|
|
 |
 |
|
 | | Baku International School's
Fabulous New Facility
and Much More... |
|
|
Baku International School has been an active part of the international school community for nine years, but this year signals a complete transformation of facilities, programs, and teachers. The school's mission has not changed, but is being fulfilled as never before through a high quality American-European accredited English-language study program for children of embassy employees, local and international governmental organizations, and entrepreneurs. The school is now growing into its fabulous new facility by offering a full school program from pre-school through secondary level and meeting extracurricular needs at all levels. With a proven curriculum used by 20 other Quality Schools International, the school has the program of study, accredited teachers, and materials to deliver excellence in education. Baku International School is growing and looks toward further growth and a bright future.
New Facility
When school started on September 4th, students found themselves entering a marvelous new facility. The new two-storey school, conveniently located just ten minutes from the Hyatt Hotel, features cozy light-filled classrooms, an impressive library, PC and Macintosh laboratories, beautiful gardens, covered courtyard, cafeteria, and a four-hundred seat auditorium. The playground has swings, basketball hoops, sandbox, flowered gardens, gazebos and a playing field all enclosed by a high security fence. But what really surprises visitors are the colorful posters and murals created by the teachers and students; samples of the work going on in the classrooms and the exciting new atmosphere that pervades the school. We like to believe we have a loving atmosphere by which students are encouraged and motivated through positive interaction to excel academically and develop a sense of self worth.
New Director
After serving as Director of international schools in Sarajevo, Ashgabat, and a stateside secondary school, Scott Root brings many years of experience and a vision for the future: "Excellence in education is never an accident. Much is required of a school and its teachers to create a dynamic learning environment that has students believe in themselves. An engaging educational comes from teachers who care about each and every student, that love learning, respectable facilities, good equipment, great books, and vision. Baku International School aspires to fulfill these expectations and by doing so to deliver excellence in education and foster confidence in each and every child."
Democratic Governance
Baku International School teaches democratic values by exercising democracy through its active Student Council, Parent Teacher Organization, and Advisory Board. If you walked the halls during September, you would have noticed colorful posters lining the walls as students campaigned for Student Council officers and class representatives. "The Student Council will actively participate in planning and implementing cultural and social activities in the school. In addition, they will learn entrepreneurial skills as they set up and run a snack sale business to fund their activities", explains Student Council Advisor Ms. Suzanne Anderson. The Parent Teacher Organization got off to a great start with Kirsty Burnett's election as Chairperson. This group of parents has a say in how things are done at Baku International School and enjoy an open-door feel to the school.
The active Advisory Board also works closely with the administration on larger issues and oversees a limited scholarship program for Azeri citizens.
Accredited Study Program
Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools and the Commission on International and Trans-Regional Accreditation in Europe accredit Baku International School in the United States. Its curriculum is cooperatively written and reviewed by a team of teachers and specialists working for Quality Schools International schools. Utilizing textbooks and workbooks imported from the United States. However, what makes Baku International School unique is its performance-based approach and premise: "one size does not fit all." Students are placed according to ability, not age, for the core classes (science, mathematics, languages, and reading). For the non-core classes the opposite is true: students are placed according to age, not ability in physical education, art, music, foreign languages (Azeri, Russian or French), computer studies, and cultural studies. This avoids the common problem in education of kids find themselves either bored or floundering. Students are accelerated in the subjects they excel in through proper placement and tutoring. "Success for All" is the motto of the school, something the faculty and administration take seriously and make possible by its winning philosophy.
Early Childhood and Readiness Program
The proper placement of students in each subject is the underlying principle of a performance-based program making the school's Early Childhood and Readiness Program an active and ongoing dimension of school life. Students are followed closely in class sizes of eight to twelve students in number. The curriculum is age appropriate with two, three and four year olds engaged in more active forms of learning. The program for five year olds is transitional by laying the groundwork for success in elementary school. Teacher assistants work with American and European certified teachers at elementary level to assure students are given adequate attention. This also makes the student-teacher ratio at the school one of the lowest anywhere. Elementary level students enjoy the security of a homeroom teacher while all middle school and secondary level students attend classes by subject area specialists. Indeed, the whole school experience is well engineered and implemented.
Cutting-Edge Technology
Quality Schools International has made a major financial commitment toward the future success of Baku International School by supplementing the existing Macintosh laboratory with a new PC computer laboratory. A graphics approach has been introduced in upper level mathematics classes with state-of-the-art graphic interfaces and sensors for applied mathematics. Two specialists conduct computer assisted instruction for elementary students and for upper level students this includes Internet research and web design.
After-School Activities and Sports
A comprehensive physical education and After-School program has been introduced this year. Elementary level students have physical education two or three times a week and daily After-School activities from athletics to clubs and crafts. Middle school and Secondary level students enjoy two periods of physical education and three After-School activities each week including table tennis, swimming and photography.
Cultural and Religious Values
Baku International School has no governmental or religious affiliation although we teach transcultural and transreligious values. Six Success Orientations are emphasized and evaluated at each grade namely: Responsibility, Trustworthiness, Group Interaction, Aesthetic Appreciation, Kindness and Politeness, Independent Endeavor, and Concern for Others. Underpinning these is the principle of modeled behavior - students are treated respectfully and expected to be respectful towards others. This encourages kids to do the right thing because they intrinsically want to do the right thing.
Students, and their parents, often express their love for Baku International School because of the positive atmosphere that permeates the whole educational experience. This atmosphere reflects the dedication of the faculty and administration in making Baku International School a premiere learning institution, preparing students to meet the challenges of an ever-changing world. So please come and see for yourself what great things are happening at Baku International School.
|
|
|
|
|
