International School of Bergen

The Learning and Wellbeing Support Services (LWSS) team provides support for every student's personal, social, emotional and educational needs. The LWSS team includes the School Counselor, the IENS Coordinator, and the English Learning Support (ELS) Coordinator, and works closely with the School Nurse. The LWSS emphasizes early contact with students and parents to discuss wellbeing and progress. Social-emotional learning (SEL) is the process of developing a healthy approach to school, work, and life through self-awareness, self-control, and interpersonal skills. ISB enables students to respect themselves, others, and the learning, social, and natural environments, aims to maintain positive social relationships, develop emotional intelligence, and achieve personal success in school and life, and delivers this through the International Baccalaureate programme.

At ISB, students may experience learning challenges or additional needs. The Individual Educational Needs Support Coordinator (IENS) works with home room and subject teachers to ensure appropriate support. This includes differentiated resources, in-class support, team teaching, and 1:1 programmes, including writing and providing Individual Student Support Plans. The IENS Coordinator acts as facilitator between the school, parents and outside services, such as Pedagogisk Psykologisk Tjeneste (PPT) and Barn og Ungdoms Psykiatri (BUP).

English is the language of instruction at ISB. Students who come to ISB without fluency in English are given the help necessary to ensure that they can fully benefit from the school programme as quickly as possible. Help may be in-class support, special ELS classes with a specialist teacher, an English Language-focused programme, or a combination of the two. English Language Support (ELS) is offered to all students who have been recognised as needing additional support in reading, writing or speaking English, and the ELS Coordinator and teachers work closely with subject and homeroom teachers to develop individualised learning plans.

The School Counselor provides personal counselling as well as academic and whole-class counselling support and acts as an advocate for student concerns. The LWSS coordinates Social-Emotional Learning programs with Home Room teachers. The team also supports transitioning students and their families to promote wellbeing and stability throughout school life.

The Child Protection Policy places the safety and well-being of our students at the heart of ISB. It outlines procedures for child protection, legislation and guidance, and related policies, and appoints a Child Protection Officer. Staff receive ongoing training, including ECIS Level 2 Certificate in Child Protection, with robust referrals to relevant agencies. The policy recognises that some students are at increased risk, including those with SEN or English as an additional language, and commits to anti-discriminatory practices and safeguarding for all students.