Yes, the Island Private School has the relevant licences, registrations, and certifications for the programmes it offers. We are licensed by the Ministry of Education in Cyprus for Pre-Primary (Montessori, Waldorf, and International Baccalaureate), Primary (Montessori, Waldorf, and IB), and Secondary school (IB and Waldorf). You can find our school listed on the official website of the Ministry of Education.

Pre-primary
Primary
Secondary

We are a fully IB accredited school.

Our curriculum follows the guidelines set by the IB, and our team members have extensive experience in this field. All our teachers are undergoing specialised IB training.

As for the Waldorf programme, we are the only authorised Waldorf school in Cyprus by International Council for Steiner Waldorf Education.

Briefly, here are the key ideas behind each programme:

IB: Our IB programme focuses on learning through inquiry and a transdisciplinary framework. We emphasise critical thinking and applying conceptual knowledge to real-life situations. Students take responsibility for their own learning with teacher support, fostering the development of culturally aware global citizens. Our approach is holistic, ensuring a well-rounded learning experience.

Waldorf: Our Waldorf programme aims to nurture creativity, imagination, and the unique potential of each child. Art, music, and craftsmanship are central pillars of our teaching approach. We prioritise verbal learning before the age of seven and affirm free thinking and holistic development.

Montessori: The Montessori programme promotes child-directed work, allowing students to select tasks, develop capabilities, and progress at their own pace. We provide uninterrupted blocks of work time, encouraging students to explore their own ideas. Our emphasis is on hands-on, multisensory learning, ensuring an engaging and immersive educational experience.

Upon graduation, students will receive the Apolytirion, which is the Cyprus High School Diploma, accredited by the Cyprus Ministry of Education, Youth and Sport. Additionally, if students choose to take and pass the International Baccalaureate (IB) exam, they will also receive the IB Diploma.

Having both the Apolytirion and IB Diploma provides students with a competitive advantage when applying to universities or pursuing higher education opportunities.

Here's a brief explanation of how to enrol your child at The Island Private School:
A new tab will open with the OpenApply platform, where you can register your child/children for our school. You will also find detailed instructions for all steps of the school enrolment process there.

Yes. Starting from the 10th grade, each student at our school receives dedicated support from an experienced university and careers counsellor, which guides them through the journey from graduation to university.

Based on test results, aspirations, and abilities, the counsellor helps students select the right university and prepares them for the admission process. For example, we guide science-oriented students through international or local competitions and Olympiads to earn valuable points. For art-focused institutions, we assist in creating portfolios, arranging exhibitions, and facilitating publications.

Our goal is to provide comprehensive support tailored to each student's academic path and ensure they have the best opportunities for success in their chosen field.

Sure, to get more information regarding a specific year or programme, please email us at Info@isl.cy. Kindly specify the grade you are interested in, and we will provide you with the requested curriculum.

In IB Primary Years Programme (PYP), student evaluation goes beyond traditional letter grades. Teachers assess students using a combination of formative and summative assessments, observation, portfolios, and self-reflection. The evaluation focuses on the development of learner profile traits, inquiry skills, conceptual understanding, attitudes, and subject-specific knowledge.

Twice a year teachers provide detailed report that highlights students' progress in different areas of the curriculum, including language development, mathematics, science, social studies, arts, and physical education. These reports sometimes include samples of student work, reflections on learning, and suggestions for growth and improvement. At the end of every unit, there is a summative assessment, which is shared on Managebac (school platform). Results from these summative assessments are used in the next unit as targets. Throughout the year, parents are invited for 3 way conferences, where children share their targets with parents. At different points in the year, parent, teacher conferences also take place. These meetings provide the opportunity for teachers to share the progress of all students, sharing both the strengths and areas for improvement against the curriculum objectives.

In the IB Middle Years (MYP) and Diploma (DP) Programmes, the evaluation system involves different assessment methods. Instead of traditional marks, IB students receive grades based on a scale of 1 to 7, with 7 being the highest. The evaluation considers criteria such as exams, coursework, essays, projects, and oral presentations. This detailed feedback provides a holistic understanding of your child's progress and areas for improvement.

In Montessori education, assessment methods focus on observing and tracking a child's development based on their individual growth and accomplishments. Montessori teachers use tools such as checklists, portfolios, and anecdotal records to assess a child's skills, independence, social interactions, and cognitive abilities. Montessori platform Transparent Classroom acts as an assessment tool and also progress tracker to demonstrate each child's individual progress against the Montessori curriculum and criteria. Parents have access to this and it is updated weekly. Regular parent-teacher conferences and open communication provide insights into your child's progress and development.

Waldorf education focuses on qualitative assessments rather than specific grades or marks. Teachers closely observe and engage with each child's learning journey, considering their individual strengths, interests, and developmental milestones. Narrative reports, meetings with parents, and ongoing communication serve as avenues to understand your child's growth, achievements, and areas of focus.

• Parent-teacher conferences and personal meetings during the year ensure that parents are aware of their child's progress, strengths, and areas needing attention.

While there may be some differences in teaching methods and classroom structure between Montessori/Waldorf and the IB program, many of the foundational skills and values cultivated in the earlier years can provide a solid foundation for students as they switch to the IB program.

The Montessori and Waldorf approaches typically foster independence, self-motivation, and a love for learning, which can be valuable qualities for students entering the IB program. The inquiry-based learning and interdisciplinary nature of the IB program also align with the emphasis on critical thinking and holistic development seen in Montessori and Waldorf education.

Transitioning to the IB programme is always an individual process, as each student has their own unique learning style, strengths, and challenges. While some students may seamlessly adapt to the different requirements and approaches of the IB program, others might face difficulties during the transition.

At The Island Private School, we are committed to helping students navigate this transition successfully. We provide additional support and personalised guidance, closely working with students, parents, and guardians to ensure a smooth transition from one programme to another.

The acronyms stand for the following:

Wellbeing: This refers to a curriculum that focuses on developing self-awareness, self-management, social awareness, relationship skills, and responsible decision-making.
UOI: Unit of Inquiry. This represents a specific period of study in the International Baccalaureate (IB) program where students explore a central theme or concept across various subject areas.
EAL: English as an Additional Language. This indicates a program or classes designed to support students who are learning English as a second language.
PHE: Physical and Health Education. It refers to classes or activities that focus on physical fitness, sports, and overall well-being.
ICT: Information and Communications Technology. This represents classes or subjects that focus on the use of digital technology, computer skills, and information literacy.
RUS/UKR: Russian / Ukrainian. These acronyms designate classes or subjects that pertain to the Russian or Ukrainian language.

We believe that learning occurs both inside and outside the classroom.

For our Primary School students, we organise day trips, residential visits, and opportunities for acts of social service. These experiences not only enhance their academic learning but also help them develop essential life skills that cannot be fully learned within the confines of the classroom.
We also provide Middle Year Programme students with valuable opportunities to learn from professionals, gain practical skills, and navigate their own professional paths. By connecting students to up-to-date practices, we aim to prepare them for the challenges and opportunities of the ever-changing world.

Our approach to discipline is positive and respectful. We believe in creating a positive and nurturing environment where no one shouts at children. We encourage open discussions and active participation. Our focus is always on giving students a meaningful voice and empowering them to make positive changes within the school community.

At our school, we embrace the use of technology, particularly for students in the International Baccalaureate (IB) programme. We also have smart-boards in Montessori classrooms. Waldorf approach does not incorporate devices. In IB Primary School devices are used to enhance the IB ATL skill of research and as often as a means of communication through presentation. We believe that technology can play a valuable role in enhancing learning of older students.

That is why we have a one-to-one iPad programme throughout the Middle Year Programme and the Diploma Programme, where students are provided with individual iPads free of charge to aid their academic pursuits. This programme allows students to use technology for inquiries, having access to a wide range of resources and tools that support their educational development.

It's important to note that we prioritise teaching students about the benefits, limitations, and risks associated with technology. We strive to help them develop a balanced and responsible approach to its use. This prepares them to become confident users of current technology in various (not just entertaining) contexts. However, students are not allowed to use their own personal devices and smartphones during the day so they can focus on learning and developing positive relationships.

The academic year at The Island Private School starts in September 2024 and concludes in June 2025. To get detailed information about the year calendar, including holidays, breaks, and important dates, please click on the link provided here.

Yes, they will. If your child has siblings already enrolled with us, they will receive priority consideration during the admissions process.

We understand the importance of providing support for neurodiverse children. At our school, we have a dedicated learning support team that offers assistance during the first and second parts of the day.

If there is an available place in a certain age group, we arrange a meeting with our learning support team. During this meeting, we discuss the specific needs of the child together with parents or guardians and determine if we have the resources and expertise to provide the necessary support in each individual case.

The requirements for English proficiency vary depending on the age group (learn more in our Language Policy).

For Pre-Primary (early years), there are no specific requirements regarding English language abilities. Our admission process can be conducted in the native language of the child. Parents can be used as an aid to help the child with communication. We would not reject a child based on English levels in PP, however we would be recommended additional English at home to ensure that the child can access the language of instruction, which is in English.

For the Primary Years Programme (Grade 2 onwards), students are required to take an English aptitude test. While we can provide some translation assistance, it is necessary for the children to pass this test on their own.

Starting from Grade 3, we also require an English test for admission. The results of the test are compared to the required level of English proficiency. In some cases, we may recommend intensive extra lessons in English to ensure a smoother transition into the school.

We strive to create an inclusive and supportive environment where children with different language abilities can improve their language skills and level up effectively.

Our IB programme caters for children with different levels of English through a differentiated teaching programme and in-class support depending on their proficiency level to provide them support accordingly. In some cases we may recommend attendance at our afternoon Language Academy English courses, to further enhance language skills.

In Primary, we have an ESL teacher dedicated to every year group, this provides opportunity for a more catered approach to learning the English language and for the opportunity for interventions and further support where necessary.

We offer multiple payment options for our educational services:

1. Bank Transfer: Bank transfer details will be provided on the invoice. You can transfer the payment directly from your bank account to ours.
2. Card Payment: We accept payments by card. Please note that all card payments are subject to a 1.5% commission fee.
3. Cash: Payments in cash can be made in person at the school reception until 16:00.

When enrolling your child at The Island Private School, you will typically need to provide the following documents:

• Child’s Birth Certificate
• Child’s Passport or ID Card
• Father’s and Mother’s / Guardian’s Passport or ID Card
• Last School’s Report
• Health Certificate (a note from local paediatrician, in Greek or English language)
• Proof of Residence (rental agreement or any utility bill)
• Vaccination Coverage Certificate

To secure a place for your child at our school, you must first successfully pass the admissions process. Once you have received an email confirmation, you will be required to pay the school registration fee and deposit to reserve your child's place.