Prospectus
Nursery to High School
Welcome
to Stamford American International School
At Stamford American International School we believe the success of our program is based on teamwork, collaboration and the broad participation of our international community. All our students are unique individuals, with equal potential to make a positive contribution to the school and society. Our goal is to instill an enthusiasm for lifelong learning and a sense of global awareness in each student, along with the necessary skills to prepare them for the challenges and changes which lie ahead. Stamford American International School is a truly international school, where our faculty and the wider school community proudly reflect the shared vision, commitment and energy necessary to ensure the educational success of every student. At Stamford, while we have established high standards for academic achievement and performance, our educational program has been created with an emphasis on the development of the whole person. We focus on the total growth of our students, addressing social, physical, emotional and cultural needs in addition to academic welfare. We aim to provide the direction, counsel and support that each student needs to reach their full potential. Our school environment provides daily opportunities for students to increase their knowledge and skill base in order to acquire the attributes necessary for meaningful lives. Many of these attributes are identified in the IB learner profile, which is the core of our curriculum model featuring rigorous American standards enhanced by the IB program. The curriculum at Stamford is designed to support a developmental, student-centered approach where teaching for understanding is coupled with a stimulating and varied curriculum.
Frequent positive and constructive feedback to students characterizes our learning environment. This is an essential ingredient for a program that seeks to nurture in every student a love for learning, a strong sense of self-esteem, personal integrity and a respectful, caring attitude towards others. At Stamford American International School, parents, students, faculty and staff work together as a community to solve problems within a framework of fairness and shared values. With more than 50 nationalities represented on campus, each of us has an exceptional opportunity to develop an understanding of, and appreciation for, the philosophies of people from many different cultures. I hope that you will take the opportunity to contact me, and others in our school community, to gain a deeper understanding of our program. And, of course, we hope that you can visit us to learn first-hand what sets us apart in the world of international education.
Malcolm J. Kay Superintendent
“Our educational program has been created with an emphasis on the development of the whole person.� Malcolm J. Kay, Superintendent
A World-Class
Education
We base our teaching and learning on challenging American standards. Our approach to education is student-centered, and follows an inquiry-based interdisciplinary curriculum. Our curriculum is broad based and academically rigorous. It incorporates the best practices in education and benefits from constant improvement.
Stamford is an IB World School authorized to offer the IB Primary Years Program and Middle Years Program and is pursuing authorization for the Diploma Program. IB World Schools share a common philosophy—a commitment to high quality, challenging, international education that Stamford believes is important for our students. Stamford will develop to offer the IB Diploma Program and Advanced Placement program, together with our High School diploma.
IB Primary Years Program (PYP) The PYP is a course of study designed to meet the educational requirements of students between the ages of 3 and 12 years. The PYP focuses on the development of the whole child as an inquirer, both in the classroom and in the world outside. The PYP: • Encourages international-mindedness. • Encourages a positive attitude to learning by engaging students in inquiry and developing their awareness of the process of learning so that they become lifelong learners. • Reflects real life by encouraging learning beyond traditional subjects with meaningful, in-depth inquiries into real issues. • Emphasizes, through the learner profile, the development of the whole student physically, intellectually, emotionally and ethically. The most significant and distinct feature of the PYP is the six transdisciplinary themes. These themes are about issues that have meaning for, and are important to, all of us. The PYP offers a balance between learning about or through the subject areas, and learning beyond them.
IB Middle Years Program (MYP) The MYP is a course of study designed to meet the educational requirements of students between the ages of 11 and 16 years. The MYP provides a philosophical framework with a holistic approach to education and a rigorous framework for assessment. The MYP aims to educate the whole person and to show the impact of each individual on the world around them. The MYP fosters intercultural awareness and the importance of communication. Its goal is to constantly place learning within a context, and to make explicit the relationship between various disciplines. The MYP consists of eight subject groups integrated through five ‘Areas of Interaction’ that provide a framework for learning within and across the subjects: • Approaches to Learning - represents general and subjectspecific learning skills that the student will develop and apply during the program and beyond. • Community and Service - considers how a student engages with his or her immediate family, classmates and friends in the outside world as a member of these communities. • H ealth and Social Education - delves into the range of human issues that exist in human societies, such as social structures, relationships and health. This area can be used by students to find out how these issues affect societies, communities and individuals, including students themselves. • Environments - considers how humans interact with the world at large and the parts we play in our environments. It extends into areas beyond human issues and asks students to examine the interrelationships of different environments.
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“We wanted our children to have an international experience to prepare them for the future of our interconnected society. We chose Stamford because of the community feel that was immediately apparent, the daily language program and IB and American blended curriculum.” Leslie Reuter, Parent
High School Diploma and Honors High School Diploma
• H uman Ingenuity - deals with the way human minds have influenced the world, for example, the way we are, think, interact with each other, create, find solutions to and cause problems, transform ideas and rationalize thought.
The Stamford High School Diploma is a credit based academic program designed to be taken over four years (age 14-19). Students must earn a minimum of 20 credits in order to meet American High School graduation requirements. Honors Diplomas will be granted to graduates meeting additional requirements including a grade point average greater than 3.0 on a 4.0 scale (in both their junior and senior years) and 24 credits. This challenging academic college preparatory program will give Stamford students the opportunity to achieve future success in colleges and universities in America and around the world.
IB Diploma Program (DP) The IB Diploma Program is recognized by universities in 124 countries and is designed to be taken over two years (age 1619). The DP includes six academic subjects and the central core which consists of the extended essay, theory of knowledge and CAS (creativity, action and service). Students study two modern languages, a humanities or social science subject, an experimental science, mathematics or computer science, and another subject including the arts.
English as an Additional Language (EAL)
Advanced Placement (AP) Courses The Advanced Placement courses will be a permanent part of Stamford American International School’s robust academic portfolio. Established over 40 years ago by the US College Board, the AP has historically been considered the standard of academic excellence at North American High Schools. AP courses are designed to expose able and motivated High School students to college level academic material. This will allow our students to earn college credits and advanced standing at colleges and universities in the US, and to gain acceptance into the finest universities throughout the world.
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EAL teachers support the development of students’ speaking, listening, reading and writing skills. Students in Kindergarten 2 to Grade 5 whose first language is not English, and who are deemed to need help with their English language skills, are given appropriate EAL support. Grade 6 to 8 students are expected to be at an intermediate level of proficiency. By Grade 9 and 10, students will need an advanced level of English, as they take mainstream subjects. Students in Grade 11 and 12 will be required to have strong English skills in order to enrol at Stamford American International School.
“With mom from the UK and dad from Spain, our two boys are international citizens. We felt strongly about wanting to nurture this and provide a sound, structured inquiry-based education for them. For us, Stamford ticked all these boxes.� Nadia Fuentes, Parent
Celebrating our
Diversity
Stamford American International School students come from over 50 nations around the world
Australia
Croatia
Israel
Pakistan
Taiwan
Austria
Denmark
Italy
Papua New Guinea
Thailand
Bangladesh
Estonia
Japan
Philippines
Turkey
Belgium
Ghana
Korea
Poland
UAE
Brazil
Finland
Kuwait
Portugal
UK
Cambodia
France
Malaysia
Russia
USA
Canada
Germany
Maldives
Singapore
Venezuela
Chile
Hungary
Mexico
South Africa
Vietnam
China
India
Netherlands
Spain
Colombia
Indonesia
New Zealand
Sweden
Costa Rica
Ireland
Norway
Switzerland
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Our Campus
Enhanced academic and athletic facilities
Centrally located at 279 Upper Serangoon Road, Stamford’s brand new, $300 million purpose-built campus features state-ofthe-art technology and facilities establishing Stamford as a new benchmark for international schools around the world.
Campus Features The campus features top notch academic and athletic resources including: • Cognita iLEarn™ - Singapore’s first interactive learning environment providing access to experts from anywhere in the world • 1 to 1 Technology Program - Kindergarten 2 through Grade 5 students each have their own iPad, while older students each have their own MacBook Pro laptop computer • Technology Integration - Every class has an interactive Promethean board and access to iMac computer laboratories • 21st Century Learning Resource and Media Center - Upto-date with the latest traditional as well as technological resources • State-of-the-Art Science Wing - Designed to mimic the scientific method, complete with teaching laboratories and special presentation areas for presenting findings • Indoor and Outdoor Meeting Spaces - Student breakout areas for collaborative student work and areas for quiet contemplation and study
• Golfing Excellence Center - Complete with computerized swing analysis and putting greens • World-Class Sporting Facilities - Two swimming pools, basketball courts, an outdoor field for American Football, track and soccer, plus an indoor gymnasium and commercial standard Fitness Center • Comprehensive Arts Facilities - Dedicated spaces for art, drama, dance and music, including areas for exhibiting fine arts and hosting performances • Nursery and Early Years Facilities - Specially designed with an enclosed secure playground • Student Café - Restaurant quality, healthy, energy rich food created by Singapore’s Celebrity Chef Emmanuel Stroobant • Stamford Café - Specially designed space for parents to meet on campus and enjoy the delicious food prepared by Celebrity Chef Emmanuel Stroobant Opening in 2014, Phase II will complete the construction of Stamford’s campus, the largest Kindergarten to Year 12 education project in the region. The Phase II development will include the expansion of the High School and the addition of another swimming pool, student cafeteria and Library Resource Center, plus a new full performing arts Theater and the first ever Innovation Center complete with a trading floor and Center for Entrepreneurship where students can make deals in real-time.
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Our Philosophy
Student Centered Education
Stamford American International School promotes a high standard of academics, responsibility and citizenship in a supportive, international community. We implement a student-centered approach to instruction following an inquiry-based and interdisciplinary curriculum. The success of our community relies upon the teamwork, motivation and collaboration of students, teachers, staff and parents. Our goal is to encourage critical thinkers, responsible global citizens and students who are prepared to achieve the highest standards, both in their subsequent education and throughout their careers.
Vision As a school community we will continually strive to provide the best teaching and learning experiences for all so that each individual achieves more than they believe they can. We will celebrate our academic, sports and service accomplishments so that individuals and groups are recognized locally, nationally and globally. We will become the leading American international school in Singapore and achieve a global reputation for excellence and academic rigor.
“We’re thrilled that Stamford has received full IB MYP accreditation because our son has just moved into Middle School. We’re also amazed by the new campus and the amount of technology that’s been incorporated. Stamford has gone from strength to strength.” Rashmi Singh, Parent
We will support our philosophy through these Guiding Statements… • Maintain high standards of academic progress, achievement and performance including preparation for admission to competitive universities in the US and worldwide.
• Develop future leaders with active and innovative minds. • Celebrate diversity and build an understanding of, and respect for, different value systems and cultures.
• Embrace the attributes of the International Baccalaureate learner profile so that we guide all to be inquirers, knowledgeable, thinkers, communicators, principled, openminded, risk-takers, balanced, caring and reflective.
• Promote critical understanding and compassion for others and the courage to act based on one’s beliefs.
• Create an environment in our schools where all feel safe and secure and can thrive.
• Address a variety of learning needs including English as an Additional Language, native language support, special needs support, enrichment and counseling so that each individual can achieve success.
• Develop students who are fluent in the Chinese language or Spanish language as well as in English, the language of instruction.
• Recruit, retain and professionally develop leading American and international teachers and educators for our school.
• Encourage all to become responsible contributing citizens of the school, within a global context.
• Be a reflective and thoughtful community, seeking input from a variety of resources to successfully guide our progress.
• Instill in students, confidence and an enthusiasm for life-long learning.
• Continue to develop a welcoming community that supports happy and passionate staff, students and parents.
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Nursery Program Nursery: Age 2
“Moving the process of teaching and learning away from the traditional, didactic method toward an inquiry-based, interactive and interdisciplinary approach will provide our students with the higher order thinking skills crucial to their success.” Malcolm J. Kay, Superintendent
A child’s first school experience is very important in laying the foundation for a lifetime of learning. Our Nursery Program combines play, culture and the roots of structured learning. The Nursery Program at Stamford is a happy and exciting experience for children that will build a positive attitude toward learning. Within the context of concept-based learning, we provide a wealth of experiences in a safe and relaxed environment, led by a team of highly experienced teachers who specialize in Early Childhood education.
Hands-on Activities Our teachers facilitate opportunities for hands-on learning and exploration. They create specialized learning environments that allow the children to explore a new activity everyday whether that be with blocks or in the role play corner. This exploration helps children to develop their fine and gross motor skills and improve social interaction. Children also engage in hands-on activities in math to explore mathematical relationships, to learn to expect and identify patterns, and to solve problems.
Broad Exposure All activities are designed to enable students to become inquisitive, communicative and confident young learners. We develop our students’ confidence in communicating ideas to others through developmentally appropriate activities in speaking, listening, reading and writing. Our centers include Math, Science, Social Studies, Language and Culture, Art, Music, Physical Education, Library Skills and Technology. We also gently introduce a foreign language through daily Mandarin and Spanish activities.
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Integrated Curriculum Units are integrated across relevant subject areas and our teachers work closely together to achieve this. Integration provides a common framework, making learning more meaningful and connected. Brain-based research informs us that learning is better understood and retained longer if children see connections. Children’s progress is regularly assessed and the results provide the basis for further instructional decisions.
Learning Through Play Through years of experience, we know that play is a powerful tool for learning. Experiences with sand, water, building blocks, dramatic play, table toys, art materials, music, outdoor play, games and computers are integral to a child’s development. Play activities encourage exploration and experimentation, spark curiosity and imagination, and build children’s abilities to solve problems. In addition, play also provides children with opportunities to experiment with language and work cooperatively with others. Children enter school at various stages of social, emotional, physical and academic development. Because of our holistic educational approach, our teachers strive to meet each child’s individual needs and learning styles within those four domains. Our teachers build safe and happy environments where the students have time for individual play and begin to work cooperatively in small groups to learn to listen to and respect others. Our ultimate goal is to create enthusiastic, lifelong learners.
Elementary Program
Pre-Kindergarten – Grade 5: Age 3 – 12
Our Elementary curriculum promotes high standards of academics, responsibility and citizenship in a supportive learning community. Stamford aims to make learning relevant and meaningful to students by adopting an inquiry-based, integrated curriculum which focuses on the child as a learner. We recognize that children come to us as distinct individuals with unique experiences, backgrounds, abilities and interests. Our teachers promote cross-cultural understanding, and differentiate instruction to meet students’ varying needs, abilities and learning styles. We provide a balanced education program within a safe, stimulating environment so that each child can learn and grow to their greatest potential.
Two Rigorous Programs of Study Stamford uses the IB PYP curriculum framework along with American Education Reaches Out (AERO) standards to provide the major content in the key areas of learning to be covered and to describe learning outcomes to be achieved by our students. Our language arts program is designed to help students acquire the ability to write and speak well, and to examine, process and use information gained through listening and reading skills. Problem solving, critical thinking and mathematical computation skills are strengthened through a balanced approach. Our Elementary School curriculum also includes instruction in Foreign Languages, Social Studies, Science, Art, Music, Dance, Drama, Physical Education and Library Skills with a focus on integrated technology and a 1 to 1 iPad Program for students from Kindergarten 2 through Grade 5. Classes follow Units of Inquiry which guide their studies for a 5-6 week period through a central idea, which ties all of their subjects together.
Foreign Language
level. Our language classes are divided into beginner, core and extension groups to ensure that each child is challenged at an appropriate level.
1:1 iPad Program The 1:1 iPad Program at Stamford allows for Elementary students in Kindergarten 2 through Grade 5 to challenge themselves in applying practical and creative‑thinking skills to solve problems and communicate their ideas to a wider audience. Students work on progressively harder skills as they advance through the program. Students are given a broader range of apps and the opportunity to choose which app will enhance their multimedia presentations. Stamford teachers are linked into an extensive Apple network of sharing and collaborating to bring best ICT practices into the classroom.
Assessment & Achievement Each child’s achievements are continually assessed. Teachers use a variety of assessment techniques including testing for knowledge and skills, observations, portfolios of children’s work and analysis of book, project and practical work. Attitude, learning skills, social relationships and effort are considered equally important when looking at the overall development of the child. Detailed descriptive reports are given to parents twice a year and parent/teacher conferences are also held to discuss each child’s social and academic progress. Student achievement is also benchmarked according to American standards in a bi-annual external assessment called MAP (Measurement of Academic Progress).
The emphasis on foreign languages continues through our Elementary School, with Mandarin and Spanish taught daily by specialists at an ever more challenging spoken and written
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“Our family loves Stamford because the foreign language classes are taught 5 days a week by outstanding Mandarin and Spanish Teachers.� Carrie Phillips, Parent
Middle School Program Grade 6 – Grade 8: Age 11 – 14
Our aim is to provide a balanced educational program within a positive, stimulating environment, so that each student is challenged to reach their fullest potential. Stamford’s Middle School Program runs from Grade 6 to Grade 8 offering the International Baccalaureate Middle Years Program along with the American Education Reaches Out (AERO) standards. The Middle School Program recognizes and addresses the broad range of needs of young adolescent learners, while encouraging them to appreciate cultural diversity. We assist students in the transition from home to school, promote positive social interactions and provide opportunities for students to acquire the knowledge, skills and attitudes necessary for lifelong learning. We believe that parental involvement is an essential ingredient in providing a quality education for our students. Through developmentally appropriate experiences, we expect our students to model the IB learner profiles.
Student Centered Instruction When educating Middle School students, we pay particular attention to supporting the emotional, social, physical and academic needs of all our developmental adolescents. Our qualified staff are caring, experienced and well trained to encourage the best from this special age group. Each semester in the Middle School, students receive instruction from their eight IB MYP courses in Language A-English, Spanish or Mandarin, Humanities, Technology, Mathematics, Science, Arts (Music, Drama, Choir and Art), Physical Education and Language B-Spanish or Mandarin. Class sizes are small, which guarantees all of our students plenty of individual attention.
Worldly Exposure We understand the value of experiential learning in this age group and take full advantage of our location by incorporating important sites and venues in our community into our curriculum
wherever possible. We also incorporate regional educational opportunities into our Middle School Program with our annual Middle School Camps. Our Camps introduce students first hand to diverse cultural practices and traditions resulting in a deeper understanding and appreciation of the world’s diversity. Camps last for 5 to 7 days and include locations such as Indonesia, Malaysia, Cambodia and Thailand.
Electives Program Stamford’s Middle School Electives Program offers a diverse array of activities by semester for students to explore and expand their interests. To encourage a wide breadth of exposure, students are given the opportunity to choose and participate in one elective per semester but they may not repeat electives. Elective classes are offered in addition to student core specialty programs including Art, Music, Dance, Drama, Library, Health and Physical Education.
1:1 MacBook Pro Program The 1:1 MacBook Program in the Middle School enables teachers and students to effectively integrate International Society for Technology in Education (ISTE) standards with the MYP curriculum. Within our 1:1 environment, teachers partner with students and challenge them to use technology creatively, productively, and appropriately. Students are growing up in a digital world and Stamford feels it is important to equip students with safe and reliable hardware and the latest software and cloud services to enhance their learning on and off campus.
Parent Community Our parent community is actively encouraged to work closely with the school staff in order to support our young learners. We look forward to being partners with you and guiding your child’s Middle School education at Stamford American International School.
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“In a short time at Stamford our children’s Mandarin has improved exponentially. I even get little notes written to me in Chinese characters!” Laura Day, Parent
Our curriculum provides: • Strong core academics in Mathematics, Humanities, English, Science and Modern Languages • Breadth, diversity and exposure to Art, Music, Drama, Library, Health, Dance, Physical Education and Technology • Challenging coursework which is collaborative, meaningful and active • A focus on socialization and peer relationships, issues of identity and making good decisions • Standardized testing of Reading and Math which gives diagnostic information on student progress and an ongoing evaluation of the school’s academic program • 1 to 1 MacBook Pro Program for full technology integration
Middle School Clubs & Organizations • • • • • • • • • • •
Art Club Band Chess Club Chinese Club Choir Global Issues Network Math Club Spanish Club Student Council Theater Production Yearbook
Middle School Electives: • • • • • • •
Drama Dance Music Lego Robotics Textiles What’s the evidence? Global Issues Network
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Sports • • • • • • • •
Badminton Basketball Cross Country Soccer Swimming Tennis Track & Field Volleyball
High School Program
Grade 9 – Grade 12: Age 14 – 19
Stamford’s High School Program will provide a challenging academic college preparatory program that will give students the opportunity to achieve future success in colleges and universities in America and around the world. Our High School students will have the opportunity to graduate with AP credits, an American High School Diploma, an International Baccalaureate Diploma and a way of thinking that makes them citizens within a global community. We believe this will serve them well as they make their way in society.
in Grade 10, the final year of the MYP. The Personal Project is an opportunity for students to develop their known strengths and discover new ones. Students have the opportunity to draw upon their disciplinary knowledge as well as the skills developed while investigating a topic that motivates and interests them.
In addition to the credit-based High School Diploma, our High School will offer the International Baccalaureate Diploma Program (DP), one of the highest regarded academic programs for students age 16-19 available in the world. The DP is a unique program designed to allow students to enter universities in the vast majority of countries worldwide.
The Personal Project provides preparation for students as they move into the DP in Grade 11.
Universities and colleges in the US regard the DP highly. Research conducted in the UK reveals that university admissions offices recognize that the skills developed by DP students makes them highly desirable applicants for university courses. Beyond the substantial knowledge gained, the skills developed during the two year DP will benefit students who need to learn the value of information and develop independent study skills. These are important for university success when the higher order thinking skills of analysis, synthesis and evaluation are constantly required.
Curriculum Stamford’s High School Program follows the American Education Reaches Out (AERO) standards in addition to the IB Program. In Grade 9 and 10, students complete the IB Middle Years Program (MYP). MYP has a disciplinary focus where learning is made relevant and meaningful through the areas of interaction. Students develop their disciplinary knowledge, while becoming aware of the connections between subjects and the world outside the classroom. The culminating activity of the MYP is a student-directed, extended inquiry called the Personal Project which is completed
1:1 MacBook Program The 1:1 MacBook Program in the High School enables teachers and students to effectively integrate International Society for Technology in Education (ISTE) standards with the MYP curriculum. Within Stamford’s 1:1 environment, teachers partner with students and challenge them to use technology creatively, productively and appropriately. Stamford’s holistic approach to teaching and learning acknowledges access to the digital world enhances student development. Equipping students with safe and reliable hardware and the latest software and cloud services prepares them for facing the rapidly changing demands of the 21st century. Technology provides the means and the context to help students become skillful problem solvers, who can appreciate the role of technology in everyday life and society and who can respond critically and resourcefully to real‑life challenges.
Advisory Program Each student is assigned to an Advisory Group and Advisor. Much of the advisory time is devoted to the idea of learning how to learn. Topics such as note-taking, goal-setting, time management, study strategies and test-taking are addressed. The Advisory Program also focuses on health and social education issues, which are appropriate and relevant to these particular grades. Students learn to accept responsibility for their actions, and through positive and negative consequences begin to understand the link between their behavior and its effect on themselves and others.
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“Stamford was the best fit for our children because of the diverse classroom make-up, the daily Mandarin instruction and the IB Inquiry based teaching that helps them apply their class work to real life experiences. We are very excited about the opportunities that our children are afforded at Stamford.” Brianna Foulds, Parent
Modern Language and Social Sciences - Overall 6 credits with a minimum of 3 credits in Social Sciences and 2 credits in Modern Language. Mathematics including Computer Science and Experimental Science - Overall 6 credits with a minimum of 2 credits in Mathematics/Computer Sciences and 2 credits in Experimental Science. The Arts (Art/Drama/Music) - 1 credit Physical Education and Health - 1 credit
IB Diploma Program expected course offerings at Stamford (Standard Level (SL) and Higher Level (HL)): Group 1-Language A/Literature English (SL/HL) Mandarin (SL/HL) Spanish (SL/HL) Group 2-Language (Second) English (SL/HL) Mandarin (SL/HL) Spanish (SL/HL) (other languages considered upon request)
Honors Diplomas will be given to graduates meeting additional requirements including a grade point average greater than 3.0 on a 4.0 scale (in both their junior and senior years) and 24 credits.
Group 3-Individuals and Societies Economics (SL/HL) History (SL/HL) Psychology (SL/HL)
Athletic Program Our High School offers a full athletic program for Junior Varsity and Varsity teams, taking advantage of inter-school competitive sports in Singapore and also with the wider international community. Our school philosophy includes a commitment to physical health which we support through both team and individual sports and our CCA program. Stamford offers first class sports facilities including swimming pools, basketball courts, an outdoor field for American Football, track and soccer, plus an indoor gymnasium and commercial standard fitness center.
Group 4-Experimental Sciences Biology (SL/HL) Chemistry (SL/HL) Physics (SL/HL) Group 5-Mathematics and Computer Sciences Computer Science (SL/HL) Mathematics (SL/HL) Math Studies (SL) Group 6-The Arts Art (SL/HL) Drama (SL/HL) Music (SL/HL)
Sports Calendar Stamford is a full member of ACSIS (Athletic Conference of Singapore International Schools). ACSIS represents an organization of over 20 international schools in Singapore competing at the highest level of athletics. Throughout three seasons our students compete and represent Stamford in the following sports:
High School Diploma and Transcript Students who graduate from Stamford will earn an American High School Diploma. Students must earn a minimum of 20 credits including achieving the following 18 credits on their school transcript: English - 4 credits
• • • •
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Cross Country Tennis Soccer Volleyball
• • • •
Basketball Badminton Swimming Track & Field
Stamford Overview
Giving you the bigger picture
American and IB Curricula
Second Step Social Program
Stamford merges two rigorous programs of study, the IB with American standards. Stamford is an authorized school for the IB Middle Years Program (MYP), the IB Primary Years Program (PYP) and is pursuing authorization for the IB Diploma Program (DP). IB World Schools share a common philosophy: a commitment to high quality, challenging, international education that Stamford believes is vital for our students. Only schools authorized by the International Baccalaureate Organization (IBO) as IB World Schools can offer any of its three academic programs: the Primary Years Program (PYP), the Middle Years Program (MYP), or the Diploma Program.
Stamford uses the award winning Second Step Social Program to support the social and emotional development of children. The social curriculum is taught weekly to all students starting from Pre-Kindergarten to promote Skills for Learning, Empathy, Emotion Management and Problem Solving. The social program has had great impact in improving overall behavior, increasing positive attitudes and improving academic performance.
Strength in Languages To help foster a wider geographic and cultural perspective and broaden communication across different cultures, children receive daily Mandarin or Spanish instruction from native teachers beginning at age 2. With such regular reinforcement, our students soon become proficient in their chosen language. Our Native Language Enrichment Program supports students as they continue to develop the language spoken at home and strengthen their sense of national identity. Additionally, our English as an Additional Language program assists students for whom English is not their primary language.
Technology We focus on building our students’ experience and comfort with integrated technology. There are interactive Promethean boards in every class, a 1 to 1 iPad Program for students from KG2 to Grade 5 and a 1 to 1 MacBook Program for our Middle School and High School students.
Specialty Classes Students have dedicated class periods with specialist teachers in each of the following areas: Visual Arts, Music, Drama, Dance, Library and Physical Education.
Teaching Staff Stamford is dedicated to providing the highest quality teaching staff. Our teachers have experience teaching in international communities and assisting students in their adjustment to their new school. Many of our teachers have advanced degrees and all of our teachers are committed to students achieving more than they believe they can.
Co-Curricular Activities (CCA) We offer a variety of afterschool activities to enhance students’ experience and allow time to explore interests in a structured way. Activities include sports, clubs and performing arts which vary by semester. Activities offered have included: Cooking Class, Flag Football, Spanish Club, Taekwondo, Tai Chi, Soccer, Chinese Culture, Movie Making and Quilting among many others.
Student Café Stamford has partnered with Celebrity Chef Emmanuel Stroobant to run the Student Café and Stamford Café for parents. Chef Stroobant’s philosophy is to promote ‘Healthy food, healthy kids, and a healthy planet’ and he strongly believes in the importance of building good eating habits from a young age by serving students healthier, fresher and more nutritious foods. Each day there is a Western, Asian and Vegetarian option for students to choose from for lunch as well as drink choices and a snack. Each lunch includes a nutritionally balanced meal of soup, main and dessert providing exciting new food experiences for our students and expanding their palates. The diverse menu uses organic ingredients with low GI, high-quality halal meats and no MSG.
Location Stamford is located in central Singapore close to all the major expat residential areas. Stamford is approximately 10 to 20 minutes from Orchard Road, Bukit Timah, Novena, East Coast and Holland Village.
Transportation Stamford is easily accessible by a variety of means. Many families take advantage of the close proximity of the Woodleigh MRT Station and our extensive door-to-door bus service, while others who live close by choose to bike, walk or drive to campus.
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“Stamford has provided the perfect environment for our children to not only make friends from all over the world but to experience and enjoy cultural differences, as well as familiarities, all while getting an incredible education in a safe and comfortable community atmosphere.” Kim Duda, Parent
Parent Teacher Association (PTA)
Communication
Echoing the classic American Parent Teacher Association, our PTA aims to build a bridge between parents and teachers, to maintain lines of communication and enhance school life. All our teachers play an active role in the PTA and work with parents not just on educational and welfare matters, but to keep alive the diverse cultural traditions of our students.
Communication and support between home and school are critical to us. We firmly believe that parental involvement is an essential ingredient in providing a quality education. We seek input from parents to guide our progress and we encourage parents to be actively involved in their child’s education.
The PTA encourages Stamford families to participate in numerous activities such as the Fun Run and the Halloween Party. If parents are inclined to volunteer their time, they could do anything from being a classroom parent to accompanying field trips, to organizing a major event such as the International Food Festival. The PTA also provides an ideal forum for parents to socialize and make new friends, an important factor in adjusting to expat life.
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Cognita Stamford American International School is part of the Cognita family of schools. Cognita is a leading international independent schools group committed to excellence in education. Cognita’s reputation is built on strong national and local leadership, a determination to provide the highest-quality teaching, a broad curriculum and personal support for every child. The Cognita group currently encompasses 58 schools across the UK, Europe, Brazil and Southeast Asia.
“Of the 58.3% of students that scored a B or higher in chemistry, 91.7% of the students were IB students.” University of Florida
Admissions getting you where you want to be Stamford Admissions is open and looking forward to hearing from you from Monday to Friday, 8am to 5pm. We offer rolling admissions, allowing entry throughout the year as long as space is available. We aim to make the admissions process a pleasant, straightforward experience. To inquire about availability of places, or for more information about anything covered in this brochure, please contact the Admissions Department at +65 6602 7247 or email us at admissions@sais.edu.sg. Please note that admissions meetings and school tours are available by appointment only. Necessary Documents: - Application Form - Application Fee - 4 passport photos - Photocopy of passport - Photocopy of Birth Certificate - Stamford Medical Examination Form - Personal and Academic Information - Student Questionnaire (Grade 6 -12 only) - Official transcript or report cards for the current year and 2 years prior (translated to English) - Release of Transfer Form - Standardized test scores (ITBS, ERB, MAP, CAT, MAT, PSAT) if available - Any educational or specialist evaluation records - Letter of Guarantee (if applicable) - Bus Transportation Form (if applicable) - Letter to M.O.E. and School History (if holding a Singapore passport)
Steps for Admissions Process: Step 1: Prospective students who wish to apply to Stamford will need to submit all forms, fees and documents before applications can be reviewed for admission. Applications are considered in chronological order of receipt. Step 2: Once these documents have been submitted and the Application Fee has been received, the Admissions Office will review the application file. More information may be requested from you or the previous school. Stamford may then contact your family to schedule an admissions interview with one of our education coordinators. You will then be notified whether your child has met the criteria for admission. Step 3: When a place is offered, the Facility Fee must be paid within seven days. If the Facility Fee is not received within seven days, priority will be given to other applicants. The first installment of Tuition Fees is due on May 1 for August entry and six weeks prior to the student’s commencement at other times during the school year. The Medical Examination Form will need to be completed and returned prior to the student’s start date.
NOTE: If a place is not available at the time you wish to join Stamford, your child’s name will be placed on the Wait List and you will be notified as soon as vacancy is available. Please notify the Admissions Office of any changes of address or other contact details or if your circumstances change.
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“Our combination of IB and American standards is ideal for a future work force: a work force that will need self motivation, flexibility and an ability to understand the value of different pieces of knowledge and how that knowledge can be used to create and innovate.� Malcolm J. Kay, Superintendent
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279 Upper Serangoon Road (1 Woodleigh Lane) Singapore, 347691 Next to Woodleigh MRT For more information, please contact us: Phone: +65 6602 7247 Email: admissions@sais.edu.sg www.sais.edu.sg Stamford American International School CPE Registration Number: 200823594D Period of Registration: August 10, 2010 to August 9, 2014 Š 2012 Stamford American International School All images in this brochure were photographed on the Stamford American International School Campus