Save the Date- ISL's 60th Birthday

ISL TURNS 60!

Come and celebrate with us!

ISL will hold a  Birthday Party on Friday, 29th September 2023, to celebrate 60 wonderful years of providing quality education to the leaders of today and tomorrow. 

The party will take place under the stars, within the school grounds.

Tickets will be available soon.

Save the Date!

Introducing Alex Woods - Geography Teacher

Alex Woods joins ISL from ESF Discovery College, Hong Kong, where he was the IB Geography and MYP Individuals & Societies teacher. He also held the appointment of Dean of the Year, supporting the pastoral needs of students. Previous to this, Alex worked in North-West London, UK, where he was a Progress Leader for A-Level Geography. 

Alex received his teacher training from University College London and holds an MA in Leadership from the same institution, as well as a BSc in Geography with International Studies from the University of Manchester. Alex has also recently completed his NPQSL, through which he undertook a 6-month secondment to SLT at Discovery College.

Alex is a keen traveller and reader, as well as an enthusiastic amateur photographer.

Introducing Annie Borchert - Counselor

Annie Borchert joins us from her most recent position at Varndean College in the UK, an IB world school college, where she has been a student counselor and well-being mentor. Annie is passionate about supporting children and young people from diverse and international backgrounds, promoting growth, confidence, social and emotional well-being, and achieving full potential. She is a humanistic integrative therapeutic counselor (Brighton CPTA, CPCAB, British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy) and a registered social worker with a BA Honours in Social Work from Kingston University London, with long-standing experience in supporting children and families, as well as people with disabilities and promoting mental health.

Annie also has vast experience in giving specialist support to students who have special educational needs or disabilities, with a focus on autism awareness and neurodiversity awareness. Annie has worked in primary, secondary and further education in London and the southeast of England for many years.

Additionally, Annie has an arts background with a Bachelor of Arts Honours in Photography and uses creative approaches to support emotional and social well-being.

Introducing Dania El Iraqi - Mathematics Teacher

Dania El-Iraqi joins us from Leaders International College, Egypt, where she has been an MYP Mathematics Teacher for the past 5 years. Ms El-Iraqi holds an MSc in Operations Research from Cairo University.

For her innovative research in applying mathematics to cultural heritage management, Dania was awarded a Graduate Internship with the Getty Conservation Institute in LA, California. Dania is the first Arab and only Egyptian to receive the “OR for Development Prize” from IFORS.

Ms El-Iraqi has been teaching mathematics for over 15 years, to undergraduate, graduate and postgraduate students in various universities like the American University in Cairo, and to school students in different educational systems like the British (IGCSE), American (SAT) and IB systems.

Dania loves to read, travel, solve logical puzzles and fold origami with her two daughters.

Introducing Cecelia Miller - Music, Art, Drama Teacher

Cecelia Miller is joining the International School of Lusaka team to teach Art, Drama and Music in middle school and English ESL for year 10. Cecelia has a bachelor's degree in Childhood studies from the University of Bristol and a PostGraduate Certificate of Education from the University of Sunderland. 

She has been teaching for the past 5 years, spending 3 years teaching English, Music, Drama and Art in Barcelona, Spain, and the past 2 years working at Baobab College teaching English at middle school and IGCSE level.

Cecelia is a multi-passionate person, who among many things, loves to paint, play piano and guitar, go to the gym and work with humanitarian causes. She is happy and grateful to be joining the ISL team.

Introducing Arnold Kalale - Physics Teacher

Arnold Kalale is an experienced and dedicated physics teacher with a passion for education. With a remarkable tenure of 10 years at Mpelembe Secondary School, he has made a significant impact on the academic growth and success of his students. 

During his time at Mpelembe, Arnold specialized in teaching ECZ, Cambridge A levels and Edexcel A levels, honing his expertise in these prestigious international curricula over a period of 6 years. His deep understanding of the subject matter and effective teaching methodologies have enabled his students to achieve outstanding results year after year. 

Arnold's commitment to excellence in physics education extends beyond the classroom. He served as the Physics Section Head at Mpelembe Secondary School, providing leadership and guidance to a team of dedicated teachers. In addition, he took on the responsibility of Assistant Cambridge Exam Coordinator, ensuring smooth administration and adherence to examination standards. 

As the JETS (Junior Engineers, Technicians, and Scientists) Club Patron, Arnold actively nurtured the scientific curiosity and talents of his students, encouraging them to explore the world of physics through hands-on experiments and projects. His mentorship and support have inspired countless students to pursue careers in the STEM fields. 

Introducing David and Tanya Ratsakatika

David and Tanya Ratsakatika both join us, with their daughter Hana, from the UK. David joins as Athletics Director and Tanya as Head of Science. 

David has been a qualified physical education teacher for the past 10 years both in England and as athletics director in Tanzania. David has experience of PYP to DP teaching and has participated in many coaching awards from swimming to Rugby. In his spare time, David has scouted for Brentford FC youth academy as well as trained football teams at county level. 

Tanya joins as an experienced science teacher of 9 years and previous head of science in England and Tanzania. She has completed her Masters in Educational Practice; conducting research on teaching and learning to improve the outcomes of students. 

Together, David and Tanya are looking forward to exploring the wilderness in Zambia with their daughter Hana. 

Introducing Hannah Griggs - Early Years Teacher

Hannah Griggs joins us from Discovery Bay International School, Hong Kong, where she has taught in both the Early Years and Primary phases. Hannah was appointed to the position of Head of Phonics and then Head of English.

Hannah has most recently completed her National Professional Qualification of Middle Leadership where she led the curriculum development of Writing across Early Years and Primary. 

Hannah completed her BA in Geography at the University of Southampton, before training as a teacher at the University of East Anglia. She taught in a small village school in England before relocating to Hong Kong. 

In her spare time, Hannah enjoys traveling, hiking, and a good coffee! 

Introducing Ewa Bwalya - Counselor

Introducing Ewa Bwalya, our new School Counselor. Ewa holds a degree in Psychology and Sociology from the University of Westminster, London, UK, along with a Cambridge Teaching and ESL Qualification. With her teaching background and experience as an Independent Private Tutor, Ewa brings a solid foundation in supporting students academically and emotionally.

Ewa's expertise extends to working with diverse learners, including those with autism, ADHD, dyslexia, and other needs. Throughout her professional journey in London, UK, as well as during her time as a Learning Support Specialist at Baobab College in Lusaka, Zambia, Ewa has demonstrated her adeptness in providing individualized support and fostering inclusivity within the educational community.

In addition to her professional pursuits, Ewa has a deep passion for environmental causes and organic farming. She finds joy in reading, hiking, and embracing different cultures through travel and making friends from all over the world.

Jillian Johannsen Returns to ISL

Jillian Johannsen returns to ISL where some of you may know her as a former member of the English Department. Jill is a PhD student in English at the University of Teesside. She possesses an MA and BA in English and a PGCE with qualified teacher status. All Jill’s studies were completed in her native United Kingdom. She is a committed IB teacher and IB examiner.

 Jill has taught English language and literature in private and public schools in Thessaloniki, Madrid, Liverpool, Carlisle, including the historic Købmagergade Skole, built in 1898, in Fredericia, Denmark, where she led an innovative international education initiative and received the Mayor’s award for change and commitment to enriching global citizenry in the classroom. 

With over 15 years’ experience of delivering teaching and learning plus 10 years’ experience building capacity in the NGO sector, in Mozambique and Zambia, Jill remains committed to bringing the spirit of international-mindedness, social and environmental responsibility, and her total love for Zambia to the classroom.

 Jill’s special interests are creative writing and eco-poetry. She also enjoys mountain biking, Legoland, and playing glow-in-the-dark lawn darts.

Introducing Nélida Tojar - Spanish Teacher

Nélida Tójar is our new Spanish teacher. Originally from Spain, she joins us from Golden Valley School, Costa Rica, where she has been teaching German as a Foreign Language for the past 5 years.

Ms. Tojar holds several master's degrees related to the teaching of international and second language education and a Bachelor's Honours degree in Audiovisual Communication.

Apart from Costa Rica, she has worked in China and Europe as a teacher of Spanish to both primary and secondary students, as well as to undergraduate students at University.

Nélida's passions are travelling, cooking, swimming and discovering cultures.

Introducing Stacey-Ann Witter - Learning Support Teacher

Stacey-Ann joins us from the Broadoaks British School in Abuja, Nigeria where she headed the learning support department. She started her teaching career over 18 years ago in Southern Japan, teaching English as an Additional Language. Her extensive teaching experience ranges from Early years to teacher training colleges in Japan, Hungary, Tanzania and Uganda. She has contributed to the writing and editing of national curriculum textbooks on teaching methodology in Japan and Tanzania.

In addition to being a class teacher, she has a Masters in Special Education Needs from the University of Linköping Sweden and qualifications in English as an Additional Language. She has a passion for learning new languages and speaks Japanese and Kiswahili. She enjoys gardening, going on long walks around the city, karaoke and game nights.

Stacey-Ann will be joined by her daughter Aalyah who will be entering Year 4. She is looking forward to meeting everyone soon and settling in Lusaka. 

Introducing Michael Ndung’u - Economics Teacher

Michael Ndung’u will join us from the American International School of Kuwait (AIS), where he has been teaching Economics, Entrepreneurship and Integrated Humanities for two years. Michael has a Bachelor’s of Education Arts (Economics and Geography) from Moi University, Kenya.

Michael is also an examiner of Integrated Humanities under International Baccalaureate and Economics for Cambridge. He has been the Head of Department for Individuals and Societies at The Aga Khan Academy Senior School Nairobi, Kenya, a country in which he worked for more than fifteen years. 

“I am an educator and a lifelong learner. I have an extensive work experience both locally and internationally, which helps me make learning visible and use differentiation to help every student achieve the best. My experience has also allowed me to see the world through a myriad of lenses that has taught me the value of individuals. I believe in transforming students, through dynamic cycles of inquiry, action and reflection.

I enable and support students as they develop the approaches to learning they need – for both academic and personal success.

Introducing Malcolm Rudkin - ICT Teacher

Initially, Mr Malcolm Rudkin studied at Portsmouth University, securing a BA (Hons) in Business. This led to a PGCE in Business education including ICT at UWE in Bristol. His first teaching post was as an ICT teacher which involved leading the subject under the supervision of a Head of Design & Technology. Following this, Mr Rudkin worked in several schools in the UK gaining experience teaching ICT, then computer science.

In 2006, Mr Rudkin became head of his own department, encouraging students to attend lunchtime clubs to develop their media and coding skills. He inspired more girls to participate in computing by them attending conferences hosted by women who are leaders in their technology field. Other students had the opportunity to visit Disneyland and Legoland to show how technology was used in the attraction rides.

Experience as a head of year gave Mr Rudkin insight into supporting and promoting student welfare.

Introducing Werner Van Heerden - Primary Teacher

Werner Van Heerden, an experienced educator with 18 years of teaching under his belt, is filled with anticipation as he prepares to embark on a new journey at the International School of Lusaka. 

Having spent a decade teaching in South Africa and five years in Kuwait, he possesses a wealth of knowledge in creating engaging lesson plans and fostering inclusive learning environments. 

Beyond the classroom, Van Heerden's passions lie in gardening, painting, and science, which he seamlessly incorporates into his teaching practices to ignite curiosity and creativity among his students. 

Joining the esteemed faculty of the International School of Lusaka, Van is excited to contribute to its renowned academic excellence and student development. Collaborating with a diverse faculty, he aims to nurture a love for learning, cultivate inclusivity, and empower students to become global-minded individuals. 

With his extensive experience and unwavering dedication to education, Van is poised to make a positive impact on the students of the International School of Lusaka.