Advisory provides non-evaluative pastoral support and academic advice, which is part of the ISS belief in supporting the whole student under the three pillars of our core values: Well-being, Learning and Community. 

Across the school, each student is assigned a homeroom group and teacher who is the student’s advisor and meets daily with them. The advisor monitors the student’s academic and social progress, supports new students’ transition to ISS and is available to talk with students about issues and concerns. In addition, each section of the school expands on the Advisory programme in their own way:

HS Advisory Programme Features:

• Academic advisors are assigned to every student and meet with their students in homogeneous grade homerooms. Advisors also meet with their grade levels, as a whole, to discuss academic issues for the grade level. In addition, the Advisory programme also has grade-level staff Advisory leaders who meet regularly to review the programme to support students.
• SOAR is a Grade 9-12 counselling/college-career programme that provides a range of supports and information regarding student well-being, academic success and university planning. Through the collaborative efforts of administrative, student support and Advisory staff, SOAR incorporates activities from team-building to university interviews in order to engage students in their development as scholars and global citizens as they prepare for post-secondary options and the world of work.

MS Advisory Programme Philosophy and Objectives:

Philosophy

The purpose of the Advisory programme and homeroom set-up in the Middle School is for each student to make a connection with one particular adult in a way other than the traditional teacher/student role. Through this programme, students gain a sense of belonging and build self-esteem so they may become confident, capable young people who accept responsibility for their own actions.

Goals/Objectives

Students meet every day for homeroom and once per week for Advisory.

The purposes of these sessions are:

• To enhance the student’s sense of belonging to the school community
• To help students cope with academic concerns and set goals that will lead to a positive school experience
• To provide students an avenue for understanding the developmental stages of this unique age
• To help students build positive relationships
• To build self-esteem
• To provide opportunities for shared decision-making
• To develop good study habits