In a bold departure from tradition, The Overseas School of Colombo (OSC) hosted its inaugural Media Open Day, opening its doors to leading journalists and media professionals for an immersive, firsthand experience of life on campus. The event, held on the school’s lush Geoffrey Bawa-designed eco-premises, showcased the vibrant heart of OSC; its inclusive ethos, world-class curriculum, and deeply rooted values through an all-encompassing student-led campus tour.
The morning began with a student-led campus tour, providing guests with a genuine glimpse into OSC’s unique learning environment. From state-of-the-art science labs to creative makerspaces and collaborative learning zones, the tour revealed how OSC merges academic excellence with real-world relevance. Media attendees were invited to witness something that was not a curated performance, but the authentic rhythm of a school day – where compassion, courage, and curiosity are cultivated in every learner.
This was followed by a screening of the OSC Milestones video, a tribute to the school’s legacy and evolution of over six decades. A compelling presentation on the International Baccalaureate (IB) curriculum further unpacked OSC’s educational philosophy, spotlighting its emphasis on holistic experiential education; inquiry-driven learning, critical thinking, and global citizenship.
A lively Q&A session brought together a distinguished panel of six key educators – Head of School Dr. Michelle Kleiss, Principal Mr. Jason Gandbois, Primary Assistant Principal and PYP Coordinator Ms. Samantha Wood, mathematics educator Mr. Nimal de Silva, Assistant Secondary Principal and MYP Coordinator Mr. Jake Eagle, and Lower Primary Learning Leader Ms. Prashani Gamage. The panel responded to insightful questions from the press, offering clarity on OSC’s approach to student wellbeing, inclusion, curriculum delivery, and leadership development.
The event wrapped up with refreshments and informal networking, giving media and press representatives a chance to engage directly with the OSC panel and leadership team in a warm and welcoming environment. The goal of the day was clear: to let the stories speak for themselves through the unique lens of student voices, educator perspectives, and campus energy – without fanfare or orchestration.
What sets OSC apart is not just its dual international accreditation (CIS and MSA), its 100% IB Diploma pass rate, or the fact that it’s Sri Lanka’s only school to receive both the Eco-Schools Green Flag Award and the MSA Programme of Distinction in Sustainability. It is also the only IB World School globally to win both Gold and Silver at the International ARC Awards in New York, affirming its reputation for excellence in global reporting and transparency.
With students from over 40 nationalities and faculty drawn from 16 countries, OSC is more than an international school, it’s a global village connected in spirit and values, with a Sri Lankan soul. And with the success of its first Media Open Day, it has boldly redefined how schools tell their story through a shared experience grounded in transparency, human connection, and the courage to be seen as it truly is – with unity in diversity.
