Learning & Teaching

Our Approach at International School of Dublin

Daily Class Schedule

The school doors open daily at 8:00am. Students are in session 8:45am – 2:45pm. The day begins with an optional before school programme 8:00-8:30am and is followed by an optional after school programme 2:45-6:00pm.

The school day is structured into seven periods with a mid morning snack break and midday lunch break.

Students are taught all subjects through inquiry. Our curriculum framework is guided by six transdisciplinary themes of global significance, explored using knowledge and skills from six subject areas: language, social studies, mathematics, arts, science, physical/social/personal education.

Students take part in three specialist subjects multiple times, weekly: performing arts (music/dance/drama), english, physical education. The nature of our curriculum is flexible, therefore, teachers and students may adapt how “homeroom” time is utilised ensuring core skills such as mathematics and language reinforced daily. 

ISD conducts blended learning incorporated through weekly virtual lessons.  Throughout the week, virtual lessons vary in subject to cover all areas of the curriculum.  The teacher is present in the classroom with the students, however uses virtual means to interact. This is to reinforce student’s ICT skills, capabilities and prepare the school for further unexpected building closures should we need to transfer to a virtual platform.

Class Field Trips

We believe that our students greatly benefit from learning both inside and outside of the classroom. We encourage our students to make both local and global connections with their Units of Inquiry. On a regular basis, students participate in field trips relevant to their inquiries. We also welcome guest speakers from a variety of expert areas.

End of Unit Sharing

Six times per year the whole school community comes together to celebrate student learning through an event called End of Unit Sharing.

At End of Unit Sharing, over the course of an afternoon, each class provides a presentation to articulate the learning that transpired throughout their inquiry. The students become the teachers and the parents the students.

Student Committees

Education for us is centred around learner voice, choice & ownership, we call this agency. By promoting agency, we aim for students to be active in their development, to take initiative, express interest, opinions and ultimately feel ownership over their learning, both in and outside of school.

One way of encouraging students to work collaboratively and exercise agency is through student committees.

    • This committee provides the opportunity to learn leadership skills and take part in initiatives to support the running and development of the school.

    • This committee keeps the school library a welcoming hub for learning. All of our students have ownership and responsibility for this learning space.

  • Our yearbook is an annual student led publication, created by the students, for the students. The yearbook committee is comprised of editors and artists working together to create a masterpiece which summarises the school year.

After School Programme

ISD recognises the importance of offering a range of extra curricular activities that enhance the curriculum and appeal to our diverse community of learners. We also understand after school supervision is a valued option for many families.

ISD has hand picked a range of activities to compliment the curriculum, example clubs include: piano, guitar, yoga, football, capoeira, Japanese, Portuguese, French, dancing, cooking and sewing.

ISD offers its’ after school programme August – June. The programme is available 2:45pm-6:00pm daily, Monday through Friday.

Families may sign up in a menu format, children may attend in a part time or full time manner

School Meals Programme

All ISD students have the options of availing of a school meals programme or bringing their own food to school daily. As part of the school meals programme, ISD offers healthy daily food (snack and lunch) options with an international feel. Supporting local businesses, nearby restaurants supply lunch. Registration for the programme is available in a full time format only .

School Transport

Based on demand, ISD provides school transport services for students via private taxis. If interested in school transport, please share your home address with admin@internationalschooldublin.ie to assess if transport may be arranged.