Welcome to the International School of Warsaw!

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2 Welcome to the International School of Warsaw! On behalf of all our dedicated teachers, administrators and support staff at the International School of Warsaw, welcome to our School s community. A strong partnership between the school and our parents makes a difference in every child s education as we share the responsibility for our students successes. We always welcome input and suggestions from parents, so please feel free to reach out to me, your child s teacher or any other staff member, if you have any comments or questions. Contact the following for the coinciding department: Primary School Director Secondary School Director Admissions Director Financial Director Office Administrator Executive Assistant Telephone Enquiries: In English In Polish In Chinese On behalf of our faculty and staff, I would like to wish you all a wonderful school year ahead. Riaan Diedericks Executive Director

3 ISW Prospectus Graphic design by: IDZIE TO ZROBIĆ Marta Pilarska

4 Welcome Choosing a school is one of the most important decisions that you can make for your child s future, so we are delighted that you are considering the International School of Warsaw. ISW offers a modern and vibrant education to boys and girls ages to 18. The school serves expatriate and Polish families looking to provide their children with the highest standard of private education. We believe in each one of our students and provide a community for them to grow and expand on their aspirations. Our day-to-day focus is helping students to thrive in their own unique way. We offer a rich and varied curriculum that allows students to explore the depth of their abilities. A highly qualified and dedicated teaching body facilitates lessons. Small class sizes and low student to teacher ratios mean students can receive the support they require to make substantial progress both academically and personally. ISW has a strong sense of community and its diversity offers experience and opportunities to any curious learner eager to expand their education. We are proud of the role our families play in our school and in turn, the role we play in their lives during their time in Warsaw. A printed handbook can only go so far in conveying the ethos and spirit of a school, but we hope this brochure can give you some insight into what makes ISW special and unique. Our Mission The International School of Warsaw is an educational haven, offering a community that is focused on providing students with personalized learning, a global environment and the tools to become a leader of tomorrow. ISW enables students to exceed their potential through interactive, outdoor and immersion style classes. This oasis of open ground, fresh air and intellectual fruition, provides students with the opportunity to expand beyond the classroom and into the real world, where they re faced with interactive situations that will transform them from student to expert, tourist to adventurer, learners to leaders.

5 What sets us apart? International Integration. ISW is accredited by the International Accreditation Organization, which offers diplomas from 40 countries. ISW is currently working on accreditation from the International Baccalaureate Organization (IBO), the Council of International Schools (CIS) and the European Council of International Schools (ECIS). Our international school is distinctly diverse, allowing our students to gain perspectives from all over the world. Educational Network. ISW is partnered with multiple schools around the world creating exchange programs and community programs for students interested in broadening their horizons while attending ISW. ISW s Educational Triangle. A philosophy connecting students, parents and teachers, augmenting academic success, innovation, and leadership. Our Parent-Teacher Association is a platform for parents to provide their ideas, solutions and concerns, in order for ISW to maintain its community-based culture. An Educational Haven. Our facilities are located on the rim of Warsaw s border, allowing our students to escape the city s density and congestion, providing a refuge at our campus, which is much more than a school environment, but an educational haven. ISW is the only school in Poland to offer the STEaM Program, which engages students in interactive and interdisciplinary activities in the fields of science, technology, engineering, fine arts, and mathematics.

6 Teaching and Learning ISW combines modern, innovative and child-friendly pedagogy with traditional values and high standards. The school balances a nurturing environment that fosters understanding, critical thinking and enthusiasm with a stimulating curriculum. ISW employs highly qualified teachers with a genuine passion for their profession. Small class sizes help ensure our mission of providing personalized learning and student success. Teaching and learning at our school is based on three fundamental principles: Stimulating curiosity and nurturing an interest in learning. Thinking critically and taking a structured approach to understanding and solving problems. Having an open mind and respect for other people and new idea. These principles are supported by lessons that are delivered in an interactive and thought-provoking manner using a wide variety of teaching styles. Lessons are planned to suit a range of abilities allowing every student to benefit and improve upon their skills and knowledge. Our approach to teaching and learning encourages active participation by all students.

7 Curriculum Overview The International School of Warsaw s curriculum is built around the idea that students are continuously constructing meaning whether that be in the classroom, on the sports field, in a creative performance, or in the community. We aim to provide children in Early Years with educational experiences that will help them develop a positive approach to learning. By creating a learning environment where children feel at home, they will feel more willing to explore new concepts and ideas. Self-discipline, a sense of responsibility and respect for others are obligatory. Classroom walls are covered with displays of children s arts and crafts, as well as language-based information to help them develop literacy skills. Displays of educational material related to topics being studied and an ever-changing role-play area helps further stimulate their enthusiasm. Lessons incorporate communication, language and literacy, enabling development towards independent speaking, listening, reading, and writing. Initially, particular emphasis is placed on speaking and listening and in pre-reading and pre-writing activities. In Math, children are introduced to important aspects of mathematical understanding and are provided with the foundation for numeracy. This is achieved through practical activities and by using and understanding simple mathematical language. Children acquire a basic knowledge and understanding of their environment, humanity and features of the natural and unatural world. Personal and social development focuses on students learning how to work, play and cooperate with others as they function in a group beyond their family. The physical development program aims to help children develop physical control, mobility, awareness of space, and manipulative skills in indoor and outdoor environments. Children are actively encouraged to establish positive attitudes towards a healthy and active way of life. Opportunities to be expressive and creative are, of course, crucial and offered daily through fine arts, crafts, role-play, and music. Our EY department accepts students who are 3 to 5 years old.

8 Our Primary School students are ages Teachers provide stimulating activities to compose students confidence and harness their natural curiosity. Children thereby achieve high levels of knowledge, skills and understanding, while enjoying the learning process. Our aim is for children to enjoy their time at school and to develop knowledge, understanding and values in order to reach their full potential in all academic and social areas of school life. In Primary School, students study the following subjects: A Foreign Language (Spanish/German/ French/Chinese) Art and Design Science Social Studies STEaM Education Physical Education ICT Afterschool Clubs Outdoor Education Language Arts (English/French) Performance Arts Math Mother Language (French/English/ Chinese/Polish) Music

9 The Middle Years Program (MYP) is designed to meet the needs of students ages 13 to 15. It is a broad and rigorous curriculum framework, focusing on contextual, conceptual and inquiry-based learning. The MYP enables connections to be made between subjects, while maintaining the integrity of the disciplines. Students experience authentic learning experiences and are able to make connections to the real world as they become critical and creative thinkers. The curriculum incorporates Language Arts (English/French), Science, Geography, History, Art and Design, Music, Physical Education, ICT, a Second Language (French/English/Chinese/Polish), and additional opportunities to learn another foreign language. Our Secondary Program aims to have students demonstrate their knowledge and ability through student-centered learning practices, an openness to innovative approaches, a development of critical appreciation to academia and culture, and a thoughtful and realistic mindset for the future. We incorporate research-based instructional practices, personally derived creative projects and transitioning their learning focus from what to how and why. At ISW we educate the whole person and help students reach personal dreams, filling each day with a learning experience that features: Develop physically, intellectually, emotionally, and ethically. Acquire breadth and depth of knowledge and understanding, studying courses from six subject groups. Develop the skills and a positive attitude toward learning that will prepare them for higher education. Study at least two languages and increase understanding of cultures, including their own. Make connections across traditional academic disciplines and explore the nature of knowledge through the program s unique theory of knowledge course. Undertake in-depth research into an area of interest through the lens of one or more academic disciplines in the extended essay. Enhance their personal and interpersonal development through creativity, action and service.

10 Curriculum Overview In addition to a rigorous and challenging academic program ISW also facilitates lively sports, music, arts, and drama programs in which students are presented with many opportunities to develop their skills and interests outside of the classroom. Sport Physical Education forms an integral part of the curriculum at the school and is also a major area of extracurricular activity. It is considered a healthy way to develop students physical competence and confidence. It also promotes physical coordination, physical development and knowledge of the body in action. From inter-school matches, to in-house competitions, to after school clubs and activities, students will always find an activity they can enjoy. The important thing is to join in! Music Music has a fundamental place within the curriculum at ISW. In addition to covering the basic curriculum requirements, the school runs music and instrumental programs in Early Years, Primary and Secondary School as well an optional individual instrumental program provided by highly trainedand qualified music teaching staff. For students with a greater interest in music, there are further opportunities to participate in ensembles, orchestras, choirs, plays and other music and drama groups and to perform in venues both at the school and within the community. Drama Drama includes dramatic play, story enactment, imagination journeys, theatre games, music and dance. While not every child can be expected to be a natural performer, through plays and performances we aim to help every student develop a sense of ease in public situations. Our annual productions contribute to fostering a strong sense of community within the school. Art Our teachers deliver lessons designed to develop creativity using a variety of media and techniques in art and craftwork. Anvawareness of color, shape, balance, focus, and proportion are developed alongside the use of symbols to convey ideas and feelings. Students study a wide range of artists, craftspeople and designers.

11 Beyond the Classroom Our curriculum is fused with the STEAM Program and our Outdoor Education Program. These three initiatives build understanding through inquiry, action and reflection, demonstrating not only a student s knowledge but ability. Learners work together to change the lesson into experience. STEAM STEaM stands for Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Math. This program fosters students ability to become better problem solvers, thinkers and effective members in diverse teams. The integrated nature of STEaM instruction mirrors the multidisciplinary reality of life after school. We engage our students with interdisciplinary courses that incorporate advanced technology-integrated projects, as well as encourage inquiry, integrity, collaboration, creativity, problem-solving, and critical reasoning. Through their challenging experiences in the program, students will: Demonstrate critical thinking, curiosity, adaptability, and initiative in order to be both contributors to and influential in a technological society. Exhibit an appreciation for the skills and imagination needed to design, create and utilize advanced technologies. Engage and explore the interconnectedness of the fields of Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics. Practice and master the skills necessary to successfully pursue a higher degree in one of the disciplines of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics. Develop as leaders and support one another through collaboration and team building.

12 Outdoor Program ISW s Outdoor Education Program takes students away from their desks and notebooks to groom their soft skills, such as teamwork, leadership and resilience, while broadening their awareness and appreciation for the natural environment. The program takes theories learned in the classroom and challenges students to exhibit those lessons through interactive activities and challenges. Benefits of Outdoor Education There is testimonial support, anecdotal instances and passionate rhetoric explaining the benefits of outdoor education. That evidence can be found online. At ISW, the evidence can be witnessed: the renewed sparkle in a student s eyes, the excitement when students realize that their potential is more than they had previously dreamt, the close sense of community experienced by students, who previously consider themselves as just classmates. At ISW, what can be seen, heard, felt, and experienced is what outdoor education is really about. Aims: Learn how to overcome adversity Enhance personal and social development Develop a deeper relationship with nature Teach outdoor survival skills Improve problem solving skills Reduce stress Enhance teamwork Develop leadership skills Understand natural environments Specific Benefits Include: Better grades Better health Decreased stress levels Increased motivation Better attitudes about the environment Better behavior Enhanced communication skills Increase in outdoor skills Increased self-reliance Community improvement Improved memory

13 Location and Facilities Every school promises an environment. One that s positive, organized and presents academic challenges. But all of those elements are compulsory. Traditional, educational environments are commonplace in any school. ISW s environment is enhanced unlike any other school in the Warsaw area, as it s a haven rather than an environment. Its location allows the school and its students refuge from all the problems from the city and reaps the benefits of the countryside. Warsaw s smog index has been compared to cities like Beijing and has repeatedly been in the top 20 for most polluted air in the world. Since ISW is located on the outskirts of city limits, the school s atmosphere is crisp, clean and surrounded by scenic flora and fauna. Golden hills ripple into a rustic backdrop and animals scurry throughout the grounds, giving the students a natural and safe place to expand their curiosities. The land surrounding the school sweeps far and wide, allowing for an innumerable amount of outdoor activities. With so much space the school can offer an animal s stable for students to take care of and study; a greenhouse, where they can learn about ecosystems and environmental processes; a football field, basketball court, two playgrounds, and an outdoor performance stage. With all of this in mind, the distance away from the city is a blessing for students minds and curiosities, parents nerves and teachers potentials.

14 Admissions Admission to ISW is selective. We are committed to achieving the highest levels of academic and personal attainment, seeking students who thrive in this rigorous and challenging learning environment. We look for students who are well rounded, with strong academic potential, a positive attitude and an interest in extra-curricular activities. ISW welcomes individual visits to the school throughout the year and holds open days for parents to visit our campus and learn more about our curriculum. During the visit we are happy to explain ISW s programs of study, answer questions and provide a tour of the school in either English, French, Polish, or Chinese. How do I apply? Applications for enrolment at the school must be submitted through our online application form. Parents unable to complete an application online can call the admissions office for assistance. Parents can also complete the online application form at ISW with the assistance of our admissions team. Together with the application form, parents will be required to submit: Signed copy of our Declaration Form Copies of your child s most recent school report Once the application is submitted, a parent meeting and pupil assessment will be scheduled. The school aims to communicate the application outcome within a few days of the assessment date.

15 Contact Us International School of Warsaw Online: /theiswarsaw Visit us: Mazowiecka 43, Bobrowiec us: /iswarsaw Call us: Tel: WeChat: /iswarsaw

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