Students and staff at International School Aberdeen (ISA) are marking a milestone anniversary this year as they celebrate 50 years since the school first opened its doors.
Established in August 1972, ISA is Scotland’s first international school and over the last five decades, the school has continued its mission to deliver educational excellence while helping children find their place in the world.
A series of celebrations to mark the school’s Golden Anniversary kicked off last Friday with an official Opening Ceremony and Concert, showcasing talent from students in Grades 3-12 (ages 8-16), with a 1970s-inspired programme of music and dance from around the world. Former ISA students made a return trip to the campus to play a part in the celebrations.
One of ISA’s most well-known alumni, NFL star David Ojabo, addressed the ISA community via a specially recorded video message from the US, where he is now based as Outside Line-backer with the Baltimore Ravens.
The Opening Concert also featured a performance by the ISA Jazz Band as well as a Beatles inspired piano piece and a traditional Japanese folk tune by a former student. The concert closed with a tribute to the school’s Scottish roots with a Highland dance performance.
Head of School, Nick Little, commented on the milestone anniversary, “We are thrilled to be celebrating our 50th
Anniversary and are very much looking forward to an exciting and diverse programme of events in the year ahead.
“It is great to feel the excitement building within the school and to see our entire school community joining together to help commemorate this very special occasion is wonderful.
“ISA embodies the essence of an international school as a gateway to the wider world, yet as a school community, we are immensely proud of our homegrown roots and our heritage in the Granite City.
“As we honour the last 50 years in Aberdeen, we also look to the future as we continue to thrive in our beautiful campus, maintaining a global approach to education and embracing contemporary teaching and learning methods.”
ISA, formerly known as The American School, opened its doors 50 years ago with a school population of 36 students from kindergarten through to Grade 12 and a faculty of eight teachers.
The original campus in Cults was a former convalescent hospital, built in 1910 and situated on 9.5 acres of green lawns and woodlands.
Change first came in 1979 when sponsoring corporations established a charitable company to run the school. The second property in Milltimber was purchased in 1980 and originally housed the Elementary School. A series of building works took place from 1991 through to 2002 to extend the original manor house to include extensive classroom and sporting facilities.
In 1996 the High School moved across from the Cults campus to Milltimber and the entire school was under one roof.
The school changed its name to International School Aberdeen to reflect the International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Programme that was implemented the same year. At that time ISA was the only school in Scotland to offer the IB Diploma to its senior students.
In August 2010, ISA moved into its new, purpose-built campus at Pitfodels House, where it remains to this day. The campus includes a 25m swimming pool, climbing wall, five science labs, three performing arts studios and a 300-seat theatre, and a state-of-the-art sports complex.
“Since the first day of school 50 years ago, we have continued to adapt and move with the times,” continued Nick.
“Yet one thing that endures is our quality of teaching and our commitment to providing exceptional care for every child. Student wellbeing sits at the heart of everything ISA stands for.”
Other special events planned to mark ISA’s 50th Anniversary year include an ‘ISA Through the Ages’ exhibition in the school’s main foyer, known as The Street, which includes alumni stories and photos through the years. Students will also be gathering items for a time capsule which will be buried in the school grounds and a 50th Anniversary plaque is also set to be unveiled.
The school will celebrate its diverse community with a ‘Festival of Culture’ to be held in October and preparations are also under way for a 70s themed talent show.
With a student population of approx. 500, with half of those coming from the local area, ISA utilises best practices in education from around the world.
“ISA is such a special place. We are so much more than a school - we are a community. I am grateful for my role over the last four years in helping to lead the school and shape our students into confident learners and active global citizens.
“It’s inspiring to have the opportunity to work alongside a talented team of dedicated staff, who continue to go above and beyond to ensure our students are safe and happy at ISA.”
To find out more, visit: www.isa.aberdeen.sch.uk