At the International School of Beijing, we take a direct and simple approach to the challenges of the 21st century with a strong focus on student learning in this period of change and ambiguity. Our understanding of the term "21st-century learning" encompasses many different aspects of learning. Equally, there are many avenues that we can use to help make learning relevant, vibrant and forward-looking.

    When looking at our curriculum from PreK 3 to Grade 12, we started by asking ourselves two simple questions: "What can we do to ensure that the ISB learning environment adequately prepares our students for a future we cannot predict?" and "How can we help our school to function as a "world-class" environment of excellence now and in this unknown future?"

    In response, ISB developed what we call "Learning21@ISB," also known as "L21." L21 is a simple yet comprehensive PreK 3 to Grade 12 framework for learning which attempts to layer a strong sense of purpose and vision on top of an excellent academic program. The premise is simple and yet, we believe, the results can be transformative. We have organized our framework around three concentric rings within a five point compass.