Today saw the FS1 students start to arrive and join the school. They were greeted by Ms Isla and her team and taken with their parents to the wonderful FS1 area where they played and got familiar with the surroundings. It is important that the students feel welcome, happy and safe in their first experience at the school so they can start to learn through play. The process also includes a home visit where the teachers and Teaching assistants will go to the homes of the new students so their first meeting with new people is in a familiar setting making it easier to settle when they come to school for the first time.
I hope this message finds you well and full of excitement about the start of a brand new academic year. It was great to see our school buzzing with life once again as students, with faces both familiar and new, filling the hallways, classrooms, playgrounds, and learning spaces.
At St Andrews, our Early Years Foundation Stage (FS1–FS3) offers a warm, purpose-built environment where children aged 2 to 5 can grow, explore, and thrive through play-based, personalised learning. With small class sizes, dedicated spaces, and strong relationships between educators, children, and families, we create a nurturing ‘small school’ experience within our larger international community, laying the foundation for confident, lifelong learners and an easier ‘big school’ transition.
At St Andrews, safeguarding means ensuring every student feels safe, supported, and protected. Staff and students regularly take part in fire drills, evacuation exercises, and safety routines to stay confident and prepared for any situation. With certified training in first aid and emergency response, our staff are equipped to act quickly and calmly when it matters most. Students remain at the heart of every safety measure, and we’re proud to maintain a secure, well-prepared school environment—audited and supported by both local and international partners.
At St Andrews, the role of Head of Year is vital in supporting both the academic progress and personal development of every student. In Primary School, the Head of Year (or Year Leader) plays a key role in leading academic and pastoral support by ensuring consistent curriculum delivery, fostering student well-being, and creating a safe, engaging environment. While in High School, the Head of Year shifts focus to mainly pastoral care by overseeing student well-being, monitoring attendance, liaising with families, and offering early interventions to help students navigate adolescence and achieve their full potential.
