Seasons of Change: Preparing for Life Beyond ISZL

This blog post is based on a presentation by Sharon Gibbons, Social Emotional Counsellor at ISZL, whose thoughtful insights guide our approach to supporting students through important life transitions.

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As our Grade 12 students prepare to enter their study leave, we mark a meaningful turning point in their educational journey. This moment brings a complex mix of emotions — pride, anticipation, excitement, and perhaps even a touch of nervousness — not only for students but for their families (and teachers!) as well.

For many, this is the first experience of managing time, learning independently, and preparing for important assessments without the daily rhythm of school life. It’s a time of change, growth, and opportunity — and we recognise how essential it is to approach this transition with care and support.

 

 

Going Beyond Exams

Study leave is often seen as a practical step to allow students time to focus on exam preparation. But at ISZL, we view it as much more than that.

This period represents a shift in responsibility — from the structured support of the classroom to the independent ownership of learning. It’s a chance for students to discover how they learn best, build confidence in their abilities, and develop resilience.

It’s also a time when emotions can run high. The pressure to perform, uncertainty about the future, and the gradual realisation that their time at ISZL is drawing to a close can feel overwhelming. Supporting student wellbeing during this time is just as important as academic preparation.

 

 

A Whole-Community Effort

We often speak about learning as a community experience, one where students, teachers, and families work together to create a supportive environment.

During this period of change, that supportive environment is as important as ever. Parents play a particularly vital role. You are your child’s anchor — their cheerleader, sounding board, and source of reassurance. Your patience, encouragement and presence are essential during this transition.

How Parents Can Help

As your child begins study leave, here are some ways you can offer support:

• Keep the conversation open
  Check in with your child regularly. How are they feeling? What’s going well? What’s proving difficult? You don’t need to have all the answers — just being there to listen makes a big difference.
• Support realistic planning
  Help your child set achievable goals. Encourage a daily routine that includes study, rest, movement and downtime. Remind them that breaks are just as important as revision.
• Celebrate progress, not just results
  Recognise effort. Whether they’ve created a study schedule, completed a revision topic, or asked a teacher for help — these are all wins worth celebrating.
• Trust the process
  Give your child the space to take the lead. They might approach things differently than you would (and that's okay!). Building independence is a key part of this transition.
• Reassure without pressure
  Remind your child that exams don’t define them. Encourage them to try their best, but also keep things in perspective. Their growth, values and wellbeing matter most.

 

 

How ISZL Supports This Transition

Our commitment to student success goes beyond academics. We support the whole student — emotionally, intellectually and socially — especially during periods of transition.

Here’s how we’re helping our Grade 12 students:

• One-on-one support from teachers for subject questions and review
• Study skills and stress management workshops
• Continued access to school counsellors and wellness resources
• Ongoing guidance from our university counselling team
• Quiet, welcoming study spaces on campus

These resources are designed to ensure students feel supported and confident as they prepare for exams and look ahead to what comes next.

 

 

Looking Ahead: Life After ISZL

Study leave is not just a step toward final exams — it’s a step toward adulthood. It’s a time for students to start practising the self-directed learning and time management skills they’ll need in their post-ISZL life.

It’s also a moment to reflect on who they are becoming — what excites them, how they learn best, and what kind of future they want to create. These weeks offer space not just for academic growth, but for personal development as well.

 

 

A Message of Gratitude

To all ISZL parents — your ongoing support helps make this transition a successful one.

We know this can be an emotional time, but it’s also a proud one. You’ve helped guide your child to this moment.

Transitions can be challenging, but they’re also full of promise. With care and reflection — from all of us — our students are ready.