Student wellbeing

The International School of Athens is committed to a comprehensive, student-centered approach to well-being that ensures every learner feels safe, supported, and empowered to succeed. Grounded in the values of the IB curriculum, the school promotes a culture of care, inclusion, and personal responsibility.

This commitment is reflected in rigorous safeguarding and health-and-safety practices; clear and respectful behaviour expectations that encourage responsible social and digital citizenship; accessible pastoral care and counselling; responsive Special Educational Needs support; and proactive attention to students’ physical health through qualified nurse services. Through these integrated systems and supports, ISA strives to nurture the academic, social, emotional, and physical development of all students, fostering a community where every individual can flourish.

Safeguarding

Safeguarding at ISA

At ISA, safeguarding is at the heart of our mission to provide a safe, supportive, and inclusive environment for every student. We believe that all children have the right to feel protected, valued, and empowered, both on campus and online. Our safeguarding practices follow international standards, the IB’s expectations, and Greek legal requirements, ensuring that our approach is both comprehensive and proactive. From Early Years to Grade 12, students benefit from clear policies, vigilant supervision, and a school culture built on trust, respect, and shared responsibility.

Our trained designated safeguarding team works closely with staff, parents, and external agencies to respond promptly and effectively to any concern. Safeguarding at ISA is more than a set of procedures; it is an ongoing commitment woven into daily school life. Students learn about personal safety, digital citizenship, mental health awareness, healthy relationships, and the importance of speaking up through age-appropriate curriculum and pastoral care programmes.

All faculty and staff receive safeguarding training, follow strict codes of conduct, and are equipped to recognize early signs of distress or risk. Whether through safer recruitment practices, rigorous reporting systems, online safety protocols, supportive counseling services, or close collaboration with families, we work collectively to ensure that every student feels safe, heard, and supported.

Safety on site

School health services

Student well-being is supported by a comprehensive, professional health service designed to ensure that every child feels safe, cared for and supported throughout the school day. Our full-time licensed school nurse is available on the main ISA campus to assess illness or injury, provide first aid, support students with chronic medical conditions, administer approved medication, and communicate effectively with families and healthcare providers when needed.

The nurse’s office is equipped to handle routine care as well as urgent situations, while additional first-aid resources are available across campus and on all school trips. Each year, a number of teachers undergo certified first-aid and CPR training, strengthening the school’s ability to respond effectively in urgent situations and ensuring that our staff remains prepared and confident in supporting student safety.

Our health services also include clear procedures for managing illness, monitoring student absences, handling emergency situations, and ensuring that all medical information is treated with confidentiality and care. Families receive guidance on when children should stay home, while the school nurse coordinates safe return-to-school procedures and maintains up-to-date health records for every
student.

Students with long-term conditions benefit from having individualized care plans shared discreetly with relevant staff. Whether supporting day-to-day health needs or responding to emergencies, our health services are built on professionalism, compassion and close collaboration with families to safeguard every student’s well-being.

Safety at ISA

The International School of Athens is committed to maintaining a safe, well-supervised, and secure environment that allows students to learn and grow with confidence. Safety on campus is supported by clear procedures, vigilant staff, and well-maintained facilities. Access to the school is carefully controlled, with monitored entrances, visitor check-in protocols and secure boundaries throughout the campus.

Classrooms, play areas, laboratories and activity spaces follow strict safety standards, and students are always supervised by designated staff during transitions, breaks and dismissal. Regular inspections and maintenance ensure that all facilities, from classrooms to playgrounds, remain safe and fully compliant with health and safety regulations.

Safety at ISA also includes clear expectations for student movement, emergency communication, and preparedness. Fire and earthquake evacuation drills are practiced regularly, ensuring that students and staff know exactly how to respond in an emergency. All visitors and contractors follow strict safety protocols while onsite. Any potential hazards are addressed swiftly through coordinated oversight by School Leadership.

Emergency procedures

Emergency preparedness is an essential part of ensuring the safety and well-being of our students and staff. The school maintains detailed emergency procedures that are regularly reviewed, practiced, and communicated across the community. Fire, earthquake, lockdown, and medical emergency protocols are in place, and all staff are made aware of the procedures and their responsibilities so they can respond quickly and calmly in any situation.

Scheduled drills take place during the year, allowing students to become familiar with evacuation routes, assembly points, and safe behaviours during emergencies.

Our emergency response system includes clear lines of communication, designated roles for key staff and coordination with local emergency services when needed. Through careful planning, regular practice and a strong culture of vigilance, ISA ensures that the community is well-prepared to respond effectively and confidently to any emergency.

Pastoral care

Access and inclusion

Access and inclusion are fundamental to who we are as an IB Continuum school. We embrace the belief that student diversity, whether in background, ability, language, or learning profile, is a strength that enriches our community and enhances learning for all. Our Access and Inclusion approach ensures that every student has an equitable opportunity to participate, grow, and demonstrate their abilities. Instruction is differentiated, assessment is adapted where needed, and learning environments are structured to support a sense of belonging and academic engagement for every learner.

The school’s Center for Counselling and Learning Services (CCLS) works closely with teachers, coordinators, and families to identify barriers to learning and facilitate students through thoughtful planning and individualized support. Depending on a student’s needs, this may involve personalized learning strategies, inclusive assessment arrangements, structured support, or collaboration with external specialists. Across all divisions, students are guided to develop self-awareness, communication skills, and independence, while teachers and counsellors model empathy, respect, and inclusive practice. This commitment extends beyond academics to ensure emotional safety, positive relationships, and a school culture where differences are respected and protected. Through this comprehensive framework, ISA ensures that every student can access learning in a way that honors their individuality, strengthens their confidence, and supports their pathway toward personal and academic success.

Wellbeing at school

Pastoral care at the International School of Athens is rooted in our commitment to nurturing students’ emotional, social and academic well-being so they can thrive both in and beyond the classroom. We work to create a safe, respectful and inclusive environment where every child feels seen, supported and valued. Our pastoral approach brings together key elements of school life, positive behavior guidance, anti-bullying measures, emotional and psychological support, and inclusive learning pathways, to ensure that students have access to the right help at the right time.

Through close collaboration among teachers, counsellors, learning support professionals, and families, we foster strong relationships, promote responsible decision-making, and guide students in developing their full potential along with the empathy, resilience, and integrity that lie at the heart of our school culture.

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