Nord Anglia Education
WRITTEN BY
Nord Anglia
19 July, 2024

How NAIS Manila Embraces Cultural Diversity and Inclusion to Foster Global Citizens

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At Nord Anglia International School Manila (NAIS Manila), we believe that the diverse backgrounds of our students are not only beneficial but essential to creating a dynamic, inclusive, and engaging school culture. We spoke with NAIS Manila Principal Chris Pooley about how the students' diverse backgrounds significantly enrich the learning environment and contribute to our school's vibrant culture.
Fostering a global perspective in and outside the classroom 

In the classroom, our students work alongside peers from various cultural backgrounds. Our curriculum weaves this collaboration, encouraging students to share their unique perspectives and experiences. Such interactions enhance their learning, promote inclusivity, and prepare them to be global citizens. 

As an international school in Manila, our students also benefit from learning outside the traditional classroom setting through various experiential trips. These excursions enhance their comprehension of history and culture. For example, our residential programs, ShelterBox projects, and community work initiatives provide hands-on experiences that make historical and cultural lessons tangible and memorable. This approach fosters a broader worldview, empathy, adaptability, and a deeper appreciation for global diversity. 

Ensuring every student feels valued and supported 

We place outstanding emphasis on ensuring that all students, regardless of their nationality or cultural background, feel valued and supported within our community. Recognising and knowing each student as an individual is one of our key strengths. We celebrate their uniqueness and ensure that every child feels seen and appreciated.                

Every student, regardless of their background, has the chance to flourish through our inclusive approach. 

I firmly believe that every child deserves the right to a quality education. Our commitment to personalised learning ensures that all students receive the support and resources they need to succeed, fostering an environment where everyone can achieve their full potential. We actively celebrate cultural events to recognise and honour the diverse backgrounds of our students. These celebrations highlight our differences and bring us together, fostering a deeper understanding and respect for one another. 

Our shared vision and values, embodied in the 6Cs: compassion, collaboration, curiosity, critical thinking, creativity, and commitment, unite our community. These core values guide our interactions and help us create a supportive school environment. 

Celebrating and integrating diverse cultures 


We are proud to celebrate and integrate the diverse cultures represented by our student body into both the curriculum and daily activities. On Philippine Day, we immerse students in the rich culture and traditions of the Philippines through various activities, performances, and presentations. International Day is a grand celebration of the cultural roots of all our students, featuring music, dance, and displays that represent the diverse backgrounds within our community. 

Our variety of food lunches is another way we celebrate diversity. We regularly feature cuisines from different countries, allowing students to savour and appreciate the flavours and culinary traditions of their peers’ backgrounds. This not only enriches their dining experience but also fosters a greater understanding and appreciation of global cultures. 

Challenges and opportunities 

Managing a diverse and inclusive student body presents both unique challenges and opportunities, and our school has developed effective strategies to address these. One of the key challenges is ensuring that every student feels a sense of belonging. To address this, we have implemented a housing system that promotes a sense of community and connection. This system is divided into 4 houses and 8 groups and allows students to feel part of something larger than themselves, fostering camaraderie and mutual support across diverse backgrounds. 

Preparing students for a globalised world 

Our student community is diverse, and this diversity is a significant asset in preparing students for future success in an increasingly globalised world. Our students are learning in an environment that closely replicates the diverse and dynamic workplaces they will encounter in the future. By interacting daily with peers from various cultural backgrounds, they develop essential skills such as cultural awareness, empathy, and effective communication. These skills are invaluable in today’s global workforce, where collaboration across cultures is the norm. 

Through our Global Campus, our students have the opportunity to collaborate with peers from different Nord Anglia Education schools worldwide. This experience helps them build a global network, mirroring the interconnected environment they’ll face in their professional lives. Working on joint projects and participating in international programmes not only enhances their academic experience but also prepares them for the complexities and opportunities of a globalised world. 

We believe that diversity and inclusion are foundational to our educational approach. By celebrating and integrating the diverse backgrounds of our students, we create a learning environment that prepares them for the globalised world. Our commitment to recognising each student’s unique potential and fostering a supportive community ensures that all our students can thrive.