United Kingdom, London
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The school delivers Personal, Social, Health and Economic Education (PSHEE) across Grades 6-12. PSHEE focuses on personal, social, health and economic development and permeates daily life in lessons and extracurricular activities. The programme reinforces school values and aims to develop caring, principled and open-minded individuals who feel valued for who they are and are aware of their place in the world. Units cover mental health, conflict resolution, online safety, relationships and other topics and are taught at all grade levels with age-appropriate content. Advisory and pastoral systems, assemblies and year-group gatherings provide ongoing support for student wellbeing.
Southbank has an Inclusion Policy dedicated to providing an inclusive education for all learners. The policy aligns with IBPYP principles, the Equality Act 2010 and Independent School Standards. The Learning Support/SEN policy outlines identification, assessment and provision for students with learning support needs, including the use of an International Individual Learning Plan (IILP). All students receiving learning support have an IILP and progress is reviewed through the school's processes. Support is provided through in-class and targeted Learning Support and Literacy programmes in Primary Years, and through advisor and subject-teacher support in the Middle Years and Diploma Programme, with accommodations as appropriate. From Grade 10 onward there are two counsellors to advise on career and university choices, and the school maintains links with external services and organisations to support learners with learning support needs.
The language of instruction is English. The school offers 20 other languages. Students who need to learn English as an additional language are supported through dedicated EAL lessons.
Mental health is addressed within PSHEE with age-appropriate topics taught at all grade levels. The PSHEE content includes emotional health and healthy relationships and emphasises social and moral responsibility. The programme reinforces care and empathy within the school community, and the advisory and pastoral system and assemblies provide ongoing support for wellbeing.
The school has a Safeguarding and Child Protection Policy. New staff are informed of the names and roles of the Designated Safeguarding Lead and Deputies at induction. All staff receive annual safeguarding and child protection training. The school is committed to proactively teaching children about safeguarding, including online safeguarding.
Southbank International School's Kensington campus provides the International Baccalaureate Primary Years Programme for children aged two to eleven. Located in the Notting Hill district of West London, the school utilizes its proximity to major cultural sites through its "London as a Classroom" initiative. This program integrates visits to nearby museums, galleries, and parks directly into the curriculum, allowing students to learn from the city’s resources. With a student body representing nearly 40 different nationalities, the campus maintains small class sizes typically ranging from 12 to 18 pupils. The school focuses on inquiry-led learning, where students are encouraged to ask questions and explore subjects across various disciplines. Facilities include dedicated spaces for music and art, along with a "living moss wall" designed to incorporate nature into the indoor learning environment. Spanish and French are introduced as additional languages, fostering early multilingual development within a multi-national community.