Focus on The Best of International Schools A - isb.be5).pdf · Pune. It provides students with...
8
The Best of International Schools Focus on To Advertise Tel: +6 03 2166 6650 or Email: [email protected] A s part of an ongoing commitment to standards of excellence in Education, Newsweek presents the latest regional Showcase on The Best of International Schools. This is a guide to some of the premier educational establishments, their philosophy, and what sets them apart from other institutions. This week is the last in our Spring Showcases, featuring selected schools from India, Thailand, Taiwan, Hong Kong and Japan from Asia, and many more from Europe. The Best of International Schools Showcases will return in September. International Education: An Industry, An Ideal, An individual Choice The Business of International Education The origin of international education was largely pragmatic. With the post-war growth of an expatriate workforce, the need arose for English-medium schools in cities around the world. Today, the business of international education is booming. With increasing numbers of globally mobile families, there are currently over 1000 international schools worldwide, with numbers continuing to rise by about 6 percent a year. Make no mistake, international education is a growth industry with a global annual revenue of over 4 billion US dollars. Balancing Idealism and Pragmatism Business is booming, and that means international schools increasingly have to be business-like. That is to say, whilst the majority of international schools are non-profit organizations, governed by volunteer Boards, they still have to balance their books. Costs are often high and schools rely on tuition fees, rarely receiving subsidies from host country governments. Increasing numbers of schools in many cities also means greater competition for students. Marketing plans and sales forecasts are therefore as commonplace in schools as in any other company. There is also competition to recruit top quality staff, from an increasingly savvy ‘pool’ of teachers, used to shopping around for the most attractive locations and/or compensation and benefits packages. At the same time, however, the business of international education is not centrally about making the books balance. International schools have, from the outset, been dedicated to the challenge of developing educated, ethical, empathetic individuals, capable of ‘making a difference’ in future society. Many of us who have been involved in international education over the years, are deeply committed to the ideal that education does make a difference. In short, we believe that the experience we offer and the service we provide to globally mobile families can literally make a better future for our children. Choosing the Right School The practical experience of being an expatriate family can often be daunting, particularly if this is a first international assignment. Despite the lure of a new lifestyle, settling into a new location is always stressful. Choosing the right school for your child, on top of everything else, is one of the most important decisions you will make as parents. But what should you look for in a school? Here are a few questions that might guide the decision-making process as your review school materials or, better yet, visit the school: Your Child • Does the school have planned activities to assist your child in a positive start to school? • Do the students seem happy at school? • How big are the classes? • What services are available for individual student counselling and university placement? • How often will you receive information concerning your child's progress? • If you child has ‘special learning needs’, how will the school meet these? • What programmes are in place for drug and alcohol prevention? The Curriculum • Is the approach child-centered and challenging enough to NWK_24_04_06_ASIA 12/4/06 5:12 pm Page 1
Transcript of Focus on The Best of International Schools A - isb.be5).pdf · Pune. It provides students with...
The Best of International SchoolsFocus on
To Advertise Tel: +6 03 2166 6650 or Email: [email protected]
As part of an ongoing commitment to standards of excellencein Education, Newsweek presents the latest regionalShowcase on The Best of International Schools. This is a
guide to some of the premier educational establishments, theirphilosophy, and what sets them apart from other institutions.
This week is the last in our Spring Showcases, featuringselected schools from India, Thailand, Taiwan, Hong Kong andJapan from Asia, and many more from Europe. The Best ofInternational Schools Showcases will return in September.
International Education: An Industry, An Ideal, Anindividual Choice
The Business of International EducationThe origin of international education was largely pragmatic.
With the post-war growth of an expatriate workforce, the needarose for English-medium schools in cities around the world.
Today, the business of international education is booming. Withincreasing numbers of globally mobile families, there are currently over 1000 international schools worldwide, with numberscontinuing to rise by about 6 percent a year. Make no mistake,international education is a growth industry with a global annualrevenue of over 4 billion US dollars.
Balancing Idealism and PragmatismBusiness is booming, and that means international schools
increasingly have to be business-like. That is to say, whilst themajority of international schools are non-profit organizations,governed by volunteer Boards, they still have to balance their books.Costs are often high and schools rely on tuition fees, rarely receivingsubsidies from host country governments.
Increasing numbers of schools in many cities also meansgreater competition for students. Marketing plans and salesforecasts are therefore as commonplace in schools as in any othercompany. There is also competition to recruit top quality staff, froman increasingly savvy ‘pool’ of teachers, used to shopping aroundfor the most attractive locations and/or compensation and benefitspackages.
At the same time, however, the business of internationaleducation is not centrally about making the books balance.International schools have, from the outset, been dedicated to thechallenge of developing educated, ethical, empathetic individuals,capable of ‘making a difference’ in future society. Many of us whohave been involved in international education over the years, aredeeply committed to the ideal that education does make adifference. In short, we believe that the experience we offer and theservice we provide to globally mobile families can literally make abetter future for our children.
Choosing the Right SchoolThe practical experience of being an expatriate family can often
be daunting, particularly if this is a first international assignment.Despite the lure of a new lifestyle, settling into a new location isalways stressful.
Choosing the right school for your child, on top of everythingelse, is one of the most important decisions you will make asparents. But what should you look for in a school?
Here are a few questions that might guide the decision-makingprocess as your review school materials or, better yet, visit theschool:
Your Child• Does the school have planned activities to assist your child
in a positive start to school? • Do the students seem happy at school?• How big are the classes?• What services are available for individual student counselling
and university placement? • How often will you receive information concerning your child's
progress? • If you child has ‘special learning needs’, how will the school
meet these?• What programmes are in place for drug and alcohol
prevention?
The Curriculum• Is the approach child-centered and challenging enough to
NWK_24_04_06_ASIA 12/4/06 5:12 pm Page 1
Focus on The Best of International Schools
Click on www.newsweekshowcase.com for further information on our Showcases
develop each child's strengths and love of learning? • Are the course offerings sufficiently extensive to meet your
child's needs? • How many co-curricular activities (arts, sports, clubs,
community service) are offered? • What types of standardized tests are offered, and how do the
students perform? • In the last year, what universities accepted the school's
graduates?
The Teachers• What are the expectations for staff about students of high
ability, special needs, ESL, other areas? • Are all the teachers certified? • Does the school support professional development, so
teachers learn and apply ‘best practices’? • What percentage of teachers has earned advanced degrees? • During your visit, are the teachers available and friendly?
The School• Is the school accredited? • How many years has the school existed?• Are all facilities such as libraries and IT state-of-the-art and
well maintained? • How long will it take for your child to get to school?• What security precautions is the school taking? • Were all questions answered in a straight-forward manner
with documentation readily offered for claims?
Your Involvement• Does the school have a strong sense of community in which
you and your family can play an active and happy role?• To what extent can you be a partner in your child’s learning?• Does the school offer opportunities for parent education?• Are there opportunities for you to contribute to the school by
sharing your own skills and knowledge?
It is important to find the right fit for your child. Take time,therefore, to make the right decision - the quality of your child'seducation will impact his/her future. It is important to ask questionsand to ask for documentation to back up claims. You will neverregret the time you invested in making the right decision andproviding the very best education for your child.
Kevin Bartlett, Director, International School of BrusselsWilliam H Gerritz, Director, International School of Bangkok
NWK_24_04_06_ASIA 12/4/06 5:12 pm Page 2
Focus on The Best of India’s International Schools
To Advertise Tel: +6 03 2166 6650 or Email: [email protected]
Sharad Pawar International School
Sharad Pawar International School is promoted by theleading Private Education Provider in India, The D. Y PatilGroup. The School is located in the Education hub of India -Pune. It provides students with IGCSE & IB curriculum, whichare international standards in a specialized boarding and dayenvironment with exceptional learning and sporting facilities.Curriculum from Kindergarten to year 12 is internationallyoriented and acknowledges the importance of preparing boysand girls for a life of leadership, service, and personalfulfillment in an increasingly inter-connected and knowledgedriven world.
The superb buildings and landscaping of the school standson 100 acres in the tranquil, clean and beautiful countrysideof Pune which is just 10 kilometers from the city’s vibrantcentre. The school provides students with best individual careand attention, excellent sporting and co-curricular programs.The school has committed residential staff, top end boardingfacilities, and an academic curriculum that will open a world oftertiary and career choices for graduating students both hereand around the world.
The school is a D. Y Patil Group initiative who are theveterans in the field of education for the past 25 years in India.This group, which runs over 140 educational institutions, is awell-known name in India with enviable record in education.These institutions include a Private University, management,medical, catering, and architectural colleges in India.
Currently, the enrolments for boys and girls for 2006 areon. International Standard boarding is available for boys fromyear 4 upwards in 2006, while places for girls in boarding for2007 may now be reserved.
The school has invested heavily in technology and boastsspacious and modern science laboratories, a theatre,projection facilities and a two-level library with ample researchfacilities. Every student is a member of a ‘House’ and receivesupport from a personally-assigned member of staff whoknows them well. This blend of mentoring and careers adviceaffords students at Sharad Pawar every opportunity to emergeas the knowledgeable, skilled and self-confident young adultsdestined to form the leaders of tomorrow.
Contact: 022-3928 6000Website: www.internationalschool.in
Make your child a citizen of the world
ADMISSIONS OPEN
World Class CampusDay & Boarding SchoolResidential International FacultyInternational Curriculum -International Baccalaureate, Geneva, SwitzerlandIGCSE- University of Cambridge,Cambridge International ExaminationUnique Pre Primary Profiling
Limited Admissions
For details contact: 022-3928 6000
www.internationalschool.in
o
o
o
o
o
o
Sapiens Vires Integritas"Wisdom Strength Integrity"
• Sports - Basketball, Squash, Swimming, Tennis Courts, Gymnastics • Music - Small Orchestra, Choir, Bands and Dance
• School campus designed for wireless technology and laptop use• 24 hr Hospital with medical rooms and provision
for school dentist and live-in-matron• 24 hr security and porter service
• In-house dining offering variety in Indian and continental menus
NWK_24_04_06_ASIA 12/4/06 5:12 pm Page 3
Focus on The Best of Thailand’s International Schools
Click on www.newsweekshowcase.com for further information on our Showcases
Ruamrudee International School Mention "Ruamrudee" and you're likely to get instant recognition. RIShas for decades been one of Southeast Asia's most respectedinternational schools. RIS and its sister school Redeemer InternationalSchool Thailand (RIST) are Catholic schools owned and administeredby Redemptorist priests. The faculty and administration are dedicatedto supporting the development of open-minded global citizens imbuedwith self-esteem, self-discipline, and social responsibility. Children ofevery faith are welcomed and respected for their individual heritage ofbelief and culture.
The students of Ruamrudee come from over 30 nations,numbering about 1,700 from Pre-K through Grade 12. While basedon the American system of education, the curriculum is under constantappraisal to stay truly global. The school hires over 200 fully qualifiedand experienced international teachers.
Teaching is student-centered and focused on the development ofwell-balanced individuals. Students may choose from over 30lunchtime and after-school clubs. A team of dedicated counselorshelps to cope with issues such as college selection, career planning,and school life adjustment. Beyond the classroom, a rich program oftargeted field trips, sports, performing and fine arts, communityservice, and student leadership helps children to blossom and reachtheir personal goals with a positive sense of self.
RIS graduates earn scholarships and degrees from the world'sfinest colleges and universities. IB and AP exam results consistentlyexceed international averages. The school is continually investing incutting-edge facilities that enable advanced training and outstandingextracurricular activities for every age group.
Ruamrudee's global community is getting ready to mark the 50thanniversary of the school with a grand homecoming. Writes Chin HaoHuang, RIS Class of 2003, currently a senior at Georgetown University,Washington, DC and part-time researcher for the Freeman Chair inChina Studies at the Center for Strategic and International Studies(CSIS), a think-tank center in DC:
"I am glad to see that as RIS grows and expands, it has notforgotten the core principles upon which the school was founded. Thisis a school committed to excellence. As my alma mater celebrates its50th anniversary in 2007, it is my sincere hope that RIS will continueto uphold its traditions in providing quality education for all students."
Fuadi Pitsuwan, also from the Class of 2003 and studying atGeorgetown U., writes: "RIS's emphasis on molding students to becaring citizens who help the less fortunate regardless of race, creed,sex, nationality, or disability has influenced me to a great extent. Nowstudying at a university with a long Jesuit tradition, I am able tocontinue pursuing my passion for serving others, cultivated since mytime in RIS."
NWK_24_04_06_ASIA 12/4/06 5:12 pm Page 4
Focus on The Best of Thailand’s International Schools
To Advertise Tel: +6 03 2166 6650 or Email: [email protected]
NWK_24_04_06_ASIA 12/4/06 5:12 pm Page 5
Focus on The Best of Taiwan’s International Schools
Click on www.newsweekshowcase.com for further information on our Showcases
Taipei European SchoolGiven the paucity of quality international schools in
Taiwan it is reassuring to visit the Taipei European School.There are students of some 55 different nationalities, with a healthy mix of colours and fashions coming together in ablend representing Europe at its best. The exposure to such a variety of experiences can only be beneficial to students in their international career aspirations.
The High School studies culminate in students graduatingfrom the IB (International Baccalaureate) Diploma course and gaining access to reputable Universities worldwide such as MIT, Cornell, Cambridge University and the Sorbonne.As the High School has selective entry there are limitedvacancies.
The unique character of the School allows students undersixteen a choice of language and curriculum that they wish tofollow: French children opt for the national curriculummonitored by French Government agencies, German childrenstudy the Thüringen Land educational program and Englishlanguage children follow the national curriculum from Englandand Wales.
This unique approach enables children to co-operate on abroader multi-cultural, multi-lingual level than one would
normally expect. Students of the same age share the samefacilities and study common subject areas – such as music, artand Chinese. Extra language lessons are available in Dutch orSwedish.
The mission of the school is to provide educationalexcellence and European culture and values within the contextof Taiwanese society. TES aims at providing a high standard ofeducation to international students (currently) through British,French and German curricula for 3-14 year olds and through acommon senior school for 14-18 year olds, using mainly theEnglish medium as a foundation for higher education andtraining.
As TES grows, they do not appear to have lost sight of the School’s core values: developing the full potential of each member of the school’s community; fostering respect of other cultures; stimulating enquiring and challenging minds.
Further information is available on the school’s websitewww.taipeieuropeanschool.com.Telephone: +886 2 2862-2920 ext 111/110
NWK_24_04_06_ASIA 12/4/06 5:12 pm Page 6
Focus on The Best of Hong Kong’s International Schools
To Advertise Tel: +6 03 2166 6650 or Email: [email protected]
Yew Chung International SchoolsYew Chung Education Foundation offers bilingual English/
Chinese dual language and bicultural educational programmesthrough its network of Yew Chung International Schools in HongKong, Shanghai, Beijing, Chongqing, Silicon Valley and the newboarding school in Qingdao.
Yew Chung students strive to be lifelong learners, tounderstand the richness and diversity of Eastern and Westerncultural traditions by a co-teaching curriculum, to be fluent in twomajor languages of the world, English and Chinese, and to beresponsible world citizens with a commitment to serve family,society and community. To enhance students’ capability oflearning Chinese language, Yew Chung has developed its ownChinese curriculum for first and second language students.
Comprising infant and toddler early childhood educationcenters, kindergartens, primary and secondary schools, YewChung offers a unified international curriculum preparingstudents to undertake IGCSE examinations and the International Baccalaureate Diploma programme. Yew Chung hasconsistently achieved 100% university placement for itsgraduates. The Yew Chung System allows students to transfer among its schools in Hong Kong, China and the United States.
Tokyo International School (T.I.S.)Tokyo International School (T.I.S) is a 21st Century
International School that actively develops minds through inquirybased learning and the integration of subject areas to harmonizewith brain based research and compliment our rapidly changingworld. T.I.S. empowers students to make informed decisions thatare relevant to their learning and life. T.I.S. has a school missionthat provides clear direction and authentically lives throughoutthe school nurturing positive human characteristics. T.I.S. is alsoa wireless school with a computer lab in each grade and provideslaptops for each middle school student.
Tokyo International School is accredited by New EnglandAssociation of Schools & Colleges, Council of InternationalSchools and implementing the International BaccalaureatePrimary Years Programme and Middle Years Programme.
T.I.S. was founded in 1997 by an international couple andcurrently has 320 children representing over 40 nationalities,from pre-school to grade eight.
The Mission Statement of Tokyo International School is: Tonurture confident, open-minded, independently thinking, well-balanced inquirers for global responsibility.
For further details on T.I.S. visit tokyois.com [email protected] or Telephone +81 35 484 1160.
Our mission:
To nurture confident, open-minded, independently thinking, well-balanced inquirers for global responsibility
http://www.tokyois.com
Today decides Tomorrow!
The Best of Japan’s International Schools
NWK_24_04_06_ASIA 12/4/06 5:12 pm Page 7
Focus on The Best of International Schools
Educating Children Today with the Skills for Tomorrow
International Baccalaureate Programme for ages 3 -19
Adopting the Primary Years in ELC to Grade 5 and the Middle Years in Grade 6 – 10
IB Diploma, a prestigious university entrance programme for grade 11 & 12
Accredited by the Council of International Schools and the New England Association of Schools and Colleges
For further information please contact us at:Tel. +41 (0) 31 951 23 58 Fax. +41 (0) 31 951 17 10e-mail: [email protected] website: www. isberne.ch
International School of BerneMattenstrasse 3 · CH-3073 Gümligen • Boarding program for students
in grades 7 - 12 (13-18 years of age)
• Small class sizes insure individual attention for all students
• Advanced Placement courses available to meet university requirements
• Excellent university placement record worldwide
• Excursions, ski trips, and weekend activities included in tuition
• ESL program and diploma for non-native speakers
• Post-graduate program for further university preparation
• 2-, 4-, or 6 weeks English or German courses for students 10-18 yrs old in July and August
THE AMERICAN INTERNATIONAL SCHOOLS A L Z B U R G A U S T R I A
Please contact our office for further information and a full brochure.American International School -Salzburg, Moosstrasse 106, A-5020 Salzburg, AustriaTel: 0043 662 824617, Fax: 0043 662 824555, e-mail: [email protected], http://www.ais-salzburg.atInformation: Tel. +41 91 9605151 - Fax +41 91 9932979
E-mail: [email protected] - www.tasis.com
TASIS offers Elementary day, Middle and High School day & boarding programs for students in grades Pre-K to 12 and 13th year.
The American College Preparatory curriculum, with a full complement of Advanced Placement courses, and the International Baccalaureate
curriculum prepare graduates for entrance to American and Europeanuniversities, as well as universities around the world.
Summer language and enrichment programs are available for students age 6 - 18.
THE AMERICAN SCHOOL
IN SWITZERLAND
TASIS, THE GLOBAL SCHOOLCelebrating 50 years of excellence in international education.
Founded 1956
We invite you to discover our refreshingly uniqueBritish approach to education. See why our interna-tionally acclaimed methods are so highly effective andso thoroughly enjoyable for children.
National Curriculum (England), International Primary
Curriculum & International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme
Open enrollment for children aged 3-18
The International Choice in Private Education
British School of Boston British American School of Charlotte British School of Chicago British School of Houston British School of Washington
www.britishschool.org [email protected]
Let’s discuss your child’s future
over a spot of tea.• Small class sizes: individual attention in a caring family atmosphere
• Pre-kindergarten (age 3) through grade 12 (university preparation)
• International Baccalaureate and American high school diplomas
• Dynamic English as a Second Language (ESL) program
• Door-to-door bus service
Verhulstlaan 21 • 3055 WJ Rotterdam Tel: 31 (0) 10 422 5351Fax: 31 (0) 10 422 4075 E-mail: [email protected] Web page: www.aisr.nl
AMERICAN INTERNATIONAL SCHOOLSalmannsdorfer Strasse 47
1190 Vienna, Austria, EuropeTel: +43 1 40132 - 0 • Fax: +43 1 40132 - 5
[email protected] • www.ais.at
• Pre-Kindergarten through Grade 12• US High School Diploma / International
Baccalaureate / Austrian Matura Program• Language of instruction: English• Extra-curricular activities
Adventure, learning & fun?
Summer courses inSwitzerland!
www.swiss-schools.ch
Please visit www.newsweekshowcase.com
for further information
Click on www.newsweekshowcase.com for further information on our Showcases
Switzerland
USA Netherlands
Austria
NWK_24_04_06_ASIA 12/4/06 5:13 pm Page 8
