The International Schools Partnership (ISP) has announced the recipients of the first Federico Olivie Fund, and we are proud to share that three Aspen teachers have been recognized as part of the seven accomplished recipients who have received the award this year.
Congratulations to Ichraf Belhoula, Alison Grice-Glover and Yasmin Baldoza. Ms Belhoula and Ms Grice-Glover are PE Teachers, while Mr Baldoza is a Year 5 teacher at Aspen Heights British School. They all have been with the school for three years.
The three teachers have received a portion of the Fund, which will be divided amongst the seven ISP staff members recognized this year, to support them as they enhance their learning and skills through additional training in courses of their choice.
Ms Grice-Glover, who is also the Secondary Pastoral Lead at our school, will use the award to complete her National Professional Qualification – NPQLT (National Professional Qualification Leading Teaching). About her recognition Ms. Grice – Glover had this to say: “To be granted the opportunity to further my learning to study for the NPQSL, through the Federico Olivie Award is amazing. The course project work, which I have already decided will be centred around student wellbeing will enable me to further strengthen our school’s pastoral provision. This is something that is a huge priority at Aspen Heights and is pivotal in my role of Secondary Pastoral Lead.”
When asked what this award means to her, Ms Belhoula said, “I am grateful to have received this award. This course, level 4 ASCA swimming course is really going to support the next steps in my career in the swimming field, and I hope to support my school in delivering even better student outcomes.”
Ms. Belhoula will use the award to complete a leadership school Level 4 ASCA swimming course.
Ms. Baldoza will also complete her National Professional Qualification – NPQLT (National Professional Qualification Leading Teaching), using the awarded Fund. She said, “I am looking forward to using the skills and knowledge from the NPQLT to enhance the teaching and learning of science and computing at Aspen Heights. I am lucky to work in a school that is supporting me through the course and giving me the tools and time to develop the learning experiences of students and staff.“
A total of seven individuals in both teaching and non-teaching roles were identified as this year’s recipients (the full list can be seen below). The selection committee for the fund looked at a number of different criteria when making the final decisions on who the recipients would be.
Abigail Fishbourne, School Improvement Partner, ISP, and one of the selection committee members said: “ISP are a learning organisation and are passionate about continuous improvement and staff development. All staff were encouraged to think about their personal development and apply for this fund. Each of the applicants had identified areas within their schools where, if they developed the knowledge and skills taught on the course, they would be able to implement improvements. This will directly impact the educational experience of students at their school. The successful applicants evidenced how, following the course, they would be able to strengthen the school staff skillset and positively impact the academic, social and emotional, or operational aspects of school performance. In addition to this, the successful applicants demonstrated a commitment to the school and its pupils by performing well in their current roles and going above and beyond in previous years.”
Bharat Mansukhani, CEO, ISP Middle East and Europe explained the thinking behind the Fund. “In an era where dynamic change is taking place at a technological, economic, and social level, educational establishments have undergone a transformational shift through the implementation of new methods, tools, and technology prevalent in an age of virtual classrooms and courses. Academic and administrative staff who upskill themselves are better able to support their schools in the future, thereby delivering a more meaningful and rewarding form of education to the students,” he shared.
“The Federico Olivie Fund recognises these qualities and supports our employees in being active changemakers in their schools. We congratulate this year’s Fund recipients. Their commitment is noteworthy, and they exemplify the principles and spirit that ISP stands for. We look forward to celebrating their future successes and witnessing the changes they bring forward in their respective schools,” Mansukhani said.
The Federico Olivie Fund was created in memory of a friend and colleague of ISP, who passed away in 2015. Federico was involved in the private education sector and made a significant contribution to ISP in the organization’s early days.
The Federico Olivie Fund provides a financial contribution to support applicants from ISP schools who wish to enhance their learning and skills by completing additional training. Applications are open annually to all teaching and non-teaching Middle East employees of ISP.
The recipients of The Federico Olivie Fund for the 2021 -2022 academic year are:
Alison Grice-Glover, a PE Teacher from Aspen Heights British School
Ichraf Belhoula, a PE Teacher from Aspen Heights British School,
Yasmin Baldoza, a Year 5 Teacher from Aspen Heights British School
Nicole Reyes, a Data Analyst from Park House English School
Michael MacDonald, Head of Year 7 and a PE Teacher from Park House English School
Jaime Legg, a Key Stage 4 Leader and Science Teacher from Park House English School
Althea Edmondson, Head of Primary, Nibras International School
