Turtle Bay International School

The school follows the Future Learning Model (FLM), a pedagogical framework focused on experiential and collaborative learning. It emphasizes a holistic education that equips students with skills for the real world, guided by a competency framework and the Global Education Forum (GEF) Manifesto. The school is committed to multilingualism, international-mindedness, and a student-centred approach to learning.

The school offers a continuum of International Baccalaureate (IB) programmes, including the Primary Years Programme (PYP), Middle Years Programme (MYP), and the Diploma Programme (DP). The curriculum integrates STEAM education and utilizes over twenty digital tools to support a blended learning environment. Students also engage in art, music, drama, and sports as part of their holistic development.

Students consistently achieve high results in university entrance exams and language proficiency tests, such as Cambridge, Goethe, and Alliance Française. Graduates earn the IB Diploma and an American High School Diploma, facilitating entry into prestigious global universities including Cambridge, Imperial College London, and Georgetown. The school also provides a 'SEK Portfolio' and 'SEK Diploma' to document student competencies for higher education and career progression.

The school prioritizes student well-being and emotional intelligence through a programme developed in collaboration with the Yale Center for Emotional Intelligence (YCEI), which incorporates the RULER approach to social and emotional learning. Teachers act as mentors and guides, identifying individual student strengths and areas for growth to foster meaningful knowledge acquisition.

The admissions process is designed to understand the unique interests and needs of each student and their family. It involves four steps: an initial information request (via website, visit, email, or phone), a meeting with an admissions officer accompanied by a school tour, an admissions interview, and a final decision by the Admissions Committee. Places are limited.

The school utilizes 'Empowerment Hubs' for student exploration and integrates STEAM education through dedicated Maker environments. Learning extends beyond the classroom through the 'Learning Outside-In' project, which utilizes non-school environments such as museums, ports, and urban gardens. Additionally, the school maintains a school training ship, the Cervantes Saavedra, for environmental learning experiences.

Students participate in a wide range of activities to foster leadership and personal development, including Model United Nations (SEKMUN), public speaking, and campus media initiatives like press, radio, and television. The school offers robotics and Maker spaces, social action projects, and an outdoor activities center. Students may also participate in the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award, cultural trips, summer courses, and environmental learning aboard the school training ship, the Cervantes Saavedra.