Eight Reasons to Choose IST:

The first and foremost reason to choose IST is because of our outstanding learning environment. Our teachers are dedicated professionals who value each student's individuality, contributions and learning styles. Moreover, our support staff are focused on enhancing all aspects of student learning from maintaining the grounds to updating the ICT infrastructure. Our number-one focus is on enabling student learning.

IST delivers an academic program that begins by developing a foundation of authentic inquiry in the early years (up to Grade 5). In addition to mastering concrete knowledge in languages, maths, the arts, social studies, science and physical education, our young students are guided and encouraged to ask questions that arise naturally from their own interest in the subject matter. We believe it is fundamental to later learning for young children to develop the habit of inquiry that stems from their own innate curiosity.

In subsequent years (Grades 6 to 10), our students are further challenged to embrace and understand the connections between traditional subjects and the world, to become critical and reflective thinkers, and to develop the qualities and attributes of internationally-minded global citizens. In Grade 10, students are required to present a Personal Project - a significant body of work produced by the student over an extended period.

In the last two years of study at IST (Grades 11 and 12), our students follow the hallmark of the International Baccalaureate Programme which leads to the awarding of either a Diploma or a Certificate depending on the option the student has chosen. Both options require the student to master a broad base of subjects as well as demonstrate a commitment to participation in the CAS (Creativity, Action, Service) program. The Diploma option further requires students to submit an independent research paper (The Extended Essay) as well as follow a course designed to develop the skills of critical analysis and thought (Theory of Knowledge).

In addition to acquiring academic knowledge, we strongly believe in helping our students to develop the character required to reach their full potential as citizens of the world. On the Elementary Campus, students participate in programs that help them resolve conflicts, build relationships, model the IB Learner Profile and adopt the PYP Attitudes. On the Secondary Campus, our students continue to build on that foundation and explore topics such as decision making, character values and self-awareness through a comprehensive Health and Social Education (HSE) curriculum delivered to all students.

IST students learn early on the importance of maintaining their physical health. Inter-house competitions, swimming, and gymnastics are just a few of the activities available to Elementary students. Secondary students are also introduced to dance, aerobics and snorkeling. Students on each campus take full advantage of the swimming pool, football field, basketball court, and gymnastics equipment.

Leading a group, public speaking, participating in a team, interviewing business and government leaders, and creating original pieces of art are examples of opportunities IST students have to stretch themselves and to grow. In the last year, for example:

• one student walked hundreds of kilometers to raise money to take a group of Tanzanians with physical disabilities on a safari to a Tanzanian National Park;
• one student built a custom designed tricycle for a paraplegic woman that provided her with both personal transportation as well as a built-in table top and shade cover to enable her business as a food vendor;
• a group of students raised money to build a school, one brick at a time; and,
• a group of students designed a khanga to commemorate IST's upcoming 50th anniversary.

We strive to enhance the learning environment with all the resources and support necessary to enable student learning including:

• well-stocked libraries with access to books, journals, magazines, newspapers and online databases;
• computer labs (Macintosh based) with software for numerical and word processing, graphic design, animation, and video/audio production;
• variety of learning support efforts including classroom accommodation, co-teaching and individual support;
• English as an Additional Language (EAL) programmes;
• writing and literacy programmes;
• maths and study labs; and,
• counseling available for students, parents and teachers focused on enhancing the students' academic, personal/social and career development.

Where Diversity Meets Inspiration is our school motto, and we value the learning and exposure that is gained by being part of the diverse IST Community. At IST, diversity means not only cultural and social, but also economic, religious, and idealogical. We believe a fundamental aspect of our children's future will be an increasing appreciation and demand for global citizens, people who think beyond traditional boundaries and demographics to reach their full potential as citizens of the world.

We strive to prepare our students with 21st century skills such as critical thinking and technical literacy as well as providing a firm foundation across a breadth of subject areas. The majority of IST graduates go on to pursue university studies at prestigious universities in the United Kingdom and North America. IST alumni work in a variety of disciplines such as fine art, genetics, engineering and actuarial sciences.