 |
AIS Prospectus
|
Links Between the Junior School and Upper School
Subjects offered for London Ordinary Level
Subjects offered for London Advanced Level
Introduction
Asian International School (AIS) combines Kindergarten, Primary School
and Secondary School into one harmonious whole. It takes children from the
Playgroup age of 2½ and sees them right through their school life until they
reach the University Entrance classes. The medium of instruction is entirely in
the English Language from Play Group to Advanced Level and the students are
prepared, academically, to enter the University of their choice anywhere in the
world. All Colleges and Universities abroad recognise the London Ordinary Level
and Advanced Level examinations as a basis for application to the best
Institutions of Higher Learning.
AIS was founded in September 1989 but
actually began life as a school in 1990. Its pupils study in the English Medium
although the National Languages of Sinhala and Tamil are also taught.
The School follows the British system of
Education and our students sit through ‘Edexcel’ for the public exams at the
Ordinary Level (Gr.10), the Advance Subsidiary Level (Gr. 11) and the Advanced
Level (Gr.12). In a very short period of time after the school was established the
pupils of this school were gaining excellent results and proceeding to carve
out careers for themselves as Doctors, Business Leaders, Engineers, Teachers,
Lecturers, Bankers and Executives of various companies. Their excellent basic
education at AIS has stood them in good stead in their respective callings.(see
under Exam Results) AIS has students in all the best Universities in the World
– Yale,
AIS has now been recognized as a ‘Teaching
Institute’ by Edexcel, which allows the conducting of exams within the school or
as an exam centre, eliminating the necessity for any intermediary organizations
like the British Council.
The Founder- Principal of this School is Dr
(Mrs) Goolbai Gunasekara who has had many years of experience in the world of
education. She comes from a family of educationists. Her mother, Mrs Clara
Motwani, was the well known American Principal and leader of Buddhist girls’
education in
Dr Gunasekara is a popular author of several
books of humorous sketches and 4 books of World History written in
collaboration with the British Council and the
In January 2011, Dr Gunasekara was appointed
a Director of the school’s Board of Governors and Mrs Priyanthi Seneviratne was
invited to take over as Principal.
Mrs Priyanthi Seniviratne began her
professional career at Ladies’ College where she taught Advanced Level English
and Greek & Roman Civilization for seventeen years. During the last eight
years of that period she was also Head of the English Department and a member
of the Staff Council – a ten member administrative body (including the
Principal and Vice Principal) in charge of all spheres of the school’s
administration.
She then took up the challenges of the
corporate sector when she joined the advertising world for three years,
followed by her nine year career as Head of the Sri Lanka Regional Office of
The Chartered Institute of Marketing,
This dual experience in very different
sectors within
AIS has built its own magnificent
buildings, which now houses the entire school. It includes a swimming pool and
a new K.G. section to house the preschool department.. The new buildings are
‘student friendly’ in that they allow easy access to Laboratories, Libraries,
Reading Rooms,
Student entry to the school is subject to
an entrance exam. Places are given to students who fare well in academics
and/or sports. Scholarships are offered to outstanding students from Local
Schools at all levels. Students do Edexcel Board exams and the exam results are
among those of the top three International Schools in the island.
Please read the following pages, which will
give you details of life at AIS. We welcome your child to the AIS family
whatever his/her age may be. We hope he/she will be very happy with us and will
gain from, as well as contribute, to the school.
Aims of the School
It is the aim of AIS to provide students with a sound moral basis, a well educated mind with a solid academic foundation and, very importantly, to develop a balanced well rounded person. Academic learning must go hand in hand with character development and to this end we train our pupils at AIS.
Students of today must be able to use all the tools at hand, which enable them to function efficiently in the 21st century. They must keep abreast of modern technology, but we stress the necessity for students to learn to think for themselves and not depend solely on accessed information. While we encourage pupils to be able to use the Internet, the electronic media and other related technological apparatus, we also insist on their developing the Reading Habit. To some extent therefore, AIS attempts to wean its students away from too much TV watching and excessive Computer usage.
Sited as we
are in
It is the aim of the school to see that good manners are a part of daily life and not just taken out and dusted off in public. Courtesy to teachers, parents and older people thus becomes a habit, which is much appreciated. AIS pupils are noted for their disciplined behaviour everywhere.
Not every child is academically inclined. Therefore AIS tries to encourage and foster various talents which may be turned to excellent advantage by students who go in for non-academic careers. In 2002 Art and Design was introduced as a Ordinary Level subject and this will extend to the Advance Level soon. Music and Dance is taught as part of the curriculum up to Grade 8. Clubs and Societies encourage further specialization. (See under Clubs & Societies)
Sport is given an important place in the School’s curriculum. Eight Sports are identified - namely Cricket, Swimming, Badminton, Tennis, Rowing, Football, Athletics and Basketball. (See under Sports)
AIS aims at producing the ‘Total Personality’. These are days of specialization but before our pupils begin to do this the school makes every attempt to give them a well- rounded and perfectly balanced education. This all-round education is available to any child who wants to make use of the excellent opportunities offered by this school.
Times of the School Day
Play Group and Nursery 8.30 a.m. to 11.30 a.m.
Kindergarten Section 8.00 a.m. to 11.45 a.m.
Year I 8.00 a.m. to 12.00 noon
Primary, Middle and Upper School 7.30 a.m. to 1.00 p.m.
Uniforms
These are available at The Uniform Shop (T.U.S)
Hotline: 011 4718888/4878880
Children from Play- Group to Year VI wear the School T-Shirts and Shorts.
From Form I to Form VI students wear skirts/trousers and the school shirt.
Socks must be white. Shoes may be black or white.
Headbands and ribbons must be either black or white.
Dress Code
Students should not wear nail polish or make up to school.
Haircuts for boys should not be ‘Mod’. Boys are not encouraged to go in for extreme styles. Long hair is also not allowed. Shaved heads are taboo.
Boys must be clean-shaven at all times. (The exception is when religious beliefs decree otherwise.)
Girls should keep within the bounds of conservatism. Hair streaking and/or tinting is not allowed.
Uniforms must not be shorter than 3” above the knee.
Neatness is a must. Personal Hygiene is very important for both boys and girls.
Shoes must be either black or white and must be well polished or cleaned. Socks should be white. No ankle socks are allowed.
Sports
Sports at AIS, has always been encouraged. The energy of the students is directed into constructive, character building activities such as swimming, basketball, netball, athletics, badminton, cricket and tennis. The children train hard and for long hours and with determination and perseverance they excel at whatever sport they pursue.
Swimming is by far the most popular sport at AIS, so much so that at the primary school level, swimming is on their timetable. A great number of students have chosen swimming as their sport and to encourage that, AIS conducts an Inter House Swimming Meet every year, in which over 200 swimmers participate. This is only the stepping stone to the bigger event – the Inter-International Swimming Meet which is the biggest event on the AIS calendar with approximately 20 international schools and almost 1200 swimmers participating. Not only does AIS host this event but our swimmers have won the championships regularly. National Colours are won each year by many students.
Close behind swimming comes Basketball. Our boys play in
the under 19, under 17, under 15 and under 13 inter-international schools
championships performing very well in all categories. Our Under 13 boys are
blazing through by winning both the International Schools title and the
Athletics too is very popular among students. Athletic coaching is offered throughout the year for students from Year II upwards. Our athletes perform very well in their chosen events at the inter-international schools sports meets. We have won many gold, silver and bronze medals and we have in our squad the Under 13 girls champion and the Under 15 boys champion of the International Schools Athletics Meet.
Cricket is popular with boys. They begin as young as in Year V. Our students perform very well at the inter-school tournaments for all age groups and have won in many Inter school events and our first eleven cricket team has beaten Stafford International in their Annual BIG MATCH ENCOUNTER.
Badminton is a sport that is fast becoming popular. Inter-House badminton matches are held in school while the better players are chosen to represent school in the inter-school badminton matches. Badminton players are sent for many local tournaments as well. AIS emerged International Schools Under 19 Boys Champions in 2010.
Tennis coaching is offered to all students and our school boasts of several National Tennis players. This year AIS won the Inter-International Schools Tennis Championships for boys and our captain was judged the Best Player.
Rowing started in 2007. In spite of AIS being a comparative newcomer to the Rowing scene we have made a very strong impact indeed. In the Nationals 2008, AIS won our first Rowing medal in the women’s category. Our team won the Under 13 Indoor Rowing Regatta while AIS won the South Asia Schools Rowing Regatta in 2009/10. This year one of our girls won the Novices Rowing Regatta Championship Trophy.
Netball – Netball is a very popular sport not only among the girls but the boys as well. AIS has been the mixed team (boys & girls) netball champions at the Inter-International schools championships since 2008.
A sportsman/woman will always be better equipped to face life after school, since he/she has already faced many challenges in the sports arena and has been able to accept defeat without crumbling and victory without gloating. We at AIS recognize the value of sports and encourage all students to take up at least one sport of their choice.
Links Between the Junior School and Upper School
The
However, for administrative purposes, the school is divided into four sections:
(1) the
(2) the Middle School – Form I to Form III (Ages 11 to 13 years)
(3) the
(4) the Infant School – Play Group to Year I (Ages 2½ to 5 years)
AIS students are divided into ‘Houses’ from Year III upwards. They participate in various House activities such as Athletics, Badminton, Swimming, General Knowledge, Drama etc. The Juniors report to their respective Senior House Captains and are absorbed into the overall House programmes, including the meetings.
The Senior Prefect body is responsible for all AIS students. Each Prefect is in charge of a particular Junior class and these links have proved to be mutually beneficial. This relationship develops into a special ‘friendship’. The Senior Prefects learn to interact and deal with the younger students, and develop useful counseling skills. The juniors in turn find it easier to discuss certain problems with a fellow student, rather than an adult (i.e. Teacher, Parent, etc.) The Senior Prefects serve as role models to the juniors, as AIS traditions are passed down and instilled in them.
AIS has two Head Students each year – a boy and a girl. These two along with 4 other Senior Prefects form the Student Council.
The Junior Prefect body (Year VI) is also responsible for the well being of the younger students. The Junior Prefects in charge of the Junior School Assemblies have to remind the younger ones to keep their voices low, to walk in a line instead of running, to close doors without banging them, to carry objects carefully, to respect school property, etc.
The Senior School Value Education
classes sometimes liaise with the
Societies
INTER-FAITH SOCIETY
Many people may tend to believe that religion should be one of those topics best left alone. Not so. The members of the Interfaith Society cannot help but disagree. The club provides the students with an opportunity to discover themselves by studying their own religions, as well as learning about other religions. Buddhists, Christians, Hindus and Muslims join forces to understand each others’ beliefs and philosophies. The club remains united with its members sharing the same objectives and goals. At a time when religious and racial violence threatens to push our country back to the days of civil war, the club represents hope. Hope for a nation sans any violence. Hope for a country where its people will come together as Sri Lankans, united as one harmonious nation, respecting each other despite their different religions, races and cultures. This is what the interfaith Society of AIS (the first of its kind) hopes to achieve.
BOARD GAMES CLUB
1. CHESS
2. SCRABBLE
3. CARROM
Open to children of all ages, the Board Games Club meets once a week and gives its members the opportunity to learn and/or improve their skills. Inter-house and Inter-school tournaments are organized, as well as regular competitions on club days. Fun and educational at the same time, this is bound to be an intellectually stimulating club.
ORIENTAL DANCE SOCIETY
Dancing of all Oriental styles is taught to both boys and girls from the middle and senior sections of AIS. A high level of dedication and commitment is required for students to reach the standard of skill expected. The troupe gets the opportunity to perform at many school as well as public events and competitions. Attractive costumes and accessories, elegant hair styles and make-up, enchanting music and special effects, adds to the allure and charm of this fusion dancing, fast becoming very popular at AIS.
INTERACT CLUB OF AIS
Arguably one of the best clubs amongst International Schools, the ICAIS was chartered in October 1999, and won the prestigious District Award of Recognition that very year. Orchestrated by a high achieving group of dedicated Board members, it explores the avenues of club service, community service, international understanding, vocational service and finance. Open to students of Form IV upwards, this promises to enhance leadership skills and civic conscience, and prepares students to face the harsh realities of the real world. For two years running AIS has won the Best Club Award from Rotary International for the excellent work in the Community Service line done by our Interact members. Have no doubt … this is a ‘happening’ club. Vive la Interact!
COMMUNITY SERVICE CLUB
What do you call a youth group that boasts top-notch service projects, members you really enjoy spending time with, and opportunities to develop leadership skills? It’s the AIS Community Service Club… and SERIOUS FUN! This exciting club is open to students aged 9 – 13 years (approx) who would like to do their bit to ‘make this a better world’. Past projects have included hosting an activity afternoon and high-tea for young orphans; a visit to an elders home; distribution of food-hampers to the minor-staff of AIS; a cash donation to the Council for the Blind; donation of clothes to a SOS Village; collection of books for the AIS Junior Library, to name but a few.
COMPUTER SOCIETY
The Computer Society was formed in 2008 with the main aim of promoting the lost art of programming (since programming is no longer in the British IT curriculum). The club will provide ample opportunity for the keen programmer to develop their skills. The students will also be provided an opportunity to maintain their own web page in the school web site, organize and take part in IT seminars and quiz programmes. Small program-teams will be set up for the A’ Level students to develop automated solutions for the library, athletics meet, etc which will achieve the duel goal of being their coursework as well as a service to the school.
JUNIOR CHOIR
Chosen from Year II to Year VI, this musically talented group meets weekly and have a whole load of fun whilst training their vocal chords. They then went on to perform at ‘Christmas with AIS’, School Assemblies, the Junior Graduation ceremony, and even at a Senior Citizens Group meeting. They now have a wide repertoire of songs from around the world, and are fast gaining credibility as a serious and talented choir.
SENIOR CHOIR
All students, both male and female, who have good singing voices and are musically inclined, must not miss the opportunity to audition for the AIS choir. Performing at an excellent standard, the choir trains weekly and gets the opportunity to expose their talent at numerous school and public functions.
SENIOR
ENGLISH LITERARY ASSOCIATION
Functioning as an extension of the Department of English, this active Association puts together the AIS Year Book at the end of each academic year. Other annual events include the Inter-house Spelling Bee, General Knowledge Quiz, Drama competition, Creative-writing competition and Oratory competition. This past year, AIS came first in the Inter-International School Competition organized by the Cambridge Examinations Board and Trinity College London for its production of scenes from Romeo and Juliet. Regular club activities include drama, improvisation, public speaking, quizzes, puppetry, face-painting and games such as Taboo, Charades, and Dog and the Bone. Any Senior students interested in the above are encouraged to join.
JUNIOR ENGLISH LITERARY
ASSOCIATION
This club provides entertainment, challenges and creative outlets for the young and very enthusiastic members of Year V and VI. Exercises in creativity and speed response include oratory and poetry competitions, as well as impromptu speech. General knowledge quiz practice prepares members for the ‘Brain Box Quiz’, while Charades provides basic acting training required for the dramatic efforts of the School. Various word-games such as Scrabble, Taboo and Pictionary are sometimes played to improve the members’ English as well as to test their wit. Students are also shown full length feature films of literary value, or are sometimes shown just 20 minutes of a film, ending of course at a fitting crisis point, and asked to come up with suitable conclusions of continuation of the plot.
‘TGIF!’
THANK GOD IT’S FRIDAY! And to celebrate the beginning of the week-end, a group of students have got together from Year II, III and IV to create this activity group. Bursting with fun and creativity, the programme includes coin and stamp collecting; fabric/pottery/tile painting; sewing, cookery, flower arrangements and table-etiquette; decoupage, book-mark making, doll making, art and craft; and even hair-care etc. Specialist and Guest Speakers are invited to the weekly meetings, and students enjoy this learning experience.
KARATE CLUB
Karate, the ancient Art of self-discipline. This Japanese system of unarmed combat (using the hands and feet as weapons of self-defense) requires great concentration. The serious student gains much in confidence, skill and memory. For some, it means constructively using their energy. For others, it is a means of building up strength and stamina. Very often, tournaments are conducted and deserving students are awarded certificates of achievements. The Karate Club is extremely popular at AIS for boys and girls, and takes the student from the initial steps of training right up to the Black Belt.
SCIENCE
All O’ Level and A’ Level students taking up Science subjects are automatically members of the Union and are encouraged to participate in all activities. The aim of the Science Union is to promote the learning of Science. To make it more interesting and meaningful, activities such as seminars, quiz programmes and field-trips are organized. Students have the opportunity to engage in small-scale projects on problems and issues of global interest such as environment, pollution, conservation, community health, etc. The high-point of the year’s activities is probably the science fair and exhibition organized in two stages for the Senior as well as the Junior sections of AIS. Competitively arranged, the exhibits are of an impressively high standard.
COMMERCE
Membership is open to all
O’Level and A’Level students taking up Business Studies, Economics and related
subjects. The aim of the union is to promote the understanding of matters
relating to economic activities, management of organizations, and of related
issues. This helps the student to develop a strong interest in further studies
in these fields, as well as to enhance their personal skills such as leadership
qualities, organizational abilities, decision making skills, time management,
presentation skills and confidence in taking up any new challenge. To achieve
these aims the
Subjects offered for London Ordinary Level
.
The School offers a wide range of subjects and encourages diversity. Thus Science students are advised to take one or two Arts subjects and vice versa. The combinations are as follows, but the alternative subjects offered may vary slightly from year to year.
Form IV Subject Combination
|
Science Stream |
Arts/Commerce Stream |
|
Compulsory Subjects for both Streams English Language Mathematics |
|
|
French/Geography/Sinhala |
French/Geography/Sinhala |
|
History/Computer |
History/Computer |
|
|
|
|
Physics |
Commerce |
|
Chemistry |
Accounting |
|
Biology/Economics |
Economics/Biology |
Optional
Art & Design |
|
The above alternatives are subject to change
O.L. Students should offer 8 subjects - 9 if possible
Subjects offered for
London
The AL Examination is now
divided into modules. Students may sit for completed modules in 4 sittings if
they wish. Most students will sit for the AS exam at the end of the first year.
Exam times are in January and then again in June. AIS offers one of the widest
choice of subjects in the International Schools of
|
Section 1 |
Section 2 |
Section 3 |
Section 4 |
|
Physics |
Chemistry |
Maths (Sci.)&
(B.S) |
Economics |
|
Business Studies |
Accounts |
Psychology |
Computer Studies |
|
English Lit. |
Economics |
-- |
Biology |
|
-- |
-- |
-- |
Further Maths |
|
-- |
-- |
-- |
Law |
One subject is
possible from each Section
Alternatives are
subject to change.
Extra Information
Fully Accredited by Edexcel
Student Calendar and Information
At the beginning of each year the student is handed a booklet containing all the information about the school needed for that year. The school rules are of particular significance and must be read carefully.
Fees Schedule
Address:
4/97
Tel: 2512182
– 3, 2513181
Fax: 4512161, 2512633 E-mail: asianinter@eureka.lk