The International School of Phnom Penh is a nonprofit, nonsectarian day school offering English language instruction to expatriate and local students. It was founded in 1989 and has about 600 students from 37 countries. It is the only authorized IBO World School in the country with permission to use the PYP/MYP/IB Diploma curriculum. ISPP is accredited by WASC and CIS. ISPP also serves as a community center and resource.

Mission and Beliefs
ISPP works to enable students to achieve their personal and academic potential and to become global citizens. The school believes in fostering lifelong learning, and that learning is a partnership between students, parents, staff and the community.

Facilities
ISPP has two libraries; one on the elementary campus and one on the secondary campus. There are four major sporting facilities spread between the two campuses known as the North Campus and the South Campus. The South Campus – the Elementary Campus – has a music room that is large and can accommodate more than the 18 students that are in the largest class. The North Campus has an auditorium that doubles as the music room.

Curriculum
ISPP is an IB World School and as such has a curriculum similar in many ways to the majority of IB schools around the world. In the Elementary School (which uses the PYP program) the curriculum is integrated and focuses on developing the child in a holistic fashion. There are specialist teachers in music, art, computers, swimming, PE, and French and Khmer. ISPP works on the multi-age principle so that students are together for two years along with the same teacher. I’ve worked in this type of system, and it can be very effective with the right teachers in developing the social and academic skills of students.

As students progress through the IBO program, content becomes more and more emphasized while, at the same time, the traits of inquiry and engagement with the lessons continue to be developed. The MYP (Middle Years Programme) covers students from the ages 11-16. As with most middle year’s programs, this provides a transition between what students do as in their early years and what they are expected to do as young adults.

The Diploma Programme is for students in Grades 11 and 12. Upon completion of this programme students are awarded the IB Diploma, which is accepted in universities around the world. Even if students do not meet the stringent requirements for the IB Diploma they may still graduate with an ISPP Diploma. ISPP has a Mother Tongue Program that teaches 17 different languages.

Extra-curricular Activities
ISPP offers a wide range of activities. These include: arts and crafts, basketball, football, drama, choir, cooking, karate, Khmer, swimming, secrets of science, water polo, tennis, taekwondo and many more. They have an extensive co-curricular program that includes sports, drama, music and the fine arts. Community service is also stressed at the school. This includes such activities as house building, providing resources for Khmer schools, and working with orphans. Teachers and students are involved in these activities. Teachers also assist in teacher training of Cambodian nationals.

Technology
ISPP has two computer labs – one on the South Campus and one on the North Campus. In addition to the labs, each classroom has at least one student computer. The North Campus library has seven desktops and 10 laptops for student use. The North Campus is also set up for wireless access. ISPP uses Moodle and expects all teachers to be able to use it.

Professional Development
ISPP offers excellent professional development opportunities.

Employment
New hire salaries run from $30,000 to 55,000 tax-free. Benefits include round trip transportation, housing allowance, insurance (health and disability) retirement, shipping/settling-in allowance, visa cost, annual home leave, housing, immunizations, physical examinations, personal leave, recruitment leave, emergency leave, local taxes, and staff development. You can find complete information on the salary schedule and benefits in the recruitment brochure available online.

Job openings are listed online. Candidates need to be certified, have two years experience (preferably IB experience), and want to live in Cambodia. The school attends the Search and ISS fairs. Candidates can apply directly to the school with a cover letter, a CV and a list of references. Send these to: writing to hr@ispp.edu.kh