- News
At ISL, we proudly champion student agency from Lower to Upper School, and today, we are excited to share the perfect example of it.
Last year in June, then 5th graders Julia, Setoka, Sammy, Bianca, and Luca—part of the Climate Action Group from previous year’s PYP Exhibition—took the lead on a proposal to install solar panels on the Lower School and Hillside Administration buildings.
Guided by ISL Energy Vision Task Force from the Upper School, who provided key mentorship and energy calculations, the students presented their plan to the ISL Board of Governors, which welcomed it with open minds and enthusiasm. The result? With the guidance of ISL Leadership, the project was presented to the Ministry of Education and received a substantial grant. Now the installation is nearly complete and will soon generate 314.512 kWh of clean energy annually. As the solar panels come to life, so does the student voice within the ISL community.
When the students' determination and vision were so strong, support came from all directions. SOCOM, the company that installed the solar panels, stepped in. Not only did SOCOM oversee the installation, but they also provided six 1.5-hour classes to the students, supporting them throughout the project’s journey, from preparation and design to budgeting.
The efforts of the Grade 5 Climate Action Group serve as a perfect example of the power of student-led initiatives. With their vision set on a sustainable future, these young leaders continue to pave the way for a brighter tomorrow. Our school is full of stories like this, and we’ll proudly share them throughout the year!