Who We Are
The International Preparatory School (IPS) is a fully authorised International Baccalaureate World School offering the Primary Years Programme. IPS is a private English medium pre-primary and primary school situated on spacious grounds in Labourdonnais Village, a rural sugar growing area in the north of Mauritius. At IPS teaching and learning takes place within a constructivist context (using the IBPYP) where students build new knowledge upon previous knowledge to fulfil our vision of inspiring our learners to thrive in a world of change.
As an internationally minded school, we are inspired by the diversity of our community and the world at large. We empower ourselves with the knowledge, skills and understanding to become true global citizens. By appreciating ourselves and one another we work towards creating and sustaining a harmonious future.
Senior Leadership's Message
Dear Families,
Welcome to the International Preparatory School (IPS) in Mauritius. It is our hope that this site provides you with all the information you need about our school. We also hope that it helps you understand the spirit and values that are key to our work here at IPS.
In the coming year, IPS will celebrate 30 years as an independent international school.
In 2017 IPS was Re-accredited by the Council of International Schools (CIS). We are proud of this award as it recognises us as a school that offers an all-around high-quality education, one that meets or exceeds internationally agreed standards. We are very aware of the responsibility this carries and so continually strive to maintain and further develop the educational programme which we offer our students. Our Strategic Plan (revised in 2017) guides us in placing student learning at the forefront of all we do.
IPS is an IB World School school offering the Primary Years Programme. As an IB school, we share a common philosophy – a commitment to high-quality, challenging, international education that inspires our students to succeed in a world that is forever changing.
IPS is a community school, and each section of our community is critical with all stakeholders adding value through their contributions to the ethos and climate of the school. Students, teachers, parents, board members and community friends are all encouraged to work in collaboration to further the vision and mission of the school.
As is common in many other international and national primary schools worldwide, our programme reflects the International Baccalaureate philosophy and an inquiry-based approach to teaching and learning. We place a significant emphasis on helping our children develop a genuine and vibrant love of learning, one that they will carry with them beyond IPS and through their lives. We support them in developing confidence and fluency in the critical basic literacy and numeracy skills and in putting their natural curiosity to work in learning about our world through the various subject areas.
After school hours, we also extend our student’s interests in many sports, activities and hobbies utilising extra-curricular activities.
We do hope that you will decide to come and join our lively school community and extend a warm welcome to all of our website visitors!
Our Campus
The International Preparatory School campus occupies 27,000 sq. Metres in the green and pleasant grounds of the former Labourdonnais Sugar Estate. In the shade of the leafy trees planted by labourers many years ago to shield their dwellings from the fierce tropical sun, our two purpose-built, fully air-conditioned classroom blocks stand in mature, established gardens alongside employees’ cottages, saved from the bulldozers and converted and adapted into offices and learning areas.
Over the years the School has built up a number of significant resources that are unparalleled in primary education in Mauritius. Currently, our facilities include a computer research lab, a library, an art studio, French language classrooms, a Learning Support teaching centre, a gymnasium, sports fields, an outdoor amphitheatre, several playgrounds, outdoor eating areas and a medical room. The school campus is equipped with high-speed WiFi internet access and in October of 2016, they will introduce a mobile technology project using a 1 to 1 iPads for students in Years 5 &6.
We also have use of the neighbouring Northfields International High School’s (NIHS) swimming pool, which is just a short five-minute walk away. Together with IPS and NIHS, the Ecole du Nord French primary and secondary school completes the group of three international schools situated in Labourdonnais Village.
Although we are fortunate to be in a very safe and friendly country, to ensure the security of our school community, the campus and parking areas are monitored by CCTV and a security guard mans the main entrance when school is in session.
The Parent Association office is conveniently located adjacent to the main entrance gate.
International Mindedness at IPS
IPS is an international community school that welcomes all nationalities. We value international-mindedness without forgetting the importance of national mindedness. We believe it is essential for all our students to develop a deep understanding of our host country, Mauritius, and we are honoured to be in a country with diverse people, heritage, culture, beliefs, and traditions.
We believe international-mindedness begins and develops from a strong sense of self-identity. We encourage our students to celebrate their uniqueness and individuality, and we are proud of who they are as young people.
Our beautifully diverse student body is an incredible resource which allows our students to naturally learn about other cultures. We love to see students from different backgrounds interacting, learning from each other and growing together. From this strong foundation we hope to see our students become open-minded, reflective thinkers who are able to communicate with confidence and sensitivity, whilst understanding different perspectives and treating all people in a caring way. Individuals who naturally inquire about the world and develop knowledge to make a difference.
Developing International Mindedness at IPS:
The school community went on a journey to understand what international-mindedness means to us at IPS. Through a series of workshops we collaboratively developed the following definition:
IPS International Mindedness Statement:
We are inspired by the diversity of our community and the world at large. We empower ourselves with the knowledge, skills and understanding to become true global citizens. By appreciating ourselves and one another we work towards creating and sustaining a harmonious future.
IPS Faculty
Sharita Mungu
Vimla Nursmooloo
Aarti Lullith
Sunita Ramlagun
Aartee Lullith
Sangita Poorun
Kadressen Mooken
Bimanand Mungur
Sanjeev Ramdany
The Board of Governors considers policy development and fiduciary responsibilities to be its primary functions.
Policies are those outcomes of planning and evaluation, which guide the Board of Governors in its operation and are guides for action by the Head of School. Policies also act as a means of communication with the community, staff, and students relative to the School’s Mission and Vision and other Guiding Statements and to its philosophy and objectives and Board decisions.
The Board of Governors ensures the financial stability of IPS through sound financial planning and the monitoring of the annual budget.
IPS Board of Governors Policy Manual
Responsibilities will include:
- To establish the mission, vision, and philosophy of the School
- Plan strategically to ensure the viability of the School
- To employ, support and evaluate the Head of School
- To monitor the work and effectiveness of the educational program through discussions with the Head of School
- Approval of the annual operating budget
- Approval of the annual calendar
- Evaluation of itself on an annual basis
The Board of Governors office bearers for 2021
- President of the Board: Sailash Boodhoo
- Vice President of the Board: Vincent Hardy
- Secretary of the Board: Mark van Beuningen
- Treasurer of the Board: Hema Cederhage
The Board of Governors Committees for 2021
Board Finance Committee – Hema Cederhage (C), Mark Van Beuningen, Ali Esmael & Olivier Ma
Board Marketing Committee – Sophie Lagesse (C) & Vincent Hardy
Board Governance/Compliance Committee – Sailash Boodhoo (C) & Yahia Nazroo
Board Building and Facilities Committee – Vincent Hardy (C) & Sailash Boodhoo
The Board of Governors for 2021
Mr. Yahia Nazroo, Mr. Mark van Beuningen, Mr. Sailash Boodhoo, Mrs. Sophie Lagesse, Mr. Ali Haji Esmael, Mrs. Hema Cederhage, Mr. Olivier Ma, & Mr. Vincent Hardy
Employment Opportunities
The International Preparatory School is always looking for the most talented, motivated and innovative people in their particular field. IPS faculty shares a common understanding and goals as found in our Vision and Mission. If our Guiding statements inspire you, we encourage you to send us your application for any open position that applies to your professional focus.
The International Preparatory School does not discriminate against individuals on the basis of their race, sex, religion, orientation, national or ethnic origin, age or disability. Aligned with the recommendations of the International Taskforce on Child Protection, we hold ourselves to a high standard of effective recruiting practices with specific attention to child protection.
Primary Years Teachers
The International Preparatory School, Mauritius, is looking for outstanding primary teachers and specialist performing arts teachers to join its team.
What are we looking for?
IPS is looking for talented, hard-working professionals to join a diverse team of supportive teachers. IPS is actively seeking the following positions to be filled:
- Homeroom Teachers
- Learning Support Teachers
- Librarian
Candidates must have the following:
- Internationally recognised teaching qualifications
- Background check(s) from country/countries of residence
- At least 3 years of experience teaching in a primary school setting
- Knowledge of inquiry-based teaching practices
- The ability to deliver our curriculum in an engaging, creative and challenging manner
- A positive, enthusiastic and hardworking professional approach
- The ability to work collaboratively and positively as part of any team
- The ability to form professional, positive and trusting relationships with children, families and colleagues; a strong sense of community
- A commitment to clear and effective communication
- A strong commitment to ongoing professional development - self-driven and dedicated
- A deep understanding and knowledge of learning and assessment strategies, balanced with an ability to adapt and be flexible according to the context in which they work
- Be able to teach across the entire primary phase (however, preferences will be taken into consideration).
- Excellent language skills (spoken and written English)
- An interest in being part of our extra-curricular learning programme
The ideal candidates will also have the following:
- International school experience
- Extensive knowledge of and experience teaching the PYP/IB
- An interest and ability to progress professionally, potentially into future leadership positions (following professional review by the Senior Leadership Team)
- The ability to converse in French
A letter of application, together with a current CV and contact details for three referees (in one complete file) should be emailed: [email protected] Please include: Application for __________ (Homeroom Teacher, Learning Support Teacher, Admin Assistant, etc) in the subject line of your mail.
Upon selection, the chosen candidate will take part in a carefully designed orientation process to help ensure a smooth and happy transition into life at IPS.
IPS encourages early applications and reserves the right to select and employ a candidate ahead of the advertised closing date.
