QUALITY SCHOOLS USE IDAT: INTERNATIONAL SCHOOLS GROUP

“The IDAT focuses on both academics as well as character, which helps us to align students' objectives with our own.”

Emily Bearns Admissions and Enrollment Manager

At a glance: International Schools Group (ISG)

The International Schools group in Saudi Arabia has been using the IDAT since 2023.

Founded in 1962, International Schools Group (ISG) is a modern education group in the eastern province of Saudia Arabia. Initially established to serve expatriate families working at the US Consulate in Dhahran, ISG has expanded into a district of five coeducational schools catering to the needs of approximately 3200 students made up of over 50 nationalities. Maintaining an emphasis on progressive teaching and learning, ISG has earned a reputation for providing outstanding delivery of both American and British education programs to students from Kindergarten 1 through to Grade 12 (or from Foundation Stage 1 through to Year 13 in the British system).?

?ISG’s strong commitment to a holistic learning experience is reflected in its mission to inspire innovation and compassionate action, which is underpinned by its core values of acceptance, integrity, respect and responsibility with a?commitment to act. Although distinct, each of the five schools contribute to the ISG identity through their common care and sense of community, ultimately creating a culture of success in which students can reach their full potential.

Admissions efficiency and reliability with the International Diagnostic and Admissions Test (IDAT)

The flexibility of the International Diagnostic and Admissions Test (IDAT) means that ISG can remotely assess potential students, which is especially helpful for students in different time zones and outside regular working hours. The ease of set up and accessibility of the IDAT Secure 360 ?means that the assessment can be completed at the student’s convenience, which is greatly appreciated by families.

IDAT Concise evaluates reading, writing, listening and speaking, and other key learning areas (mathematics, critical thinking, logic, and general knowledge), as well as character skills, offering a well-rounded profile. The interview component gives valuable insight into not only the student’s spoken English proficiency but also their personality. By using IDAT Concise, ISG has a complete picture of each student’s academic abilities and personal interests. IDAT’s rapid result turnaround also supports ISG’s ability to make prompt admissions decisions.

?ISG and the future with IDAT?

Looking toward the future, ISG is eager to accept students who meet their student profile and who are invested in their mission of inspiring innovation and compassionate action.

As ISG continues to evolve, IDAT looks forward to continuing its support of ISG’s mission of recruiting students who are well-matched to the ISG community and its dedication to education excellence.

?Uniquely ISG

Aligning with its mission and focus on the whole student, ISG offers a comprehensive academic program, complemented by a well-rounded offering of extracurricular activities. This approach supports both the academic and personal development of students in a safe, positive, and nurturing environment.

?ISG’s five schools provide students with a selection of academic programs to suit a range of educational goals. Under the American Standards-Based Curriculum, program choices include the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (with the Dhahran Baccalaureate Centre authorized by the International Baccalaureate Organization (IBO) and recognized as an IB World School); the American curriculum college-preparatory program; the Advanced Placement (AP) program and the AP Capstone Diploma. For those seeking a British education, ISG offers the IGCSE and A-level programs at two of its campuses (the British School Dhahran is also an approved and registered Cambridge (CAIE) and Pearson/Edexcel examination centre).

?ICG’s after-school program allows students to safely explore new interests and further develop their academic and personal skills. This is achieved by providing:

·?????? a choice of different subject areas, such as art, drama, music, robotics, e-sports, chess, and languages

·?????? a robust athletics program that sees students competing on local, national and international stages in a variety of sports (for example, swimming, volleyball, basketball, badminton and table tennis)

·?????? leadership opportunities to increase student voice (for example, student council, Model United Nations, National Honor Society and TEDx)

·?????? occasions for taking part in international academic competitions

·?????? the much-anticipated WOW Week (Week Without Walls) when students can participate in experiential learning outside the classroom, which might involve domestic/international travel to experience new cultures and participate in service projects.

The duality of its academics and out-of-school activities is clear evidence of ICG’s commitment to first-class education and student success.

?Another point of prominence for ISG is its ever-increasing range of universities?and destination schools. By hosting regular university visits and fairs, ISG students have the chance to learn about the varying admissions processes of these universities and to ask questions about their program offerings. This means that students can make better informed decisions about their future study plans beyond graduation, setting them up for success.

IDAT is pleased to work with a group of schools so committed to student progress, achievement and self-development.

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