Confidence with humility
Visitors and parents often comment on the assuredness and quiet pride of our students. Young people need confidence to tackle the uncertainties of their future in a changing and complex world. Island School nurtures students to be self-assured without being arrogant; we encourage risk-taking without rashness.
All Island School students have real opportunities to influence all aspects of school life. Our students feel valued and understand that what they say and how they feel counts. Beyond the school gates, our students know that with awareness of ever-changing local and global issues, there comes responsibility - to care enough to want to make a difference and to have the confidence to be able to do so.
Students develop their ability to take initiative. They grow to trust their judgments in unfamiliar situations and to have the independence of mind to take a principled stand on issues they feel strongly about. They have the confidence to articulate and defend their positions, but will listen to others who hold different opinions and will measure the value of viewpoints through reflection, research and discussion.