Principal Lisa Saha’s approach at British Columbia School is redefining what education means for the next generation.
Background
Mrs. Lisa Saha leads British Columbia School, where her work focuses on giving students a more personalised and well-rounded education. With an early career in biomedical sciences and experience both in Bangladesh and abroad, she has introduced teaching methods that encourage curiosity, build confidence, and respect local values while keeping a global perspective.
Why the shift from biomedical science to education?
When Mrs. Lisa Saha was studying biomedical sciences, she didn’t imagine she’d one day be running a school. During her summer breaks, she worked with children in Bangladesh and started to notice a big gap in how they were learning compared to children in the UK and the Netherlands.
“Over there, students were encouraged to ask questions, think for themselves, and make connections,” she says. “Here, most of the focus was on memorising information for exams. I kept thinking, if I came back here for good, I’d want to change that.”
That decision has shaped her work at British Columbia School, where she now leads a team that is rethinking how education can work for children in Bangladesh.
How does British Columbia School help students succeed?
At British Columbia School, every child learns in a way that suits them. Teachers plan lessons around each student’s strengths and pace, and the school even develops its own books and materials so that no child feels left behind.
“We focus on teaching children how to think, not just what to think,” Mrs. Saha explains. “When students are able to understand the ‘why’ behind something, they learn better and feel more confident.”
Rather than pressuring children with grades and constant tests, teachers encourage them to explore, ask questions, and learn without fear of making mistakes. This approach blends the structure of Japanese discipline, the depth of the British curriculum, and the cultural grounding of Bangladeshi values.
What’s different about the new junior section?
For the youngest learners, British Columbia School has designed the junior section around a “learning through play” approach. Lessons are hands-on and encourage children to explore topics they are curious about, instead of simply memorising facts. The aim is to help them build understanding, not just store information for exams. “Children need to enjoy what they’re learning if we want them to understand and remember it,” says Mrs. Saha.
One highlight is the Arabic language program. In Bangladesh, Arabic is taught mostly by memorising Qur’anic verses, often without understanding their meaning. At British Columbia School, students learn Arabic as a full language — vocabulary, grammar, and structure — so they can read and understand the Qur’an on their own, without depending on someone else for translation. Classes are taught by a teacher who spent most of her life in Saudi Arabia and is fluent in the language.
“In Bangladesh, the Qur’an holds huge importance, but the true meaning is often lost in translation,” says Mrs. Saha. “We want our students to have that direct connection.” Parents often say this approach gives their children a stronger and more personal understanding of their faith.
The junior section is also supported by teachers trained in international teaching methods, adapted to fit Bangladeshi values and culture. This balance helps teachers connect with every child, whether they are shy or confident, advanced or still catching up, and ensures each student feels supported to learn at their own pace.
What’s next for British Columbia School?
The next big step for British Columbia School is an institute for students with learning differences like dyslexia and ADHD. “A lot of children with these needs end up feeling like they’re not good enough for school,” Mrs. Saha says. “That’s not right. Every child deserves to be taught in a way that works for them.”
This new space will be designed so no student feels excluded, and parents can feel confident their child is in an environment where they are understood and supported.
What would you say to parents thinking about British Columbia School?
“We’re not here to follow the same old patterns,” says Mrs. Saha. “If you want your child to be confident, think for themselves, and still understand and value where they come from, that’s the kind of education we offer.”
Recognition for her work
The changes Mrs. Saha has brought to her school have earned her respect far beyond Bangladesh. In 2024, she was named School Director of the Year at the World School Summit. Mrs. Saha was also awarded an Honorary Doctor of Philosophy in Education from Maryland State University. In 2025, she received the Innovator in Curriculum Development award, hosted at the UK’s House of Lords, and the Global Education Leader Award at the World Leaders Summit, hosted by the University of Oxford.
Admissions
British Columbia School is now accepting applications for its early years program. Parents who attend open days can receive up to 100% off admission fees* for spot admissions. More information is available at britishcolumbiaschool.com.
