Learning at ISL

ISL is the only school in Lyon to run a complete English medium programme for students aged 3-18. Accredited for both the IB Primary Years Programme (IB-PYP) and the Diploma Programme IB-DP by the International Baccalaureate Organisation, ISL is also inspected and recognised by the French Ministry of Education, thus fulfilling French national requirements.

At ISL, we are committed to developing in students the values, skills and knowledge that will help them become active and responsible citizens in an increasingly interconnected and complex world. These life skills include collaboration, critical thinking, creativity and effective communication.

Academic rigour and student-centred learning go hand-in-hand in ISL – we instill a growth mindset in our students to help them develop their full potential in everything they do. We recognise our students as global citizens and embrace the value of the cultural contributions each one brings from a unique individual background.

The diversity and flexibility of the pedagogical approaches respect the children as active contributors to and participants in the learning process. The school is one of only a small number of schools in France that are fully authorized to deliver the IB Diploma Programme and the IB Primary Years Programme. It is an accredited centre for Cambridge Assessment and is a member of the Educational Collaborative of International Schools (ECIS) and the English Language Schools in France Association (ELSA)

Classes in ISL range from Transition Kindergarten to High School, and we welcome children from age 3 upwards. Admission is based on school records, evaluation and, where appropriate an interview or test. The school offers ‘English for Speakers of Other Languages’ (ESOL) support for English beginners, but a sufficient command of English is required for entry into the secondary school. At the same time, we realise the great value of students’ mother tongues. These are integrated into our class teaching as much as possible and our Home Language Coordinator helps ensure the celebration of language diversity through relevant events and learning activities.

ISL believes in the holistic development of each child and encourages them to pursue different areas of interest and talent wherever possible. Each section of the school builds up the skills and knowledge needed for a smooth and comfortable transition into the next section, with specific induction and preparation for students and parents as appropriate.

Numerous enrichment activities (lunchtimes and after school) are on offer for those wishing to sign-up (see our Enrichment Programme).