2014-15
School Overview
International School
of Stavanger
General Information
Our Philosophy
Vision
Inspire a community of responsible, globally-­‐engaged, empowered learners. Mission ISS provides an internationally-­‐
accredited, engaging and challenging English-­‐language education in a supportive, multi-­‐
cultural environment where students have the opportunity to fulfill their potential. Core Values
Learning / Well-­‐being / Community The International School of Stavanger (ISS) is a private, English-­‐language school for students in pre-­‐school – grade 12 (age 3-­‐18). With an impressive record of academic success, ISS provides an internationally-­‐accredited education and a university preparatory curriculum primarily for students of the expat community in Stavanger, Norway. Founded in 1966, ISS is non-­‐profit, administered by a director and governed by a board of trustees. One of the largest international schools in Scandinavia, there are four sections to support students in their stages of growth and learning: • Early Childhood – ISS’ early childhood section – including pre-­‐school for three-­‐ and four year olds, kindergarten (the first compulsory academic year) and grade 1 – helps children develop their potential through planned activities that stimulate, guide and encourage a love of learning. • Primary School – The primary school programme for grades 2-­‐5 continues to focus on the growth of the whole child and fosters positive goals and beliefs while actively engaging them in the learning process. • Middle School – The middle school provides students aging from 11 to 13/14 (grades 6-­‐8) with a vibrant, developmentally-­‐appropriate, responsive and academically-­‐enriching programme. • High School – Covering grades 9-­‐12, the high school empowers students to be life-­‐
long learners and prepares them to be caring, engaged global citizens. Students are offered external examination courses with IGCSE through the University of Cambridge and the International Baccalaureate Diploma. ISS has English as an Additional Language (EAL), speech and learning support programmes. Students can participate in extra-­‐curricular, arts, athletic, service and travel opportunities. 1
International School of Stavanger
2014-15
Administration
Director: Dr. Linda Duevel Deputy Director: Mr. Gareth Jones High School (HS) Principal: Dr. Liam Browne Middle School (MS) Principal: Ms. Carol Wallace Primary School (PS) Principal: Dr. Leonard Duevel Student Body and Diversity
Nearly 700 students attend ISS in pre-­‐school – grade 12. Many students have lived in more than one country, are linguistically and culturally diverse and value international and intercultural understanding. As of Sept. 2014, ISS’ student population represents 48 countries with approximately 15% holding Norwegian citizenship, 27% holding U.S. citizenship and 13% with U.K. citizenship (includes dual citizens). Student nationalities represent: Algeria Argentina Australia Austria Azerbaijan Bangladesh Belgium Bolivia Canada China Croatia Czech Republic Denmark Egypt Finland France Germany Iceland India Indonesia Iran Ireland Italy Japan Kazakhstan Latvia Libya Malaysia Mexico Netherlands New Zealand Nigeria Norway Pakistan Poland Portugal Romania Russia Serbia Early Childhood (EC) Principal: Ms. Jill Raven EC and PS Counsellor: Dr. Jack Raven MS Counsellor: Mr. Matt Armstrong HS Counsellors: Ms. Monchaya Jetabut and Ms. Cheryl Brown Examinations and IB Coordinator: Ms. Lynn Park Singapore Spain Sweden Turkey Trinidad and Tobago United Kingdom United States Venezuela Vietnam Faculty
There are 107 faculty members (34 men and 73 women) from around the world, including Australia, Belgium, Canada, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, India, Ireland, Italy, Mauritius, The Netherlands, Nepal, Norway, Poland, Spain, Sri Lanka, Trinidad and Tobago, United Kingdom, United States, Uruguay and Venezuela. They hold 109 bachelor’s degrees, 62 master’s degrees and 5 doctorates (as of Sept. 2014). Accreditation
ISS is accredited by the New England Association of Schools and Colleges (NEASC) in the United States and the Council of International Schools (CIS) based in Europe. Additionally, the school is authorized to offer the International General Certificate of Secondary Education (IGCSE) and International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma and has authorized status from the Kingdom of Norway via the Education Act. 2
2014-15
International School of Stavanger
Curriculum
ISS provides an internationally-­‐accredited university preparatory curriculum: • Early Childhood, Primary and Middle School: Cross-­‐cultural curriculum with features from European and North American academic systems •
High School: International General Certificate of Secondary Education (IGCSE) for grades 9-­‐10 and International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IBDP) for grades 11-­‐12 The IB Diploma is considered an international passport to higher education, often playing a positive and important role in university admissions decisions given its rigour and emphasis on critical thinking, research skills and service. The school calendar follows a semester system with grades reported in January and June of each school year. Language
English as an Additional Language (EAL) classes help students learn English and ensure non-­‐native speakers progress in class. French, German, Norwegian and Spanish are taught in the middle and/or high school; Norwegian is also taught throughout the primary school. Based on interest, ISS offers after-­‐school first language programs for Dutch, French, German, Italian and Mandarin speakers. Conversational language groups (e.g., Spanish, Russian) also run during the year. Sports and Activities
Admissions
Enquiries
admissions@isstavanger.no +47 51 55 43 61 www.isstavanger.no General
Contact
International School of Stavanger Treskeveien 3 4043 Hafrsfjord, Norway +47 51 55 43 00 www.isstavanger.no 3
ISS’ extra-­‐curricular programme emphasizes participation, regardless of ability and experience. There are various opportunities to get involved in athletics/sports, clubs, groups and more. The athletics department offers football/soccer, girls’ volleyball, boys’ rugby, basketball, swimming, cross-­‐country and track and field. A sampling of the other activities include: musicals/plays, Model United Nations, outdoor education, yearbook, student council/government, charity groups, music ensembles and clubs for photography, dance, app development, cycling, Lego robotics, taekwondo, baseball and rock climbing. Throughout the year, students enjoy field trips in and outside of Norway related to course subjects, service learning, outdoor education, language immersion, sports tournaments and music and theatre festivals. International School of Stavanger
2014-15
Location and Facilities
The International School of Stavanger is situated on a 6-­‐hectare campus in Stavanger, located in southwest Norway. Families have easy access to both city and country living. ISS offers school bus transportation throughout the area. The school is well-­‐equipped with classrooms; 9 science lab/classrooms; 370-­‐seat theatre; a dance and drama studio; language and technology labs; 4 indoor gyms; 400-­‐meter track; rugby, football/soccer, softball and baseball fields; fitness facilities and 2 libraries. The cafeteria provides healthy hot and cold menu selections. With several technology labs and a 1-­‐to-­‐1 iPad programme in the middle and high school, student learning is enhanced through technology. Academic Achievements
University
Acceptances
ISS’ guidance and university counselling team helps students successfully prepare for admission to universities around the world. Students can graduate with an ISS High School Diploma and an International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma. In May 2014, out of a graduating class of 52 students, 98 percent undertook the full IB Diploma. ISS´ mean IB Diploma score ranks above the world average, with two students achieving the maximum score of 45 points and a further two with 44 points. Additionally, ISS annually excels in the Norwegian Unge Forskere competition. For 2012-­‐2014, ISS produced more finalists than any other school in Norway, winning prizes and trips to international competitions and science seminars. Students from recent graduating classes were accepted by leading institutions in Australia, Canada, France, Italy, Ireland Spain, the Netherlands, Norway, Poland, the United Kingdom and United States, including: Graduation Requirements
Norway: Norwegian University of Science and Technology ISS HS Diploma
Twenty two credits in English, Mathematics, Social Studies, Science, Physical Education/Health, Fine, Performing or Technical Arts and Electives are required to graduate with the ISS high school diploma, which provides a route to academic and vocational college options. Within this high school diploma structure, the majority of students also follow the full IB Diploma, selecting and studying individual IB subjects as part of the regular ISS HS diploma. International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma
Candidates in grades 11 and 12 must fulfill selected higher and standard level (HL, SL) courses, pass the external exams with a 24+ score and complete the Theory of Knowledge course, an extended essay and Creativity, Action and Service (CAS) components. IB courses include Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Mathematics, English Literature, English Language and Literature, Norwegian Language and Literature, Norwegian, French, German, Spanish, School-­‐supported Self-­‐taught Language, Economics, Geography, History, Psychology, Visual Arts and Design Technology. Additionally, Business and Management, Information Technology and Film can be offered as online IB courses.
United Kingdom: Imperial College London, University of Bath, University of Cambridge, University College London, University of Edinburgh, University of Manchester and University of St. Andrews CEEB CODE – 782410 / IB CODE – 000862 / UCAS CODE – 47966 4
Canada: McGill University Netherlands: Delft University of Technology, University of Utrecht United States: New York University, Texas A&M and University of Virginia