International Independent Schools: Extracurricular Activities and Student Engagement

International Independent Schools (IIS) actively promote extracurricular activities and encourage student participation through various student-led interest groups.

Examples of Extracurricular Activities:

Toastmasters International:

Toastmasters is a global leader in communication and leadership development, boasting over 352,000 members. Members refine their speaking and leadership skills by participating in one of the 16,400 clubs spread across 141 countries, forming a worldwide network of meeting locations.

The world needs leaders. Leaders not only manage families, teams, and businesses but also inspire and guide others. Toastmasters helps individuals achieve this through regular speeches, constructive feedback, team leadership, and mentorship in a supportive environment. The journey begins with a single speech, evolving into storytelling, active listening, planning, and providing and receiving feedback. Through this learning community, participants find their path to effective leadership.

Gavel Club:

The Gavel Club offers a Toastmasters-like experience for groups ineligible for regular membership, often due to age or other circumstances. Members of Gavel Clubs, called "Gaveliers," receive similar leadership and communication training.

IIS has been an official Gavel Club since early 2018. This club is available for senior students in both the American and British programs, conducted in English.

Chess Club:

The Chess Club provides students with an enriching activity that offers numerous cognitive benefits, such as enhanced critical thinking, focus, and memory. Research has shown that high school students who engage in chess for three months perform better on standardized tests. Through this activity, students have opportunities for free play and tournament-style matches.

IIS Talk and IIS Debate:

These activities are integral for developing public speaking and debating skills throughout the year. Students discuss specific topics while adhering to debate rules and etiquette. These sessions enhance their speaking abilities while fostering collaboration, respect, and interpersonal communication skills.

Competitions:

Annual Power of Words and Writing Competition:

This competition challenges students to showcase their creative and artistic writing skills across various structured formats. Students begin drafting early in the second semester and submit their final versions, following review and editing, by the end of the term. Awards are presented to the best authors.

Global Competitions – Model United Nations (MUN):

The MUN is an academic simulation of the United Nations where students act as delegates representing different countries. They work to solve real-world issues through the policies and perspectives of their assigned nations.

Annual Spelling Bee Competition:

This competition enhances spelling, reading, fluency, and values like patience, teamwork, respect, and honesty. Students are provided with word lists to memorize and prepare for the contest.