International School of Hamburg

The Student Support Services Team (SSST) screens, determines services, and monitors referred students with significant social, emotional, behavioural, or academic differences. Following a referral, SSST members assess the student's needs through consultation, observation, and testing, and provide a team recommendation regarding the required support. The department comprises Learning Support, School Counselling, College Counselling, on-site occupational and speech therapists, School Nurses, and liaises with outside specialists to provide a broad range of services. Counselling services include support of the pastoral care program, behaviour management support, individual personal counselling, group counselling, social skills training, and group guidance lessons in classrooms, with parent consultations and staff in-service as part of the programme. The aim is to promote student well-being and healthy adjustment across the school community.

The Learning Support program strengthens academic skills within the context of a student's emotional, social, and cognitive development. Services are provided after referral and may include remedial and compensatory instruction, skill development, re-teaching, and content support. MYP and DP students may be eligible for inclusive assessment arrangements. There are two on-site speech therapists and an occupational therapist available. The SSST liaises with outside specialists and therapists to provide a wide array of services for ISH families.

English is the main language of teaching and learning at ISH. An English as an Additional Language (EAL) program supports non-native English speakers across grade levels, coordinating with classroom teachers to integrate content. The EAL department operates in both the Junior School and the Secondary School, with Junior School EAL Services using a mixed pull-out and push-in model for Group A Beginner English Language Learners and Group B Intermediate learners, and advanced learners in a monitor group receiving in-classroom support. Secondary School EAL supports students to progress toward mainstream classes. German, French, and Spanish are offered as Modern Foreign Languages.

Pastoral care and counselling are central to ISH wellbeing. The SSST provides school counselling in the Junior School and the Secondary School, with a collaborative process to define and follow through with a personal improvement plan. Counselling services include support of the pastoral care program, behaviour management support, individual personal counselling, group counselling, social skills training, and group guidance lessons in classrooms, plus parent consultations and staff in-service. The team provides on-site occupational and speech therapists and School Nurses to support mental health, and liaises with outside specialists as needed.

Child protection and safeguarding are top priorities. ISH is in strict compliance with German law and follows international best practices to ensure child safety.