Advancing towards excellence in our DP schools: Building a global learning community

ITJ Santa Mónica and Zona Esmeralda in Mexico City became the epicentre of a unique gathering of leaders united by a shared purpose

At the beginning of September, ITJ Santa Mónica and Zona Esmeralda in Mexico City became the epicentre of a unique gathering of leaders united by a shared purpose: to strengthen the IB Diploma Programme (DP) in ISP schools.

The ISP Academic Achievement Learning Community: Advancing Excellence in our DP Schools brought together DP Coordinators, our DCLO for LATAM, Regional Learning Directors from Brazil, South America, Central America, US West and Canada, and the Middle East. Diverse voices and experiences came together under a common vision: to raise the quality of the DP so every student experiences a journey that leads to academic excellence.

The congress was designed with clear objectives: strengthen the strategic and pedagogical leadership of DP Coordinators; align programme planning, assessment and leadership practices with student achievement; develop clear, data-driven strategies to improve IB results across all ISP schools; and foster collaboration and shared learning among high-impact DP leaders.

For three days, ISP educators joined sessions that blended strategy, practice and inspiration. We analysed regional and divisional results, explored innovative approaches like the DP Boot Camp developed by Progresso schools in Brazil, and took part in learning visits with in-depth analysis.

Colleagues shared how ATL and ATT skills can boost teaching and learning, and reflected on the importance of developing these competencies in students before they start year one of the DP. We were also invited to consider how multilingualism and Future Pathways enrich the student experience.

Visits to our schools in Mexico City brought these conversations to life, allowing leaders to observe classroom practices and turn those observations into concrete actions.

Beyond the sessions, what truly defined the event was the spirit of collaboration. Leaders from different countries, languages and contexts came together not as isolated schools, but as an ISP Learning Community. Every conversation and exchange of ideas built a network of trust and purpose that will last long after this conference.

Together, we created regional commitments, capturing the learning from each session and transforming it into actions that will directly impact our schools and students. These commitments will be monitored in the coming months, ensuring that the momentum generated in Mexico translates into sustained progress across all ISP schools.

However, the most powerful voices came from our students. A video message from students at Indaiatuba Progresso School in Brazil reminded us why we do this work: "collaborate, learn together and aim high." Their words captured the essence of our mission.

Academic excellence is not just about surpassing global standards, but about creating meaningful experiences that prepare young people for success in life.

This Learning Community was more than a conference; it was a movement of educators determined to push boundaries, align efforts and create a culture of excellence in the Diploma Programme.

Looking ahead, we carry the conviction that, by working together, we can transform outcomes, strengthen our programmes and, most importantly, ensure every ISP student experiences a DP journey that empowers them to reach their highest goals.