Overview Brochure 2014

PROSPECTUS

The Canadian International School - Prospectus

MISSIONEngage. Enlighten. Empower.

VISIONCIS will provide extraordinary learning opportunities for the globally connected student. A nurturing environment, an international curriculum, and a culturally diverse community will facilitate exceptional achievements. Together we will take action to make the world a better place.

CORE VALUESValues should be more than inspiring or beautiful words. Our values are a behavioural blueprint that shape who we are as a school community and as individuals. In all that we do, we ask ourselves – does this promote what we value most? RESPECT COMMITMENT INTEGRITY COLLABORATION RESPONSIBILITY


Engage. Enlighten. Empower. These words are the cornerstones of the Canadian International School’s (CIS) mission and educational philosophy, and eloquently define our commitment to education and represent the aspirations we have for all student learning experiences, be it in the classroom or beyond.

At CIS, we celebrate both our internationalism and the uniqueness of each of the 65 plus nationalities represented among our students and staff. In a multicultural and multilingual environment, with English as the language of instruction, we are greatly enriched by this diversity. Our community has the opportunity to develop an understanding of Canada’s culture, customs and approach to education. It is truly the kind of “cultural mosaic” for which Canada has become so well known.

We have a tradition of curriculum development and innovation that is based on best practices worldwide, and as an IB World School offer all three programmes of the International Baccalaureate to children aged 3 to 18. The final two years of these programmes, taught in Grades 11 and 12, lead to the award of the IB Diploma, a qualification recognised and sought after by universities around the world.

In partnership with parents, we strive to equip our students with 21st century skills - skills that will enable them to thrive, exercise leadership, achieve ambitious and worthy goals, and to make a positive difference in an increasingly globalised world. These skills are essential for their future, whether it is tomorrow or in ten years from now.

CIS provides a vibrant learning community and a caring and supportive home to over 2,950students across 2 campuses. Our passionate, dedicated and highly trained staff challenges each of our students to reach his or her individual potential.

On behalf of the Canadian International School community, I invite you to come and explore our school. We welcome the opportunity to share with you the delight that comes in joining the caring and committed learning community that is CIS. Sincerely, Dr. Glenn OdlandHead of School

WELCOME

• An IB World School offering the Primary Years Programme, Middle Years Programme and Diploma Programme.

• A diverse and inclusive community.

• Lakeside campus provides a state-of-the-art environment for students K-12.

• Tanjong Katong campus provides an intimate school environment for students K-8.

• Campuses are situated close to public transport, in picturesque surroundings.

• Unique Lakeside campus “Schools-within-a-School” design ensures close-knit community.

• The Canadian International School received the four-year EduTrust award in 2012.


21st Century Skills

Students are prepared for a future filled with unknowns. Digital citizenship and communication, creativity and analytical thinking, and the ability to thrive in a constantly changing world will be essential for future success.

Diverse Community

Staff, students and parents from over 65 countries come together to form a culturally rich learning environment – reinforcing the values of global citizenship and a shared humanity.

THE CIS EXPERIENCE

Inclusive Culture

Diverse experiences, perspectives and talents enrich a school community. Inclusion is about action, not just words - students feel that they belong, can realise their potential, and contribute to school life in a meaningful way.

Excellence

Students are challenged to do their best in whatever they do, reach for the highest level of individual achievement and develop a personal sense of responsibility, as skills and talents develop. Students discover the delight in acquiring knowledge through innovative learning opportunities and graduate confident that goals and dreams are achievable.

THE CIS ADVANTAGE

The Canadian International School (CIS) provides the global child with the ultimate 21st century educational experience - one that is innovative, creative and bold. Students are inspired to achieve excellence as they participate in engaging academic, sporting, and fine and performing arts programmes that are rigorous but never rigid. Outstanding educators live and breathe the IB philosophy and encourage students to excel as they develop intellectual curiosity and independence of mind, concern and respect for others, a sense of compassion and high standards. Our co-educational graduate community goes on to study at universities around the world.

Challenging expeditions and community service opportunities empower students from over 65 countries to broaden their understanding of the world around them and develop leadership skills. As global citizens, our community celebrates their shared humanity and diversity.

We place a key focus on the use of modern educational technology (EdTech) to support teaching, learning and communications. Today’s students are native digital citizens and move seamlessly from one digital platform to another. The CIS curriculum aims to integrate technology to optimise and enhance student-learning experiences and deliver lessons in a very hands-on, minds-on manner.

We were a melting pot of race, religion and culture, we inter-mingled ... Our growth was all encompassing as it was academic as well as experiential. The memories that we have and the friendships that we made will certainly last forever. I continue to keep in touch with many people from my CIS experience.

Christy Hasiuk, CIS Alum, 1997

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A COMMUNITY FOR LIFEThe Canadian International School (CIS) experience begins with students being recognised as individuals and appreciated for the gifts that they bring with them. We aim to make the transition for new students and their parents as smooth and enjoyable as possible, and many members of our school community are involved in providing a warm welcome and needed support networks.

As well as the warm welcome from our highly experienced team of educators, older students and peers are also instrumental in ensuring new students acclimatise and feel at home at CIS. Together, we make sure every child settles into school life quickly so that they feel part of the CIS family.

Our Faculty – Exceptional Educators

Our teachers are passionate about every aspect of school life and are dedicated to providing a supportive, rigorous and challenging school environment for all students. Their endless enthusiasm, vitality and commitment both in and out of the classroom, ensure that our students enjoy an outstanding education.

Parents - An Essential Element of the CIS Community Parents can look forward to becoming part of an inclusive, close and supportive school community when their child joins CIS. Our parents are highly valued members of our community, and partner with us in the education of their children.

There are a multitude of opportunities for parents to become involved in school life and be part of the definitive CIS experience. Parent volunteers are welcome throughout the school in areas that include the classroom, the library, helping out with stage productions, volunteering on field trips, working with our curriculum coordinators and the Parent Teacher Association (PTA).

Parent Teacher Association

The CIS Parent Teacher Association (PTA) welcomes parent involvement and encourages close ties between parents and the school. PTA parents host and volunteer at school events such as Uniting Nations Week, Teacher Appreciation Day and the annual PTA Garage Sale. There are a number of active committees that always need parental involvement and support – parents are encouraged to get in touch to find out how to become an active member and join a great group of like-minded people!

We love CIS for its global perspective, community and general love of learning. CIS is exceptional in helping students develop analytical, presentation and social skills - skills which will serve them throughout their entire lives.

Annie Sarnblad, Middle School Parent, 2012

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INQUIRERS KNOWLEDGEABLE OPEN-MINDEDPRINCIPLED COMMUNICATORS CARING RISK-TAKERS REFLECTIVE BALANCED THINKERS

IB LEARNER PROFILE

AN IB WORLD SCHOOLThe Canadian International School (CIS) is an IB World School. Central to all IB programmes is the IB Learner Profile, which is the IB mission statement, translated into a set of learning outcomes for the 21st century. The CIS mission, to Engage, Enlighten, and Empower our students, aligns perfectly with that of the IB, ensuring a synergistic educational approach.

The Primary Years Programme (PYP) at CIS spans Early Childhood Education (ECE) to Grade 6. The PYP culminates with students participating in the Exhibition at the end of Grade 6. The Exhibition is centred on a transdisciplinary theme, and sees students identifying, investigating and offering solutions to real-life issues or problems.

The CIS Middle Years Programme (MYP) spans Grades 7 to 10. The final project in the MYP is the Personal Project, a challenging piece of work that is the product of the student’s own initiative and creativity. Projects reflect a student’s personal understanding of the Areas of Interaction - vehicles for refining conceptual understanding through different perspectives.

The Diploma Programme (DP), an academically rigorous two (2) year curriculum, spans Grades 11 and 12 and is recognised by universities around the world. Three core requirements of the programme are: the Theory of Knowledge (TOK), the Extended Essay, and Creativity, Action and Service (CAS). These core requirements are included with the aim of broadening students’ educational experiences and challenging them to apply their knowledge and understanding.

At CIS, we work hard to create an academic environment that fosters self-belief, individuality, creativity, leadership and academic excellence. Students are provided with highly effective and meaningful learning experiences, all aimed at upholding intercultural understanding as an essential part of a 21st century education.

Additional information regarding the IBO and its programmes can be found at www.ibo.org.


Rigour, Challenge and Excellence Our cutting edge curriculum draws on best practices from around the world and is inspired by the most innovative and internationally acclaimed teaching pedagogies from countries such as Canada, the United States, Australia, New Zealand and the United Kingdom, providing our students with a truly global educational experience. Innovative teaching strategies and fundamental beliefs about how students learn best ensure that each student is provided with an excellent academic foundation and is challenged to reach their full potential.

As an IB World School, inquiry is at the core of the CIS curriculum. Authentic learning experiences are related to the real world, in a way that students find meaningful. Gone are the days of learning by rote – today’s students ask questions, conduct in-depth research to solve problems, and develop analytical thinking and presentation skills. To support the rigorous academic programme, robust offerings in

arts (music, visual art and drama), sports, languages, personal/social/physical education, outdoor education and community service ensure the development of a well-balanced student. Technology is interwoven into the curriculum and provides students, true digital citizens, with an authentic 21st century learning experience and equips them with skills essential for their future success.

As students progress towards high school, CIS educators hold them accountable to high standards to ensure that they are properly prepared to follow their dreams and pursue their profession of choice. CIS graduates go on to study at universities around the world.

AN ENGAGING ACADEMICPROGRAMME

The IB programme has given my children such amazing confidence that they can handle new environments with such ease. They are not afraid to be leaders or risk- takers no matter what situation they find themselves in.

Tracy Doberstein, Elementary School Parent, 2012

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Involvement in the arts benefits the development of a student’s creativity, imagination and cognitive skills. Problem solving and creative learning encourage students to connect visual knowledge to other subjects and to respond with innovation, understanding, flexibility and imagination.

At the Canadian International School (CIS), the arts encompass music, visual art and drama. Purpose built music rooms, drama studios and visual arts studios provide a perfect venue for arts classes with educators who are specialists in their respective arts field. Students build skills in theatre production, puppet making, ceramics, percussion and movement, digital art, and more.

It is not just the most talented actors or the most proficient musicians who perform at CIS. Every student is involved, and it is our team spirit, dedication and inspirational teaching that sees our students consistently rise to outstanding results.

Opportunities to engage in artistic endeavours go beyond classroom-based programmes. A number of arts related school events provide opportunities for student participation and enjoyment, and state of the art facilities provide the perfect venue to professionally showcase student talent. Arts events at CIS include musical productions, plays, formal and informal visual art exhibitions, celebrity concerts, and a host of formal and informal performances.

Some arts based events will see our students working with, or competing against, students from other international schools. Student talent and enthusiasm truly shines in these showcase events.

CREATIVITY AND SELF EXPRESSION‘‘‘‘ Every child is an artist.

The problem is how to remainan artist once we grow up.

Pablo Picasso


Our students enjoy the benefits of health education, skills and strength development and teamwork through an extensive Physical Education (PE) programme, where each child is encouraged to celebrate their personal successes. In addition to the sporting and athletic activities that are experienced in PE, the Canadian International School (CIS) offers a number of engaging and exciting competitive and recreational sporting activities after school. Through sporting activities, our students can develop and enhance their individual athletic skills and prowess, learn the benefits of teamwork and the importance of fair play, and build and refine their leadership and communication skills.

Sports and physical activity days are a key feature of the school calendar. These days are age appropriate and aim to foster a love of sports, physical activity, and life long healthy choices.

Competitive or interscholastic sports at CIS are offered under the umbrella of ACSIS (Athletic Conference Singapore International Schools), of which CIS is a member. Through the ACSIS league, students have the opportunity to compete in athletics, basketball, badminton, soccer, cross country running, swimming, football, rugby, tennis and netball.

Students in competitive sporting teams proudly wear a sports kit that is emblazoned with the image of the CIS Husky* – the official CIS sports mascot.

CELEBRATING SPORTSMANSHIP


A sample of ECA offerings, Block 2, 2012/2013

Is your child ready to try their hand at something new or develop a new skill set?

Extra Curricular Activities (ECAs) provide students in Grades 1 through 8 with an opportunity to pursue their passions, or develop new ones, outside regular school hours. There are a host of activities to choose from, and ECAs fall into four distinct categories:

• Arts (music, drama, dance and art)• Sports (both recreational and team-

based programmes)• Academic Explorations• Service

As students move to Grades 9 to 12, ECAs become more student-driven and take place either during SMART period or after school. Activities on offer at CIS take two forms: Internal ECAs (activities provided at minimal or no cost by our experienced faculty) and external ECAs (run by external providers from the Singapore community who are leaders in their field). External ECAs incur a user fee for participation. An after school language programme provides students with mother tongue instruction, or language acquisition opportunities. This is a paid service, and classes are conducted by professional Language Service Providers. Languages previously on offer include Dutch, French, Mandarin, Spanish, German, Norwegian, Korean and Japanese. Students are grouped by age and ability in these classes.

EXTRA CURRICULAR


Additional Languages

From the age of 4, students at the Canadian International School (CIS) learn an additional language. In Junior and Senior Kindergarten, students will study both French and Chinese. When students reach Grade1, they select one languagein which to specialise – eitherFrench or Chinese.

As well as language awareness and development, emphasisin the language programme is placed on cultural appreciation and understanding. The aim of the language programme is to encourage in students a respect for, and understanding of, other languages and cultures, and to provide a skills base to facilitate further language learning and acquisition.

When students reach Grades 11 and 12 and enter the IB Diploma Programme, the main emphasis of the modern language course is on the acquisition and use of language in a range of contexts and for different purposes while, at the same time, promoting an understanding of another culture through the study of its language.

In the Diploma Programme, students have the opportunity to study Spanish ab initioin addition to French andChinese.

Bilingual Programme

The new bilingual programme in Chinese and English is available to students aged 4 to 7. In this programme, students enjoy equal exposure to both languages. A key feature of these classes is the two-teacher model, and full alignment to the IB Primary Years Programme.

New classes for students aged 4 to 9 will be opening in August 2015.

English Language Learners

As well as the additional languages offered at CIS, an excellent English Language Learners (ELL) programmeis provided for non-English speakers in Grades 1 to 10. Support for younger students is provided on a case by case basis.

A GLOBALLY FOCUSED LANGUAGE PROGRAMME


BEYOND THE CLASSROOMThe dazzling array of opportunities beyond the classroom are an exceptional component of life at CIS.

These exciting and experiential learning opportunities take students beyond the traditional boundaries of the classroom and encourage authentic hands-on, minds-on learning. Students are provided with the opportunity to learn about themselves, other people, different cultures, and the world around them. Beyond the Classroom experiences include field trips, Open Minds, Excursion Week, Outdoor Pursuits, and the Wednesday Afternoon Experiential Learning Programme (WAELP).

Open Minds

Open Minds is an exciting and innovative learning experience, which sees students in Grades 1 to 8 at Lakeside and Grades 1 to 6 at Tanjong Katong going beyond the classroom to extend learning in a variety of real world settings. These meaningful experiences support student inquiry into topics in the PYP (Grades 1 to 6) and focus on broad-based issues with a local context for MYP students (Grades 7 and 8).

Firsthand experience with artifacts, experts in the relative field and rare opportunities to go behind the scenes, create unique opportunities for powerful hands-on, minds-on learning.

Excursion Week

Excursion Week sees students in Grades 4 to 12 travelling to countries such as Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand and Vietnam with their teachers and peers. As students get older, they venture to countries farther afield.

During Excursion Week, students develop independence and an understanding of other peoples, communities and global issues. They are involved in activities such as raft building, snorkeling, studying the local environment and habitats, and community outreach activities such as house building in Cambodia. WAELP

The Wednesday Afternoon Experiential Learning Programme (WAELP) provides students in Grades 4 to 8 at Lakeside with an opportunity to take part in a wide range of activities which are outside the scope of the traditional classroom. Through WAELP, students have the opportunity to develop new talents or discover a new passion.

Some of the stimulating choices offered to students in WAELP include offerings in the dramatic and musical arts, technology projects, sports, community service, cultural crafts and unique skill development workshops.

Outdoor Pursuits and Challenge

The Outdoor Pursuits and Challenge Programme is an integral part of the Physical Education programme for Middle Years Programme (MYP – Grades 7 and 8) students at the Tanjong Katong campus. Outdoor Pursuits utilises the fantastic resources of the East Coast area, and sees students engaged in activities such as kinetics climbing, kayaking, paddle boarding, windsurfing, sailing, beach volleyball, orienteering, jogging and dragon boating.

This progressive and innovative programme is focused on providing a holistic and challenging opportunity that takes students beyond the classroom and provides them with a unique 21st century learning experience.

Community Outreach and Service has been a hallmark of CIS since the school’s inception.

We recognise that we have an important part to play in the wider world and that we are in a unique position to be able to give something back to both the community in which we live, and to communities that lie beyond the boundaries of Singapore.

Community outreach projects at the Canadian International School (CIS) are cooperative partnerships between the school community and communities in need, and provide students with a wider perspective of their individual responsibilities to society. Outreach and service activities encourage empathy and understanding, and result in the development of responsible and

well-balanced global citizens. Community outreach initiatives can be school division specific or can span the entire school and provide older students with opportunities to act as role models and mentors to their younger peers. Through outreach and service activities, students will further develop essential life skills in the areas of communication, teamwork and leadership.

Student volunteer activities in both the local community and overseas include volunteering at the Fairlight Aged Home in Singapore, volunteering at Riding for the Disabled, participating in the Terry Fox inspired Run for Cancer, and house building in Cambodia. Many other outreach initiatives occur throughout the school year and are often a student driven compassionate response to regional or global disasters.

SERVICE AND OUTREACH

‘‘My experience at CIS taught me to communicate with other cultures, which is now a vital part of my role in the hospitality industry.

Steve Moine, CIS Alum, 1994

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TECHNOLOGY TO SUPPORT21st LEARNINGEssential to student learning in the 21st century is digital literacy. Educational Technology (EdTech) reflects the need for students to develop learning skills that enable them to think critically, analyse and organise information, investigate, communicate, collaborate, problem-solve, and utilise technology in effective ways in today’s knowledge-based society.

In the classroom, the use of technology contributes to global development and diversity. It helps develop the fundamental building blocks needed for students to master more complex ideas. One of our key aims is to teach students the importance of responsible digital citizenship in a globalised world.

Technology and the use of technology platforms are integrated into the curriculum. The use of interactive whiteboards as a learning tool provides students with opportunities to engage with technology in a meaningful and exciting manner to communicate effectively.

At the Canadian International School (CIS), educators understand that technology must be relevant and interactive for it to be meaningful to our students, today’s digital citizens; however, they also understand that the use of technology without a perceived outcome is meaningless. Students need a practical use for technology, whether to manipulate data or to explore the world around them.

Technological Engagement at CIS

• iPads - Students in ECE to Grade 3 explore the world of technology via an innovative iPad programme.

• Computers on Wheels (COWs) - Students in Grades 5 expand their computer technology literacy with a laptop programme.

• One to World Programme - Students in Grade 4 bring an iPad, and students in Grades 6 to 12 bring their own MacBooks to school every day, as technology is integrated into everyday learning across a number of digital platforms.

The Exploration of Social Learning Environments

In today’s world, students need to be able to communicate quickly with each other, but in a centralised manner. The use of member-only secure social learning networks allow students and faculty to communicate with each other in real time, and to have meaningful and collaborative conversations that contribute to authentic learning. The use of these learning environments also provides our faculty with an opportunity to educate students about social media and safe practices.

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If we teach today’s students aswe taught yesterday’s, we robthem of tomorrow.

John Dewey

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Set on a large square 43,000 sq.m. parcel of land, the Canadian International School’s Lakeside campus provides students with facilities that include state-of-the -art classrooms, academic facilities, spacious sporting, outdoor and playground facilities, as well as a Performing Arts and Fine Arts Centre, theatre and double storey library. The campus is easily accessible via public transport, and our older students enjoy the independence and autonomy that this provides.

Having the opportunity to build a brand new campus provided us with an opportunity to create a school that was perfectly suited to accommodate and complement our unique, progressive and innovative educational programmes, and resulted in a campus that isat the forefront of educational design. Every aspect of the campus was been designed to reflect the very latest thinkingand best practices in schooldesign and functionality.

LAKESIDE: A WORLD CLASS FACILITY

To maximise the use of all available space on the site, the Lakeside campus was uniquely planned with the schools organised into vertical layers, or “Schools-within-a-School”. Efficient timetabling and sharing of all available teaching and recreational spaces ensures that students from each school division have equal access to Lakeside facilities at their own dedicated times.


SCHOOLS-WITHIN-A-SCHOOLA crucial feature of the overall design of the Lakeside campus is our Schools-within-a-School concept. Each school division houses a different community of students and consists of classrooms, pods, play and recreational areas, and student communal areas. Each section has accents of colour in accordance with the developmental stages that are represented by the CIS Husky Paw, ensuring age appropriate division.

This Schools-within-a-School concept ensures that the Lakeside campus retains the strong sense of community that the Canadian International School is known for, while providing all the benefits of a large, fully equipped campus. The Lakeside campus is overseen by our Head of School, with each school division overseen by the relevant Principal and Vice Principal.

Classrooms in each school section are arranged by grade level and in clusters, each having a central common space, known as a pod, designed for flexibility to accommodate multiple purposes. The pods in each school and grade level section showcase learning in a variety of different formats and support our fundamental belief that student learning opportunities need to be recognised and celebrated on a regular basis. Events such as student performances, galleries showcasing student work and exhibitions all take place in the pods.

Educational and digital technologies are a key feature of our learning environment. The very latest technology is available to assist students and includes e-learning capabilities and interactive whiteboards. The Schools-within-a-School concept not only encompasses class-based areas but extends out to the age appropriate and educationally designed playground and recreational areas.

The Husky Paw Defined

Elementary SchoolThe Exploratory Years

(Early Childhood Education to Senior Kindergarten)

The Independence and Challenge Years(Grades 1 to 3)

Middle School

The Expanding Horizons Years (Grades 4 to 8)

High SchoolThe Defining Years

(Grades 9 to 12)


ELEMENTARY SCHOOL: A PLACE OF EXPLORATIONA Place of Exploration, Independence and Challenge

In the elementary school at Lakeside, each child will embark on an educational adventure as they discover the world around them. Their inquiry and exploration will take place in a nurturing and supportive environment, optimal for learning and self-discovery and awareness. Parents are an important part of these fundamental years, and are encouraged to take an active role in their child’s education.

Young children learn best through inquiry and child-centred learning, and we understand that these early years are fundamental to a child’s future educational success. Children ask questions as they inquire and investigate the world around them. They learn through play and discover new ways to express themselves creatively, with confidence and self-assurance.

Each day is filled with opportunities for children to further develop their talents in music, art, drama, and public speaking at various assemblies, concerts and school events.

Their minds are challenged as topics are examined in-depth through various Units of Inquiry (UOI) – they experiment with math manipulatives, learn about different cultures, engage in literary pursuits, and more. Athletic, fine and gross motor skills are developed as students participate in the PE programme and extra curricular pursuits. At every grade level, each child will be provided with opportunities to develop leadership, presentation, analytical and communication skills – all skills essential to future success.

Academic Progress and Measures of Success

We value each child as an individual and understand that they bring with them their own identity, strengths, potential, talents and gifts. We also understand that children will be at different places on the academic learning continuum. Innovative teaching strategies ensure that all students are challenged appropriately to ensure that they progress along their individual learning continuum and achieve the necessary academic benchmarks across the grade levels.

Elementary School Design Features:

• The Exploratory Years - Early Childhood Education (ECE), Junior and Senior Kindergarten.

• The Independence and Challenge Years - Grades 1 to 3.

• Elementary school areas have yellow or orange accents throughout the décor, in line with the corresponding digits of the Husky Paw.

• Common pod areas between classrooms transform as they host a multitude of learning events and celebrations such as science exhibits and art galleries, allowing learning to be celebrated in all its forms.

• Classrooms are vibrant and versatile spaces, and provide authentic environments where learning comes alive.

• Playground and outdoor learning and activity areas provide students with opportunities to interact with nature, engage in hands-on exploration, enjoy dramatic play and recreational sports and activities.


MIDDLE SCHOOL: A TIME FOR EXPANDING HORIZONSThe middle school years, Grades 4 to 8, provide students with an exciting transition from elementary school. In middle school, students enjoy a warm, welcoming and supportive atmosphere where they are encouraged to take increased and guided responsibility for their learning, and embark on a new voyage of self-exploration. In middle school, students are expected to make a positive contribution to the community they are part of.

Inquiry is still the cornerstone of learning in middle school and students continue to investigate and learn about their world, but at a more complex level. Through Primary Years Programme (PYP) Units of Inquiry (UOI) or Middle Years Programme (MYP) Areas of Interaction (AOI), students delve into exciting and memorable explorations.

These explorations might, for example, see students investigating space and the lives of astronauts, building space structures and learning about matter and gravity.

Middle school teachers encourage students to be guides in their own learning as they discover and deepen interests and ask questions essential for academic success. Learning is extended and takes place through timetabled lessons, extra curricular activities and other organised school activities. Field trips, excursions, WAELP and Open Minds all bring learning to life as students experience carefully planned activities that encourage powerful hands-on, minds-on learning.

In middle school, students participate in their own Student Council, clubs and extra curricular activities, house leagues and community outreach initiatives. In Grades 7 and 8, teacher advisors work closely with students to prepare them for life in high school.

Middle School Design Features:

• The Expanding Horizons Years (Grades 4 to 8).

• Red accents can be seen throughout the décor in middle school areas, in line with the corresponding digit of the Husky Paw.

• Students in Grades 4 to 6 follow homeroom based programmes with specialty classes outside of the classroom and progress to a middle school environment for Grades 7 to 8 where the majority of classes take place in subject based classrooms. This gradual transition sees students gaining a sense of autonomy and independence within the community setting.

• Learning pods flow into classrooms and vice versa, making them the heart of the grade level community, strengthening the connectedness and consistency of learning across the grades.

• Opportunities for collaboration and celebration are embraced as students showcase projects, put on dramatic performances, and exhibit their work to parents, peers and the wider school community.

• Playground and recreational areas have been thoughtfully designed to accommodate the broad interests, and needs, of students in the Expanding Horizons Years.

The opportunity to develop at CIS was one aspect that I loved. There were so many opportunities to develop leadership skills that I have taken with me after graduating. Leadership roles are never easy and at CIS you had the added challenge to take into account the vast array of cultural differences in the student body.

Nadia Hobbs, CIS Alum, 2001

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HIGH SCHOOL: DEFINING GOALS AND CHARTING A COURSE

We enjoy seeing our high school students develop into mature young adults, confident in themselves and in the difference they can make in society as responsible global citizens. With educational foundations now firmly in place, high school is a place where students can define new goals and pursue their wider talents and passions, all whilst in a close-knit and vibrant community.

We challenge and support our students to achieve excellence and exercise leadership by providing them with a strong, vibrant and engaging curriculum, outstanding extra curricular activities, and engaging community service and sporting opportunities. They actively participate in a rigorous academic programme and collaborate, research, and dialogue with peers and faculty. Students are also encouraged to think creatively and go beyond the curriculum as they prepare for university study and a rewarding and productive adult life.

Students entering high school are assigned a teacher advisor who will work closely with them for the duration of their high school years. This teacher advocates, supports and sees the big picture for both students and parents, and is a tremendous resource throughout students’ academic and personal progress.

A pivotal component of the high school experience, and an essential element of our curriculum, is community outreach and service. In high school, students brainstorm and launch projects and initiatives to support those less fortunate, and participate in various activities and events in the broader community to earn community service hours. Minds are broadened through active participation in Excursion Week, as students travel to countries such as Pulau Ubin in Singapore, Vietnam, Cambodia, Indonesia, and Ladakh, India. These travels allow students to experience other cultures first hand and to engage in community service activities such as house building and working with NGOs to make the world a better place.

High School Design Features:

• The Defining Years (Grades 9 to 12).

• High school areas have green accents throughout the décor, in line with the corresponding digit of the Husky Paw.

• Home base classrooms are accessed for daily meetings with teacher advisors.

• Students move between specialist classrooms and labs throughout the day for lessons.

• Common pod areas between classrooms evolve to serve as common areas where students can work on projects, study and prepare for exams, plan community outreach initiatives and socialise.


TANJONG KATONG CAMPUSAn Intimate Environment in Lush, Green Surroundings

The Canadian International School’s (CIS) Tanjong Katong (TK) campus offers learning and sporting facilities in an intimate environment that is highly conducive to holistic student development. The campus is situated on Tanjong Katong Road; approximately 10 minutes drive east of the city centre, in Singapore’s dynamic East Coast area. TK is easily accessible from East Coast residential areas and serves children from Early Childhood Education (approximately 3 years of age) to Grade 8 (approximately 13 years of age).

Formerly the site of the old Tanjong Katong Girls’ School, Block C of the TK campus is a Singapore heritage listed site. The site was awarded to CIS in 2007 with the confidence that we will maintain the conservation of Block C as a classic representation of Singapore’s rich academic history.

The Tanjong Katong campus provides students with an inviting, open and airy environment, with students enjoying easy access to inter-connecting outdoor recreational and sporting areas. The school comprises four main buildings (referred to as blocks) and offers spacious, air-conditioned classrooms, which are located off open-air corridors, promoting a unique sense of environmental harmony. Classrooms are equipped with cutting-edge, networked technology designed to be age-specific, ensuring a student-friendly and stimulating learning environment. Grade levels are clustered together to allow easy collaboration

and sharing, all of which encourage a strong sense of community between, and across, grade levels.

Our Tanjong Katong library, with an experienced teacher-librarian and friendly staff, houses a full spectrum of literary resources, ample study areas and iMacs. Each school year, students’ educational experiences are enriched, as the library plays host to visiting artists and authors.

A Spacious and Lush Environmentfor Discovery and Exploration

Our youngest students, those in Early Childhood Education (ECE) to Senior Kindergarten (SK), enjoy making connections with their world in an outdoor Discovery Garden, located amongst shady trees and a lush, green environment. This garden runs alongside the classroom block that houses our junior students and can be accessed directly from the classroom.

The garden and playground areas have bike tracks, sand and water play areas, and gazebo like structures where our ECE and Kindergarten students can explore and investigate their world.

Key Features of the Tanjong Katong PYP Educational Experience

• ECE and Kindergarten classes ensure easy access to the Discovery Garden.

• Classrooms are vibrant and versatile spaces, and provide authentic environments where learning comes alive.

• Playground and outdoor learning and activity areas provide students with opportunities to interact with nature, engage in hands-on exploration, enjoy dramatic play and recreational sports and activities.

School Structure at Tanjong Katong

The school community at Tanjong Katong is organised around the IB academic programmes: The Primary Years Programme, and the Middle Years Programme.


ECE TO GRADE 6: A PYP COMMUNITYEach child embarks on an educational adventure as they discover the world around them. Their discovery and exploration will take place in a nurturing and supportive environment, optimal for learning, self-discovery and awareness. Parents are an important part of these fundamental years, and are encouraged to take an active role in their child’s education.

Academic Progress and Measures of Success

We value each child as an individual and understand that they bring with them their own identity, strengths, potential, talents and gifts. We also understand that children will be at different places on the academic learning continuum. Innovative teaching strategies ensure that all students are challenged appropriately to ensure that they progress along their individual learning continuum and achieve the necessary academic benchmarks across the grade levels.

The Early Years - Kindergarten at Tanjong Katong

Young children learn best in a play based programme that focuses on child-centred learning. We understand that these early years are fundamental to a child’s future educational success. In Kindergarten, children ask questions as they inquire and investigate the world around them. They learn through play and discover new ways to express themselves creatively, with confidence and self-assurance.

Grades 1 to 6 – The Experiential Academic Adventure Continues

Inquiry remains the cornerstone of learning as students progress through the Primary Years Programme (PYP). Students continue to investigate and learn about their world, although at an increasingly more complex level. Through Units of Inquiry (UOI), students delve into some exciting and memorable explorations. These explorations can see students investigating space and the lives of astronauts, building space structures and learning about matter and gravity, and many other exciting topics.

Learning is extended and takes place through timetabled lessons, extra curricular activities and other organised school activities. Field trips, excursions and Open Minds all bring learning to life as students experience carefully planned activities that encourage powerful hands-on, minds-on learning.

Each day is filled with opportunities for children to further develop their talents in music, art, drama, and public speaking at various assemblies, concerts and school events. Their minds will be challenged as topics are examined in-depth through various Units of Inquiry (UOI) – they will experiment with math manipulatives, learn about different cultures, engage in literary pursuits, and more.

Athletic, fine and gross motor skills are developed as students participate in the Physical Education (PE) programme and extra curricular pursuits. At every grade level, each child will be provided with opportunities to develop leadership, presentation, analytical and communication skills – all skills essential to future success.


A Time for Expanding Horizons and Charting a Course

In middle school (Grades 7 and 8), students enjoy a warm, welcoming and supportive atmosphere where they are encouraged to take responsibility for their learning and embark on a new voyage of self-exploration. Middle school students are expected to make a positive contribution to their community.

Inquiry is still the cornerstone of learning in the MYP and middle school, with students continuing to investigate and learn about their world, often at a very complex level.

Teachers encourage students to be guides in their own learning as they discover and deepen interests and ask questions essential for academic success. Learning is extended and takes place through timetabled lessons, extra curricular activities and other organised school activities. Field trips, excursions and the Outdoor Pursuits programme all bring learning to life as students experience carefully planned activities that encourage powerful hands-on, minds-on learning.

In Grades 7 and 8, students participate in their own Student Council, clubs and extra curricular activities, house leagues and community outreach initiatives. Teacher advisors work closely with students to prepare them for Grades 9 to 12 and life in high school at the Lakeside campus.

Key Features of the Tanjong Katong MYP Educational Experience:

• Students progress to a middle school environment where most classes take place in subject based classrooms. This gradual transition sees students gaining a sense of autonomy and independence within the community setting.

• Grade level classrooms are grouped together, strengthening the connectedness and consistency of learning across the grades and promoting the sense of community.

• Opportunities for collaboration and celebration are embraced as students showcase projects, put on dramatic performances, and exhibit their work to parents, peers and the wider school community.

• Playground and recreational areas have been thoughtfully designed to accommodate the broad interests, and needs, of students in Grades 7 and 8.

GRADE 7 AND 8: AN MYP COMMUNITY

A Canadian International School (CIS) education prepares students for a lifetime of learning, leadership, and possibilities that are limited only by the imagination. It is always highly gratifying to see our students leave us as confident and successful global citizens and many of our alumni credit their time at CIS for both their academic, personal and social success.

When a student enters Grade 9, they will work with our Guidance Counsellor until their graduation at the end of high school. Working in partnership with a student’s teacher advisor, the counsellor will assist students as they explore career interests, and from these interests will help to develop an education plan. In Grades 11 and 12, students will be provided with guidance when researching post secondary studies and educational institutions, and submitting university applications.

Our graduates have gone on to make a difference in the world in their roles as doctors, movie producers, aerospace engineers, educators, lawyers, marketing professionals, entrepreneurs, journalists, scientists, and leaders in many other fields.

A supportive alumni network enables graduates to stay in touch with their classmates regardless of their global region.

GRADUATIONLOOKING BEYOND LIFE AT CIS

CIS was a place that provided me with numerous opportunities - I came to learn so much both inside and outside of the classroom about myself and the world around me. The final result of all that I’ve experienced, of course, is that I am prepared to leave CIS as a global well-rounded citizen and hopefully someday make a difference in this world.

Angela Butler, CIS Alum, 2012

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We must be the change we wish to see in the world.

Mahatma Gandhi

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CPE Registration Number: 199002243H - Period of Registration: 8 June 2011 to 7 June 2015

Canadian International School Lakeside Campus

7 Jurong West Street 41 Singapore 649414 (65) 6467 1732 [email protected]

OUR CAMPUSESCanadian International School Tanjong Katong Campus

371 Tanjong Katong Road Singapore 437128 (65) 6345 1573 [email protected]

www.cis.edu.sg

Overview Brochure 2014

Documents

Transcript of Overview Brochure 2014