Dowen College
Connecting learners across borders through collaboration, creativity and global citizenship.
Empowering schools to develop globally minded learners through international collaboration, innovation and cultural understanding.
The British Council International School Award (ISA) is a global benchmarking programme that recognises schools committed to embedding an international dimension within the curriculum, helping young learners become responsible and effective global citizens.
The ISA framework enabled our school to develop a structured action plan and successfully implement five international projects throughout the year. Through collaboration with partner schools across the world, our students experienced rich learning opportunities using ICT, innovative teaching approaches and authentic real-world contexts.
To commence our reaccreditation this year, there was brainstorming session in all the departments to come up with project based activity which was relevant to the curriculum and also considering an international dimension . We were able to come up with our five international projects: Eco-Energy Initiative: Mini Biogas System (Scoence department), Classroom to Chambers (Humanities), Market Math ( Mathematics), FIT for Life ( Languages and Sport unit) and Treasure Trash (Geography and humanities). Teachers from all departments were able to demonstrate expertise in bringing the action plan to life long lesson experiences for the students.
Throughout the programme, Students' participation strengthened essential 21st-century skills including creativity, critical thinking, communication, collaboration and problem-solving, preparing them for success in an increasingly interconnected world.
ISA Coordinator
Dowen College Lagos
Opened a window to other countries and cultures, giving students and teachers a broader understanding of the world.
Equipped students with practical skills needed for higher education, future careers and participation in a global economy.
Created lasting partnerships between teachers and schools around the world, encouraging the sharing of ideas and best practices.
Strengthened our school's global outlook, enhanced teaching practices and established a vibrant internationally minded learning community.
"Working towards ISA re-accreditation has given our school a fresh global identity, opened new opportunities for our students and teachers, and strengthened our commitment to preparing learners for an interconnected world. The experience has been both insightful and highly impactful."
A journey of global learning, collaboration and innovation that transformed our students, teachers and the wider school community.
We are delighted to join other schools from around the world in working towards the British Council International School Award (ISA), a benchmarking programme that recognises schools for fostering young people's global citizenship. Our first journey began at the commencement of the 2021/2022 academic session.
Throughout the programme, our students and staff developed a deeper understanding of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The projects encouraged learners to think critically about real-world challenges while developing essential skills including problem-solving, critical thinking, communication, collaboration, creativity, technology and digital literacy.
The entire school community, learner, teachers and parents were quite enthusiastic as we made our way access through a labyrinth of seven interesting projects. We were sweetly and proudly rewarded at the end of that journey with the British Council International School Award (ISA) 2022-2025.
"Although our ISA journey has officially ended, it has opened our entire school community to the reality that the world is truly a global village, where collaboration, problem-solving and interconnectedness are essential for our shared future."
Our students thoroughly enjoyed conducting research, engaging with the local community and collaborating with partner schools across different countries. They also strengthened their digital skills by documenting evidence, creating presentations and participating in virtual exchanges with international partners.
Many of the activities were completed across different year groups, encouraging teamwork, leadership and meaningful collaboration among students. Teachers also experienced greater collaboration by working across departments and subject areas to design and deliver interdisciplinary learning experiences.
Our parents played an invaluable role throughout the programme by supporting excursions and field trips while witnessing first-hand the positive impact the projects had on their children's knowledge, skills and attitudes.
The entire school community enthusiastically worked on the projects and was very happy researching and to honing the 21st century skills and sharing information with the school community and partner schools. The knowledge gained, relationships formed and skills developed have strengthened our commitment to preparing globally minded learners who are ready to make meaningful contributions to their communities and the wider world.
As a school, the accreditation and re accreditation journey have been immensely rewarding.
Principal
Dowen College Lagos