ASW brochure 2017

A meric an S chool of Warsaw

ABOUT A SW

50+ nations 970+ students 200+ facult y and staf f 80% facult y with M aster’s degre e or higher M ission We believe there are many paths to learning. To unlock our students’ potential, we provide a wide range of experiences: we engage them in our rigorous academic curriculum, visual and performing arts programs, athletics, and service learning. We foster a passion for ideas.

We create a culture of learning that supports students with a diverse set of abilities and interests. We challenge students to find their own voices, encourage them to ask questions, and inspire them to think for themselves.

We offer students and their families a welcoming, inclusive and safe environment, one that is balanced between our host country Poland and the international community. We treat all students with respect, and we instill in them respect for others. Our students form friendships that remain lifelong connections.

Wh o

we are

The American School of Warsaw (ASW) is a non-profit, college preparatory, Pre-K through grade 12, international school.

By offering both the American High School Diploma and International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme, ASW prepares students for colleges and universities around the world.

We believe in teaching the whole child. Through holistic nurturing and a highly personalized approach to academic and co-curricular accomplishment, ASW inspires the best in students.

Our educational program balances a rigorous academic curriculum with the arts, athletics, activities, and service learning. We equip our students for lives beyond the classroom, teaching them to be responsible, principled, and compassionate global citizens.

Founded in 1953, ASW has served as the premier English language international school in Warsaw for more than 60 years, providing a welcoming and safe environment to all of our students and their families.

A c c r e d i tat i o n

We are an authorized IB World School and accredited by the Council of International Schools (CIS) and the New England Association of Schools and Colleges (NEASC).

Learning

at

A SW

ASW is a candidate school for offering the Primary Years Programme (PK-5), the Middle Years Programme (6-10), and in conjunction with our existing Diploma Programme will become an International Baccalaureate Continuum School offering all three comprehensive programmes.​We provide a challenging, student-centered, internationally minded and English-language learning environment where children across all grade levels are encouraged and supported to become independent learners and leaders.

Explore

E LEME NTARY SCHO OL

Pre-K to G rade 5

With over 50 nationalities represented, we honor where students have come from and value what they bring to our school as learners and as people. Our dedicated EAL (English as an Additional Language) team supports students at all levels of English acquisition. We also offer students the opportunity to develop some mother tongue languages (including Polish for native speakers) or French as an additional language from the age of 6 onwards.

Our teachers are trained and qualified in the field of study they are assigned to teach. Over 90% of our teachers have earned a Master’s degree. In addition to assigned teachers, each classroom includes the support of a Teaching Assistant.

Course Offerings:

English Language and Literature, Mathematics, PE/Health, Biology, Physics, Chemistry, History, Economics, Psychology, Fine & Performing Arts, Choir, Wind Ensemble, Guitar, Percussion Ensemble, Theater, French, German, Polish, Spanish, Computer Programming, Robotics, Design Technology, Computer Science, Theory of Knowledge, Yearbook

S C H O O L

We offer a balanced academic program that builds life long learning skills. Special classes in art, music, physical education, Polish Culture and social-emotional well-being in addition to literacy, numeracy, science and social studies allow elementary students to experience all ASW has to offer.

E L E M E N TA RY

We celebrate our students and the unique talents they posses. We focus on who our learners are and who they are becoming.

We believe children learn best by doing. Students in the elementary school are encouraged to take risks, ask questions, and to try new things.

Differentiation is at the heart of our academic program and allows teachers to help children develop at their own pace.

Explore

MIDDLE SCHO OL

Students have the opportunity to engage in multiple foreign languages, product/digital design, a variety of visual and performing arts, in addition to standard academic coursework. Personal skill development in the areas of communication, social skills, self-management, research, and thinking are continuous themes that students explore through experiential classroom learning activities, after-school activities, and athletics programs. We strive to make our young-adolescent learners successful, while honoring their talents, challenging them to meet their potential, and encouraging them to embrace lifelong learning.

Course Offerings:

English Language & Literature, Polish Language & Literature, Math, Social Studies, Science, French, Spanish, Physical & Health Education, German, Band, Choir, Rock Band, Visual Art, Dance, Drama/Theatre, Stagecraft, Digital/Product Design, Robotics, English Language Acquisition

S C H O O L

In Middle School, we strive to balance intellectual, physical, psychological, and social needs as each student progresses from childhood to adolescence.

We promote international mindedness and academic excellence by offering a curriculum that is focused on connecting classroom learning to real-life experiences and promoting the development of individual learning strategies and interpersonal skills.

M I D D L E

G rades 6 - 8

Explore

HIG H SCHO OL

G rades 9-12

We value a holistic education that prepares our students for the world beyond. In High School we offer a college-preparatory American curriculum in addition to the International Baccalaureate (IB) program.

English Language and Literature, Mathematics, PE/Health, Biology, Physics, Chemistry, History, Economics, Psychology, Fine & Performing Arts, Choir, Wind Ensemble, Guitar, Percussion Ensemble, Theater, French, German, Polish, Spanish, Computer Programming, Robotics, Design Technology, Computer Science, Theory of Knowledge, Yearbook

S C H O O L

Course Offerings:

H I G H

Students in grade 9 and 10 continue their exploration in a wide-range of academic subjects, artistic and athletic activities, and service learning opportunities. In grades 11 and 12 students may chose from a broad range of both Standard Level and Higher Level courses, allowing them to pursue their interests while meeting their post-secondary academic and career requirements. In addition to our academic offerings, students have a wide array of extracurricular options to enrich their studies.

With a solid reputation as a high achieving school, our students go on to some of the best colleges and universities around the world.

IB Diploma The IB Diploma Programme The IB Diploma Programme requires successful completion of six two-year long courses from six subject groups: Language and Literature, Language Acquisition, Individuals and Societies, the Sciences, Mathematics, and the Arts. In addition, students opting for the full IB Diploma are required to complete a course in Theory of Knowledge, an independently researched essay of 4000 words, as well as documented hours of Creativity, Action and Service.

Advising

U N I V E R S I T I E S

U NI V E R S IT Y A ND CO LLE G E

A N D

Through the counseling seminar program, students in grades 9 and 10 explore the elements of university applications around the world, enabling them to understand ways in which they will be evaluated by institutions of higher learning. Students in grades 11 and 12 work with college counselors to research careers, universities, and application requirements. In 2016, U.S. and U.K. universities

and colleges were the most popular destinations for ASW students, but our graduates also earned places at 15 different institutions in seven countries on three continents.

Nearly 90% of our students are accepted to their 1st or 2nd choice university.

Our students earn an average of $1,000,000 per year in scholarship offers from US universities.

We take great pride in the success of our alumni, who have outstanding records of leadership and achievement at their chosen post-secondary institutions.

CO L L E G E

University Planning at ASW is designed to enable students to prepare high-quality applications to the universities of their choice.

U n i v e r s i t i e s O u r S t u d e n t s H av e B e e n A c c e p t e d T o 2015 -2017 USA American University Bates College Binghamton University, SUNY Boston University Brown University Cal State Poly Pomona Clark University Connecticut College Dartmouth University Elon University Fordham University Gettysburg College Harvard University Hult International Business School Lake Forest College Loyola Marymount University Loyola University Chicago Marist College New York University Northeastern University Pace University Pennsylvania State University Pratt Institute Purdue University Rhode Island School of Design Sarah Lawrence College Suffolk University Syracuse University Stanford University Tufts University The New School Wesleyan University University of California, Davis University of California, San Diego University of Chicago University of Colorado, Boulder University of Iowa University of Miami University of Nevada, Las Vegas University of Tampa

University of Southern California Yale University UK City University London Coventry University Durham University Edinburgh Napier University Glasgow School of Art Goldsmith’s University of London Instituto Marangoni London King’s College London Leeds College of Art & Design Loughborough University Middlesex University Nottingham Trent University Oxford Brookes University Queen Mary University of London Regent’s University London Royal Holloway, Univ. of London University College London University of Aberdeen University of the Arts London University of Bath University of Birmingham University of Brighton University of Cambridge University of Derby University of Edinburgh University of Essex University of Exeter University of Glasgow University of Leeds University of Manchester University of Oxford University of Plymouth University of Reading University of St. Andrews University of Surrey University of Warwick

Canada McGill University University of British Columbia University of Toronto Hong Kong Hong Kong University of Science & Technology University of Hong Kong India Manipal University Vellore Institute of Technology Italy Universita Bocconi Netherlands Erasmus University College Leiden University Rotterdam School of Management, Erasmus University Poland Medical University of Warsaw University of Warsaw Warsaw School of Economics (SGH) South Korea Chung-Ang University Ewha Womans University Korea Advanced Institute of Technology (KAIST) Seoul National University Yonsei University

U N I V E R S I T I E S

A N D

CO L L E G E

Get involved with the community

SE RVICE LE ARNING

Our Service Learning program integrates meaningful and authentic community service with curriculum, instruction, and reflection to enrich the learning experience of our students, teach civic responsibility, and strengthen communities.

S E R V I C E

The Service Learning program provides insight into real world challenges and empowers students to pursue meaningful actions that impact their global and local communities. We honor and appreciate our host country Poland through utilizing Poland’s resources, history and local uniqueness to contribute to the development of global citizenship in our students.

L E A R N I N G

ART S

Express yourself

A R T S In addition to our academic programs, ASW offers a rich variety of learning opportunities in the performing and visual arts.

These courses and activities enable students to discover, explore, and develop their own unique talents and abilities in a well resourced and supportive environment. The arts feature prominently in the elementary, middle, and high school programs.

In addition to the performing arts classes we offer, students have many opportunities to participate in extracurricular theatrical productions and musical performances for concerts, assemblies, and community events. They are also able to showcase some of their work in the visual arts in the hallways of the school and in school publications.

At the American School of Warsaw, we believe that art is integral in obtaining a well-rounded education.

ATHLE TIC S ANDChallenge AC TIVITIE S yourself

AT H L E T I C S

At h l e t i c s

The athletics program at ASW gives students year-round opportunities to participate in a variety of sports, acquire and develop athletic skills, practice teamwork, learn discipline, leadership, and sportsmanship, and have fun.

Elementary School students at ASW have many exciting sports-related opportunities during physical education classes.

These include, swimming, eye-hand coordination, ball skills, invasion games, and more.

Our sports program, high participation rates, and excellent facilities have helped to make the ASW Warriors top competitors in Central Eastern European Schools Association (CEESA) and the Sports Council for International Schools (SCIS) events every year.

Activities

In addition to promoting a strong athletics program, we also encourage all students to get involved in at least one extracurricular activity each year.

We believe these activities help students in developing important life and workplace skills, such as time management and prioritizing, as well as cultivating diverse interests, promoting greater involvement in the school community, raising self-esteem, and building solid communication and relationship skills.

Our elementary school students have more than 20 academic, athletic, and musical activities to choose from each trimester, and our middle and high school teams and clubs take part in on-campus and international tournaments throughout Europe.

Some of the activities and clubs offered include: Speech and Debate, Model United Nations, Robotics, Chess, Crafts, Table Tennis, Drama, Scouting, Student Council, Choir, Knowledge Bowl, Math Counts, Art Society, Cooking, Rock ‘n’ Rota, Outdoor Club, International Honor Band and Orchestra, and various school musicals, art, and cultural festivals, Arts and Crafts, Lego Club, French, Swimming, Math Olympiad, American Football.

AC T I V I T I E S

Challenge yourself

Travel

LE A RNING B E YO ND

L E A R N I N G B E YO N D

THE CL A S S RO OM

T H E In addition to regular field trips that complement curricular instruction, our students have access to a variety of “beyond the classroom� events through service learning activities, clubs, cultural festivals, and sports tournaments. Our school also uses technology and internet resources to facilitate virtual field trips ranging from museum and art gallery tours to highly interactive situations, such as tracking teams of explorers and asking questions in real time.

But whether their travel is actual or virtual, our students are given many exciting chances to explore new environments through hands-on/minds-on learning.

C L A S S R O O M

We believe that well-designed and structured experiences beyond the classroom can be powerful tools for deepening learning. Occasions for local and international travel provide our students with educational opportunities that cannot be duplicated in school and are an integral part of teaching the whole child.

Think Creatively

DE S IG N A ND TECHNOLO G Y

D E S I G N A N D

The ASW Design Center reflects our school’s commitment to forward thinking and supporting students with a diverse set of abilities, interests, and learning styles One of the goals of the Design Center is to encourage cross-curricular learning. Many of the creations in the center have underpinnings in science, math and art. Students are encouraged to explore concepts they are working on in other classes and watch them come alive through the design and manufacture of tangible products.

We are connecting design projects to ASW’s Service Learning initiatives, giving students the opportunity to understand how their designs can positively influence the local community.

Te c h n o l o g y

At ASW, educational technology is ubiquitous, seamless, and embedded in our teaching and learning.

Technology is integrated into all grade levels and subject areas..

We are a one-to-one laptop school: in the early elementary, students use iPads and all students in grade from 3 to 12 have their own laptop. Students use technology to foster creative and critical thinking, engage in real-world projects, and develop skills to adapt and thrive in a dynamic future.

T E C H N O LO G Y

Design

English as an A dditional L anguage We believe language learning promotes empathy and understanding of other cultures, contributes to the development of academic, social skills, and international mindedness.

The English as an Additional Language (EAL) program at ASW is designed to teach students the language for academic writing and speaking that will provide a solid foundation for academic success. English language learners from kindergarten to graduation develop and refine communication skills for social, academic, and instructional purposes within a school setting through the support of a qualified team of EAL specialists and classroom teachers.

L earning S uppor t The American School of Warsaw strives to set the highest standards of learning for each student at his or her own stage of development, within the context of the school’s curriculum. Understanding that all students learn, grow, and develop in different ways, the Learning Support Department provides support services to students with suspected and identified mild to moderate learning needs. The goal is to assist students in reaching their highest potential academically, socially and emotionally. Since the reasons for learning difficulties are as unique as children are, we pool our expertise and resources to design a personalized support program with the student’s input (where age appropriate) under the guidance of a team that may include a learning support teacher, speech-language pathologist, counselor, classroom teacher, administrator, and outside agencies.

L E A R N I N G

S U P P O R T

We are the

COMMUNIT Y

O U R

Our community of faculty and staff work in partnership with parents, and together they enhance and enrich the educational experience for all students. Our Parent-Teacher Organization (PTO) and Parent Advisory Committees (PAC) are volunteer groups that encourage participation in school programs and promote a spirit of community. Membership in both groups is automatic for families who have children enrolled in school. The collaborative and productive relationship between home and school is another important way ASW strives to support student success.

CO M M U N I T Y

When you first inquire about admissions, we will discuss your family’s plans and your child’s individual needs. We then recommend that you visit the school when classes are in session or during an Open House event (held twice per year) – this is the best way to get to know ASW. When you pay us a visit, we will devote time to meeting with you and designing an individual tour of the campus to suit your family’s needs and interests. During your visit you can ask all the questions you need to. See below for contact details.

We look forward to hearing from you!

A personalized approach

ADMISSIONS contact us:

admissions@aswarsaw.org +48-22-702.85.91 +48-22-702.85.42 More details about the admissions process and Open House dates can be found on the ASW website. www.aswarsaw.org

Visit

Our campus includes a superb 365-seat theater, 25-meter indoor swimming pool, purpose-built Design Center, “green roof” educational area, three gymnasiums, fitness center, four soccer fields, 400-meter track, multipurpose outdoor sports court, black box classroom theater, generous library, and a certified Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) arts and athletics building.

Please visit our campus during a school day and watch teachers work with students to better understand the special learning community we enjoy at the American School of Warsaw.

A D M I S S I O N

Our beautiful, purpose-built facilities are located on a five-hectare campus in Konstancin-Jeziorna, a small, historic community on the southern edge of Warsaw’s city limits.

A P P LY

OUR C A MPUS

Bielawa, ul. Warszawska 202 05-520 Konstancin Jeziorna, Poland N (+48) 22 702 85 00 m (+48) 22 702 85 99 w www.aswarsaw.org