, and emotional growth, preparing them for a healthy and successful future.
Support for Every Student
Fostering a nurturing environment for all learners
Meet Anahita
Discover more about Anahita’s story
Discover passions, find balance
We believe that participating in clubs, sports and activities is essential for wellbeing, helping students to develop skills, relax, and connect with their peers.
Our world-class campus
From our calm, green spaces to our state-of-the-art sports facilities, our campus provides a stimulating environment designed to contribute to student success and wellbeing.
Meet Oleksii
Discover more about Oleksii’s story
Experience ISA
in person
As you enter our green and leafy campus you’ll be struck by the combination of old and new – a traditional granite reception building that is the gateway to one of the country’s finest purpose-built schools.
People say our facilities have to be seen to be believed and our friendly and experienced team will be delighted to welcome you. Book a tour now – we’d love to show you around.