South Korean school claims top int’l school award

Published 20/01/2021

Branksome Hall Asia in South Korea has been awarded International School of the Year 2021 at ISC Research’s annual International School Awards.

Along with the headline prize, a further 12 initiatives were recognised at schools in eight countries.

“Branksome Hall Asia has demonstrated well planned initiatives”

Branksome Hall Asia in Seogwipo, South Korea, was also honoured with the community award, while projects at three schools in both the UAE and Malaysia received plaudits.

Schools in the Czech Republic, Kuwait, Sweden, Singapore and Hong Kong all received nods from the judging panel.

Judges awarded the top prize to Branksome Hall Asia for two nominations, including a student-led initiative producing security necklaces for girls in vulnerable situations in Nepal, and for a research and mission-led strategic approach to its online learning.

“Branksome Hall Asia has demonstrated well planned initiatives that have excellent intentions and truly impressive development which, as a result, are making a real impact for students and others,” the panel said.

Principal of Branksome Hall Asia – which is the sister campus Canada’s Branksome Hall – Cinde Lock added that it was a “sincere, humbling experience” to receive International School of the Year award.

“We look forward to collaborating with all the other amazing international schools out there to continue on the good work and efforts to make a difference for our youth of today,” she said.

Other categories recognised initiatives supporting inclusion through a peer program and digital technology in learning for a program using AI and analytics.

The 12 individual category winners included:

• The international impact award: The International School of Prague, Czech Republic for a partnership with an educational charity from a refugee camp in Greece.
• The community award: Branksome Hall Asia, South Korea.
• The inclusion award: Alice Smith School, Malaysia for a peer support program involving older students.
• The safeguarding award: The English School, Kuwait for a progressive child protection program involving parents and the wider community.
• The teaching and learning award: Fairview International School, Malaysia for a comprehensive framework that ensures consistency and sustainability of teaching skills.
• The digital technology in learning award: Deira International School, UAE for an effective AI and analytics program to actively support teaching and learning.
• The wellbeing award: The International School of Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia for developing a virtual newsroom during campus closures.
• The pathways to continued and university education award: British International School Abu Dhabi, UAE for a university preparation program implemented during campus closures.
• The environmental award: Sigtunaskolan Humanistiska Läroverket, Sweden for a student-led initiative collaborating with external organisations to address sustainable technology challenges.
• The ethical values education award: Dulwich College, Singapore for a compassionate systems framework developing students’ emotional literacy.
• The strategic leadership award: Nord Anglia International School, Hong Kong for new pedagogies to support virtual learning, with effective outreach and sustainability.
• The future-thinking innovators award: The American Community School of Abu Dhabi, UAE for a multi-functional technology program and learning space.

“Many congratulations to Branksome Hall Asia and to all our winning schools,” Leigh Webb, CEO of ISC Research said.

“You are fantastic representatives of an innovative and resilient sector that keeps pushing the boundaries of international education. We applaud your passion, creativity and commitment in the work you do and the impact you make.”

This year the awards attracted 264 eligible nominations from international schools in 62 different countries.

There are currently 12,080 international schools worldwide, according to ISC Research.

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