We recently welcomed Elizabeth Imende, Executive Director of the Association of International Schools in Africa (AISA), to Woodland Star International School. In this video, Elizabeth and Timo take us through the highlights of her visit showcasing the initiatives that make Woodland Star stand out. Elizabeth explained that the 3-Stop Tour is a new initiative celebrating the incredible work happening in AISA member schools. Woodland Star chose to showcase these three areas to highlight what makes the school unique.
- Inclusion and Learning Support
- Environmental Conservation and Green Focus
- Innovative Secondary Years Learning
Stop 1 – Inclusion
“Inclusion is at the heart of everything we do,” Timo says as he heads up the tour, starting in the Primary Years block where we explored the dynamic, welcoming spaces, specifically designed to make every student feel at home. Our outdoor classrooms, storytelling fireplace, and wheelchair-accessible swing reflect our commitment to creating a learning environment where every child can thrive.
“We want our students to feel like they belong,” said David, our Head of Inclusion and Learning Support. “That’s why we created the Maisha Center, a hub for therapies, vocational training, and social-emotional development.”
The Maisha Center houses:
- A kitchen for culinary arts, where students learn life skills through hands-on cooking.
- A laundry space, teaching independence and vocational skills.
- Table training sessions, providing support for students with behavioral, social, or emotional needs.
We hope that our creative repurposing of spaces inspires other AISA schools, to transform spaces for carpentry, hydrotherapy, or even outdoor pottery. This approach is at the heart of our commitment to inclusive education.
Stop 2 – Sustainability and Environmental Learning
“We are incredibly fortunate to have an indigenous forest right next to our school,” Timo explained. “And we believe students should engage with it every day.” That’s why, before classes begin, our students and teachers take a 20-minute forest walk, a daily practice that connects them to nature and sets a calm tone for the day.
Through our Green Focus program, students don’t just learn about the environment; they become active stewards of it. By embedding environmental learning into the curriculum, we ensure that sustainability isn’t just a concept from textbooks, it’s something our students experience firsthand.
Stop 3 – Innovation in the Secondary Years
Our final stop was guided by Heather, our Assistant Head of School. “Learning here is hands-on, dynamic, and built around projects that challenge students to think critically and creatively,” she explained.
During this stop, we explored how secondary students engage in theme-based, project-driven learning. Whether working individually or in groups, they move between discussions, research, and hands-on activities, deepening their understanding and sparking curiosity.
Discover Woodland Star in Action
Elizabeth’s visit helped us to highlight what makes Woodland Star International School unique, a place where inclusion, sustainability, and innovative learning come to life every day.
As an AISA member school, we are proud to share our approach with a wider community of educators who are shaping the future of learning.
Watch the video to experience the 3-Stop Tour firsthand and see how we’re inspiring the next generation. Want to know more? Schedule a tour.
