Turkey, Istanbul
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Gökkuşağı Schools develop students' academic, social and emotional wellbeing, with a focus on international-mindedness and belonging to local and global communities. The PYP nurtures independent and collaborative learners, encouraging every student to have voice, choice and ownership in their own learning.
An Inclusion and Special Educational Needs policy ensures compliance with national laws; an Inclusion Policy Unit coordinates implementation; staff receive training and work with an IB Coordinator and a psychological counseling and guidance unit to support inclusive practice. Teachers collaborate with families to identify and meet each student's needs, with education options including mainstream learning or a dedicated support education room with scheduled weekly hours, and language support as needed.
English is taught from Kindergarten with two hours of English daily and two hours of Spanish per week in Kindergarten. An intensive English program conducted by Turkish and foreign teachers develops listening and speaking from first grade. From primary school, students graduate in the European Language Framework at the A2 level and in Cambridge Flyers; English lessons develop reading, writing, speaking and listening, with a goal of reaching B1-B2 in secondary school.
Mental well-being is prioritized; the school provides a safe, affirming environment to build confidence and self-esteem and to ensure students feel cared for, listened to and that they belong. The approach includes collaboration with parents and specialists to support students' emotional health and resilience.
Safeguarding and child protection are addressed in policies; concerns are routed to the designated child protection contact, with safeguarding integrated into inclusion practices and ongoing collaboration with families and health professionals.
Gokkusagi Schools Istanbul is an international school for ages 3 to 18 in Beylikduzu. It offers the Cambridge International School Program (Primary through IGCSE and A Levels) alongside the IB Primary Years Programme and IB Diploma Programme. The school also delivers the CAP Innovative Program and Dual Foreign Language Education, operating under a 'Living School' model that aims to educate internationally conscious individuals who research, inquire, think, communicate, are informed, principled, open‑minded, caring, risk takers, balanced and reflective. Established in 1997, it pursues a World School vision and focuses on developing students' intellectual, social, emotional and individual talents, with internationally ambitious pathways. The Beylikduzu campus houses physics, chemistry and biology labs; IT and STEM facilities; an art workshop; a Music and Dance Academy; archery and an ice rink; a 3D hall; a conference hall; a library; a restaurant; and indoor sports halls, plus a 3000 m² open area. The Cambridge Accreditation Code is TR072, and SAT preparation is offered.