The choice of courses within the "Lepsza ISoP" (Better ISoP) was deliberate and focussed on predefined needs: - English language courses were aimed at polishing and improving the competences of subject teachers (e.g. Polish teachers) to enhance communication with students and parents and accessibility to subject resources in English to prepare quality materials for classes. - methodology courses, (CLIL!) - so vital in our curriculum design - were aimed at providing efficient methodology tools for in-class instruction and interaction, - psychology related courses (mindfulness, classroom and conflict management, autism spectrum disorder) were targeted at specific student needs to build a wholesome community that includes every student accommodating a variety of skills and needs in a comforting environment. The courses’ subsidiary aim was to ensure our teachers’ motivation and well-being while they had a chance to exchange ideas and learn about other countries’ educational realities and needs, cooperate and network. Our priority has been becoming a “Better ISoP”( "Lepsza ISoP") - a gateway to national and international universities - teaching and preparing students to learn efficiently and effectively at all levels of education.
After analysing our school’s operations, we identified 2 areas of concern - language qualifications and methodology training. The International School of Poznań is a multicultural community with English as a language of instruction and communication with most parents and students, therefore a sufficiently advanced level is required from our staff. The Polish educational system offers only a few methodology courses that meet the criteria of the IB system, which is different in its nature from the traditional Polish curriculum. The International Baccalaureate Organization offers training courses on examination and assessment in specific IB Diploma subjects, yet does not directly teach methodology to schools as long as they promote a variety of approaches to teaching and learning. This gap had to be fulfilled by seeking courses that are varied, multicultural and in an international community where exchanging ideas and experiences was possible. As an ambitious team we want to face the challenges of the ever changing student needs, focus on inclusion and diversity while offering the high quality of education and securing students’ wellbeing. After all, it's also a great motivator to support our teachers and prevent burn-outs.