Empowered Teaching, Nurturing Learners
At the International School of Zanzibar, we are dedicated to educating the “whole child”. This holistic approach ensures that our graduates are not only academically proficient but also socially competent, prepared to excel in the 21st century.
When we developed the ISZ educational model, we started with what we expect an ISZ graduate to be like as a person, and what competencies this person needs to have in order to be successful in 21st century society.
Our educational philosophy integrates core academic skills with essential social competencies that are universally valued across cultures.

The ISZ educational model is built on a robust foundation of skills and knowledge, forming the core of our school curriculum. Our students receive comprehensive instruction in the following areas:
- English Language & Literature
- Mathematics
- Humanities
- Science
- Creative & Applied Arts
- Second Languages (French & Swahili)
- Personal & Social Health
- Business
At ISZ, we believe that social competencies are crucial for personal and professional success. Our graduates are nurtured to develop:
- Respect, valuing others and appreciating diversity
- Empathy, understanding and sharing the feelings of others.
- Thoughtfulness, considering the impact of one’s actions on others.
- Communication, expressing ideas clearly and listening actively.
- Cooperation, working effectively with others to achieve common goals.
- Resilience, bouncing back from setbacks with strength and determination.
- Morality, upholding strong ethical principles and integrity.
We ensure that our graduates are well-equipped with critical academic and personal skills, including:
- Communications Skills – Mastery of verbal and written expression.
- Numeracy & Mathematical Skills – Proficiency in mathematical concepts and applications.
- Thinking & Problem-solving Skills – Ability to analyse situations and devise effective solutions.
- Artistic Skills – Encouraging creativity and expression through various art forms.
- Health Skills – Promoting mental and physical well-being.
- Decisions Making & Judgement Skills – Developing sound decision-making abilities.
- Commercial Skills – Understanding business principles and practices.
Our graduates are prepared to navigate the complexities of the modern world with confidence and competence. By fostering both academic excellence and social responsibility, ISZ shapes individuals who are ready to make meaningful contributions to society.
Discover how the International School of Zanzibar cultivates well-rounded, future-ready leaders.
Leading Curricula
Early Years Philosophy & Curriculum
Our Early Years foundation stage curriculum offers a high quality, caring educational environment for our students. We follow a “play” based approach to learning and a strong emphasis on teaching care and concern for others, respect for cultural diversity and for ourselves. The Early Years curriculum supports our own philosophy that children learn through active involvement with their environment.
Year 1 and Year 2 follow Cambridge English and Maths, which sets up our students for the perfect transition into Primary


International Primary Curriculum (IPC)
The IPC is a comprehensive, thematic, creative curriculum for children 6 to 11 years old, with a clear process of learning and specific learning goals for every subject. Children are also taught international mindedness and character building. ISZ teaches Cambridge International Education for English and Mathematics in order to transition our students to secondary. IPC units for globally significant learning, the IPC personal goals touch on individual character building – inquiry, resilience, morality, communication, thoughtfulness, cooperation, respect and adaptability. Social and Emotional Learnings (SEL) studies are also in place.
Most of these classes are in their own dedicated space on campus.
Secondary (Lower, IGCSE & A-Levels)
The ISZ Secondary is divided into three sections; Year 7 to 9 (Cambridge Lower Secondary), Years 10 to 11 (International GCSE) and Years 12 to 13 (A-levels). All three sections use an internationally recognised curriculum that is both rigorous and challenging.
Lower Secondary subjects offered are: Mathematics, Coordinated Science, English Language, Global Perspectives, French, Swahili and Art & Design. SEL is part of the curriculum.
At the end of Year 9 students will sit for their Cambridge Checkpoint Exam.
At IGCSE level the subjects taught are; Mathematics, Coordinated Science, English Language, History, Geography, Art, Business Studies, SEL.
At the end of Year 11, students will take their IGCSE Exams.
At ISZ for AS and A Levels the subjects offered are; Mathematics, English Language, English Literature, Business, Economics, Physics, Biology and History. SEL is also part of the curriculum.

Accreditations
“An International school is an institute that’s sole service offering is rooted in education, fostering an international environment and providing an internationally recognized curriculum. They consist of a multinational student and staff body, offer multilingual instruction and the goal of the curricula is oriented towards global perspectives”
By receiving accreditation from Middle States Association (MSA-CESS) and international recognition by organisations such as Association of International Schools in Africa (AISA) means that ISZ is upheld by international standards in providing educational services.
We work hard to support every student to develop successfully on their own unique journey at school. We’re proud of our dedicated teachers who nurture the continuous, holistic growth and development of our students.

Internationally Empowered
Get in touch to discover how ISZ can provide a technologically advanced education that prepares your child for a successful future!
We look forward to welcoming you to our forward-thinking community.





