ISF’s English programme has undergone significant improvement over the past two years. In partnership with the English Schools Foundation (ESF), the largest provider of English-medium international education in Hong Kong, as well as experienced educational professionals from Australia and the UK, ISF has been working to upscale the quality of the English Programme, with the ultimate aim of providing our students with a high level of English that can enable them to access higher education and employment.

To this end, ISF has hired a new head of the English Programme who will oversee the academic activities and curriculum across both ISF schools to ensure consistency, support the teachers in using effective and developmentally appropriate pedagogy, and monitor and evaluate the programme and curriculum.

Ongoing Improvement of the English Programme

We will continue to work with ESF to improve the English Programme and build the capacity of our English teaching staff on an ongoing basis. In addition, we have recruited two native English-speaking teachers (one full time and one part time) to raise the standard of students’ English comprehension and conversation skills.

From 29th-31st May, a group of teachers from ESF came to ISF to run a two-day training with our English staff. The focus was mainly on shared and guided reading, and embedding educational games in students’ learning. This pedagogy, which contrasts with the traditional style of rote learning in Cambodian state schools, was an eye-opener for our teachers, who are not used to the idea that children can learn through play, interaction with peers and fun games. In addition, the coaches held one-on-one coaching and feedback sessions. Furthermore, they spent time sorting out books and materials, and creating a resource room where teachers can now access all their teaching resources.

Thank you ESF and all our partners for helping us thrive!