Four decades later, Bali Island School continues to be the leader of IB World Schools across Indonesia.
As one of the oldest international schools in Bali—as well as Indonesia—Bali Island School continues to stand tall as a pioneering force in education. The school offers the Primary Years Programme (PYP), Middle Years Programme (MYP) and Diploma Programme (DP) as its main academic tracks, exemplifying how the International Baccalaureate (IB) education framework capably develops young students into globally-minded citizens.
Indonesia Expat recently had a chat with Liam O’Shea, the Deputy Head of School at Bali Island School, as the latter shared—among many things—the glowing accomplishments that the school made last year, why inquiry-driven learning is vital in developing students into active, lifelong learners as early as preschool (PS), and how IB continues to be a relevant and especially urgent in today’s education landscape.
Hi, Liam! Let’s start with your background a bit. What can you tell us about yourself?
I am originally from Vancouver, Canada, and I have been working, studying and teaching overseas for 32 years. Over the years, I have earned Bachelor’s degrees in Physical Education and Education, and Master’s degrees in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL) and Educational Leadership. My overseas teaching career has taken me to Japan, Australia, the UAE, China and now, Indonesia.
Bali Island School continues making its presence known as one of the best schools on the Island of the Gods, as well as the leader of IB World Schools across Indonesia. Looking back, what do you see as the school’s proudest and most significant accomplishment in 2025?
There are two main accomplishments we have achieved as a community so far. The first is continuing with our already strong programmes and events—from “Education Outside The Classroom” field trips, participating and excelling in Bali School Sports Association (BSSA) and International Schools Theatre Association (ISTA), to spirit weeks and student-led assemblies, charity and volunteer work.
The second accomplishment is successfully preparing for and recently going through our re-accreditation and re-authorisation visits, which happen every five years. Bali Island School is the oldest established international school in Bali, and the first school authorised to offer three International Baccalaureate (IB) programmes. We are also the first school in Bali accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC) and the Council of International Schools (CIS), both widely accepted as being the ‘gold standards’ for international schools worldwide.
Speaking of IB—Bali Island School implements the IB continuum of international education from as early as preschool (PS), the aim of which is to develop these young students as caring, active inquirers in a lifelong journey of learning. Why do you believe that such a rigorous goal should be accomplished since the very beginning of the student’s education journey?
As both an international educator and proud parent of two children who have been raised and educated overseas, I believe very strongly in the importance of concept-based, inquiry-driven learning. Based upon the International Baccalaureate Organisation’s philosophy and practices, the programmes that Bali Island School have created are designed to not only build upon children’s innate abilities to question and make sense of their worlds, but also nurture them holistically. Academic excellence is not our only goal; creating well-balanced, caring, confident, intelligent and globally-minded citizens is also an extraordinarily important goal for us. This starts right from the moment children cross our threshold, at any age and stage of life.
From your observation, what makes the school life of an IB student unique–especially in comparison to the school life of a student enrolled under other educational frameworks or programmes?
It is important to remember that the IB is not a set of standards to be mastered, nor is it a set curriculum. Rather, it is a philosophical framework that helps each school and learning community define and create what works best for their students in any particular worldwide context. IB programmes are concept-based and inquiry-driven. They allow students more leeway to critically examine not only “what” they are learning but “why”, and also “how” they can apply their learning to real-world situations. Students learn incredibly important skills such as self-management, time-management, social, research and thinking skills that help prepare them to reflect upon their learning and become more intrinsically motivated.
Another interesting element of life as an IB student—since as early as PS—is having the student develop and solidify their IB Learner Profile. What is IB Learner Profile, exactly? And why is it important?
The IB Learner Profile is a set of 10 aspirational attributes that serve as the IB’s mission statement in action. Bali Island School is unique in that these attributes are also our Core Values. We intentionally build these values into our planning, teaching, assessing and every aspect of our school life, so that our students can—and do—grow up to be: Balanced, Reflective, Risk-takers, Inquirers, Caring, Communicators, Knowledgeable, Principled and Open-Minded Thinkers.
Bali Island School, as an IB World School, has consistently demonstrated the impactful results of IB programmes—and not just the IB Primary Years Programme (PYP). Why do you believe that, even after more than five decades since the founding of IB itself, this particular educational framework remains relevant and especially urgent in today’s education landscape?
The beauty of the IB, in my humble experience, is that it constantly challenges everyone to really think about what education means. It constantly forces everyone in learning communities to ask themselves: “Why are we doing what we are doing?” “Is what we are doing the best thing for our students?” “How do we know this? What is the impact of our efforts?”
As a framework, the IB allows teachers and schools to critically examine and selectively choose from amongst the best international standards in the world. Units of inquiry are constantly being created, reflected upon, improved and then re-invented as the world changes. Moreover, as the world changes, so must educational institutions—if they are to not only survive, but thrive. Bali Island School has a 40-year track record of doing just that!
What about parents who might be interested in having their children enrol at Bali Island School as early as PS, but still feel anxious or feel not necessarily well-informed about all things IB? What can you say to ease their concerns?
I would say come and visit! Have a chat! Within five minutes of being on our campus, I am confident that parents can see and feel what Bali Island School is known for, which is, primarily, an incredibly strong and caring community. We have bi-weekly Coffee Mornings and various events throughout the year that explain our programmes—and everyone is welcome to join anytime.
However, I would offer this: I understand that what is more important to any parent around the world than academics is that their children will be well-taken care of. That their children feel happy, safe and supported when coming to school. That they will be nurtured and intellectually ‘stretched and challenged’. That they will have the interpersonal and academic skills needed to succeed and thrive throughout life. In these areas, Bali Island School’s teachers truly stand out.
Last but not least, how can our readers get in touch with you and Bali Island School?
Give us a call or come and visit us in person! We are located in beautiful Sanur. Our contact details are on our website and also below:
Bali Island School
- Address: Jalan Danau Buyan IV No. 15, Sanur, Denpasar, Bali 80228, Indonesia
- Email: info@baliis.net
- Phone: +62 361 288 770 / +62 812 366 98461
I am also available for a chat anytime: loshea@baliis.net. Looking forward to meeting you!