Vientiane International School 20 Years of Service
Dear VIS Community, The 2011-12 school year was a significant year for our school with Re-Accreditation by the Council of International Schools (CIS) and Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC). Accreditation is a guarantee that the school meets international standards for curriculum, staff, facilities, resources and management. VIS continues to be the only school in Laos that has received international Accreditation.
Also very important was the completion of the evaluation of the International Baccalaureate (IB) Primary Years Programme (PYP). The successful completion of this review ensures that the primary curriculum meets international standards for teaching and learning. As was fitting in a year that the school celebrated 20 years of service to the community, there was a focus on the future. Among many highlights, we
celebrated the completion of new classrooms and teaching spaces constructed for the secondary school.
The following pages will provide information on the performance of the school during the past year. Please enjoy the 2011-12 Annual Report.
Director September 2012
Annual Report 2011 – 2012 Challenging, Inspiring and Preparing Learners For Life
Accreditation and Evaluation Results As a result of the Re-Accreditation process of a self-study and verification visit by a team of international educators, the school was awarded a ten year Accreditation by the Council of International Schools and Western Association of Schools and Colleges. This is the highest award available. The school received recommendations and commendations. The recommendations will be incorporated into the schools Strategic Plan. Major commendations included; Empowerment of students to be internationally-minded, global citizens and life-long learners. The PYP section for their professional, enthusiastic approach to implementing the program. The Secondary team for providing a better, more supportive, infrastructure of the schoolsupported, self-taught Language Program. Recognising the need to re-develop the EAL structure and taking clear steps to implement this. The School for recognizing the importance of promoting physical engagement throughout the local community through well-structured, regular activities and events. The Lao Teacher Assistants for the highly valuable role they play in linking the School with the local community, especially in the primary years. The Board of Trustees, Administration, and school staff for establishing and maintaining financial matters that are competently managed, and with published budgets that are made available to duly authorized persons and the school community. The Board of Trustees and the Senior Leadership Team for establishing a trusting and collaborative relationship, with clear understanding of relative roles and responsibilities. The School for providing a comprehensive careers and counselling service to its students. The Board and the Administration for the construction of a purpose-built campus and a master plan that includes construction goals for the coming years. The teachers for maintaining a focus on learning in the midst of tremendous growth and changing physical space. The Marketing and Communications Team for the highly effective and proficient standard of their communications. The students for the warm, friendly and inquisitive atmosphere they generate in the School. The School for providing the VIS community access to the facilities after school hours.
Annual Report 2011 – 2012 Challenging, Inspiring and Preparing Learners For Life
The International Baccalaureate (IB) Primary Years Programme (PYP) was evaluated as part of the ongoing authorization system of the IB. Expert educators visited and assessed the programme judging that the PYP was implemented as required and providing commendations and recommendations. Again, recommendations will be addressed through the Strategic Plan, and major commendations included; Commitment to and understanding of the programme as a three programme IB World School with an emphasis placed on the articulation of the learner profile. Commitment, as a community of learners, to a collaborative approach to curriculum development. Promotion of responsible action within and beyond the school community and its partnership with its sister school at Ban Saphanthong Tai. The Head of School, school principal and programme coordinator who demonstrate pedagogical leadership aligned with the philosophy of the programme. Development of a schedule allowing the requirements of the programme to be met by allowing for in-depth inquiry into the trans-disciplinary and disciplinary dimensions of the curriculum.
Demographic Information Students Britain Japan 5% 4% Vietnam 3%
Thailand 5%
Enrolment Distribution 2011-12
Germany 5% 50 USA 8%
40 30
Korea 12%
20 10
Laos 13% Australia 14%
As can be seen in the graphic above, the school continues to be truly international. A total of 40 different nationalities are represented by the students.
0 EY3 EY4 Prep Grade 1 Grade 2 Grade 3 Grade 4 Grade 5 Grade 6 Grade 7 Grade 8 Grade 9 Grade 10 Grade 11 Grade 12
Other 31%
Strong enrolment growth continued and several grades are approaching capacity of 44 students across the two classes.
Annual Report 2011 – 2012 Challenging, Inspiring and Preparing Learners For Life
Employees VIS is a school that competes strongly on the global market for teachers. The advertising of vacancies each year brings in several hundred applications, ensuring a strong pool to select from. Strong standards of recruitment help to maintain international Accreditation. The school also employs a skilled workforce from within Laos. A snapshot of the 119 employees follows; 60 expatriate staff employed, consisting of 52 teachers and 8 administrators. The staff represent 14 nationalities. All teachers are qualified and hold a Bachelor’s Degree. 23 also hold a Master’s level degree. Lao staff include 19 Teacher Assistants, 25 Ground Staff and 13 Administrative Support Staff. The school bid farewell to staff members who moved on to new challenges at in 2011-12. The contribution of the following staff is acknowledged Karla Andrews Carla Holmes Tom Campbell Barbara Medynski Karel Campbell Joy Phommahack Jamie Henderson Morven Smith
Ray Smith Mary Smith Linda Young
Languages A feature of the school is focus on support of Mother Tongue languages. Research strongly supports the importance that a strong Mother Tongue has in successful learning of languages. The growing number of students graduating with a Bilingual Diploma reflects this focus. German and Lao teachers are integrated into the VIS staff, while the tutors for other languages are coordinated by the school. The following table shows the number of languages studied from grade 2-12 for 2011-12
Language Language A Malay Language A Indonesia Language A Chinese Language A Japanese Language A Norwegian Language A Filipino Language A Thai
Languages Studied 2011-12 Number of Language Students Language A French 1 Language A Korean 1 Language A German 2 Language A Lao 3 3 Language B French 3 4 Language B (EAL)
Annual Report 2011 – 2012 Challenging, Inspiring and Preparing Learners For Life
Number of Students 7 7 18 53 162 42
Student Performance from 7 (the highest) to 1. The grades are then added up to create ‘IBDP points.’ The Extended Essay and TOK are graded from A to E, and between them, can earn up to 3 more points. The final possible total of IBDP points is 45.
Student performance is measured in many ways. VIS promotes excellence in student academic achievement while supporting the development of positive attitudes, physical skills, and learning attributes.
Students are encouraged to be candidates for a full Diploma, but some opt to seek IB Certificates (Subject based awards). A total of 23 certificates were attempted with a pass rate of 70%. All are eligible for a VIS Diploma on graduation.
Diploma Programme (Grades 11 and 12) Final grades are awarded by the IB based on all the assessment components which includes examinations and assignments. Each of the 6 main subjects is graded on a scale
As you can see below, this year we have 71% of our candidates achieving a full IB Diploma this year. Our success rate is now comparable with global patterns. Examination Session
May 2010 May 2011 May 2012
Number of VIS IB Full Diploma Candidates
IB Diplomas Awarded at VIS
% IB Diplomas Awarded at VIS
% IB Diplomas Awarded Globally
IB Bilingual Diplomas Awarded at VIS
% IB Bilingual Diplomas Awarded at VIS
Total IBDP points VIS candidate (Mean)
Total IBDP points Global (Mean)
5 10 7
3 5 5
60 50 71
78 77 78
2 3 2
40 60 29
26 31.50 30
29.55 29.61 29.83
Students graduating from VIS in 2011-12 will be attending colleges in The Netherlands, United States of America, Thailand, Singapore, Taiwan, and Korea. SCAD (Savannah College of Art and Design), Clark University, Amsterdam University College, University of Illinois, Assumption University (BKK), MDIS – Singapore and Tamkang University are confirmed.
Annual Report 2011 – 2012 Challenging, Inspiring and Preparing Learners For Life
The 2011-12 school year showed significant improvement in English proficiency in the secondary school as a result of targeted additional support in English B, and English as an Additional Language (EAL). New more flexible structures respond to students’ needs to transition students so they are consistently challenged and supported. The graph below shows the strong level of English proficiency at the conclusion of this 12 month period. Grade 6 – Distribution
11
Language June 2012
Proficiency
Beginner 1 = Elementary 2 = Lower Intermediate 3 = Upper Intermediate 4 = Advanced 5 = Very Advanced
Secondary Language B English Programme During 2011-12 40 were students enrolled in English B classes with 55% transitioning to a Language A class by the end of the year. 24% of the students who transitioned into Language A also study their Mother Tongue in preparation for the pursuit of an Bilingual IB Diploma. English as an Additional Language A feature of VIS is the forty nations from which our students are enrolled. This brings a large number of students from a non-English background. Ensuring English proficiency is vital to preparing our learners for life, and the
demands of the IB Diploma or similar school. The strong VIS support programme is seen in the percentage of students requiring high level support. For example, the class entering grade 7 in 2010-11 had 53% of students in the EAL support programme. By the end of 201112 this was reduced to 23%, including a number of newly enrolled students. Similar improvements are seen from the grade 9 class which went from 18% requiring support to 5%, and the grade 10 class which went from 23% to 6%. The Primary EAL programme saw continued students progress with between 15% and 20% of students receiving high level support. Transition from EAL to Mother Tongue classes where this was available assisted students to continue to acquire language. The school provided an additional teacher for the final six months of the year to support EAL students and will be adding a second EAL support teacher to the Primary staff for 2012-13 school year. Students in the Primary EAL programme receive withdrawal support during the time that their peers attend Language B (French or Mother Tongue) classes, as well as in class support during other subjects. Assessment is carried out regularly to determine when students can exit the EAL programme and access Language B classes. Proficiency in Writing, Reading and Speaking/Listening is vital to ensure classroom success.
Annual Report 2011 – 2012 Challenging, Inspiring and Preparing Learners For Life
The International Schools Assessment was undertaken by the school from grade 3-10 for the first time. This assesses skills and provides a comparison to students across the world. The tests cover Reading, Writing and Mathematics and each parent received individual reports for their child. Analysis of the tests shows that VIS students performed at the statistical equivalent of their peers in international schools across the world.
ISA Math Scores by Grade
600
600
500
500
400 VIS
300
All Schools
200 100
ISA Points
ISA Points
ISA Reading Scores by Grade
400 VIS
300
All Schools
200 100
0 4
5
6
7
8
9
0
10
Statistical Equivalent: Through calculations that take into account the scores of all students taking the tests (58000 across 300 schools) the Australian Council for Educational Research (ACER) ensures that the results are valid and reliable. The ACER compares VIS performance to all other schools and can identify when results are outside the expected range. More details on the International Schools’ Assessment can be found at www.acer.edu.au/tests/isa.
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
ISA Writing Scores by Grade 600 500 ISA Points
3
400
VIS
300
All Schools
200 100 0 3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
Additionally, the school implemented the Measure of Academic Progress testing for students from grade 2 to grade 10. This provides an individual, diagnostic overview of each student and plots progress over the period of a year. The data is used by the staff to ensure individual student performance is monitored throughout the year.
Annual Report 2011 – 2012 Challenging, Inspiring and Preparing Learners For Life
Student Activities This was our highest level of participation of any year in MRISA events. We hosted Junior Basketball in November and attended every other tournament. Results were also encouraging with our third title in two years and strong showings in most other tournaments MRISA Tournament
Results
MRISA Tournament
Results
Senior Volleyball
Boys 7th Girls 8th Boys 1st Girls 6th Boys 5th Girls 3rd
Junior Soccer
Boys 5th Girls 7th Boys N/A Girls 5th Boys 2nd Girls 8th
Junior Basketball Senior Basketball
Senior Soccer Junior Volleyball
The increase in attendance and success at tournaments is pleasing and indicative of a number of factors: The increase in total numbers within the secondary school Coaching and organization has improved creating an atmosphere where students want to be involved in more competitive teams The presence of local leagues has given a boost as now the season does not culminate in the MRISA event and teams are travelling better prepared Local Leagues The lack of organized local basketball competition led VIS to take on the task of organizing tournaments and a Junior League was established involving 6 other schools: Hongkha High School, Lieu Tou Chinese School, Lycee Francais Josue Hoffet, Panyathip and Kiettisack International Schools, and Sisattanak High School. The tournament involved boys and girls and ran in conjunction with our MRISA seasons. After this success VIS established a Senior League involving: the Junior League schools plus Vientiane High School, Sikhotabong High School, and Progress School. The improved organization has improved the standards of play and refereeing and local liaison has been strong. A football league involving some of the same schools was commenced and will be an area for growth in 2012-13.
Annual Report 2011 – 2012 Challenging, Inspiring and Preparing Learners For Life
The Future Along with five other schools VIS established the Vientiane Schools Sports Association (VSSA). The other schools involved are: Kiettisack International School, Panyathip International School, Lycee Francais Josue Hoffet, Pattana School, Sengdara School. Initally the purpose of this association will be to organize local leagues for all of the MRISA sports at primary, middle and high school. The opportunities for interschool exchanges on a variety of levels and different contexts is exciting. Swimming This area has grown considerably in 2011-12. VIS had a squad of 30 training regularly after school at the Australian Embassy Recreational Facility. The generous assistance of the Australian Embassy is appreciated. The swim squad was involved in a variety of different events: Hosted the inaugural VIS Invitational Swim Meet at the National Stadium Pool in December for 50 swimmers from Vientiane schools. Competed in the Hoffet Swim Meet in April and Laos Swim Federation meet in Vientiane in June Competed in the British International Swim Meet in Phuket in May Student Council The Student Council was again active in supporting service within the school and beyond. The construction of the Library in Ban Saphanthong Tai school was completed and furniture, four computers and books were donated. The Council ran activities for students throughout the year and continue to have a high profile among the students in the secondary school. A recommendation has been put forward to establish a primary action group to prepare primary students to undertake roles of leadership when they reach secondary. After School Activities Activities numbers continued to expand with 20 activities or more available each quarter. The secondary programme was expanded into a rebadged “Co-Curricular Programme” to good effect with a higher involvement level from secondary students as a result. Many thanks to Sarah Hess, Michelle Bouckaert for their assistance in communication and organization of the ASA Programme.
Annual Report 2011 – 2012 Challenging, Inspiring and Preparing Learners For Life
Financial Information Tuition Fees Income 5,000,000.00 4,500,000.00 4,000,000.00 3,500,000.00 3,000,000.00 Budget Tuition fee
2,500,000.00 2,000,000.00
Tuition fee received
1,500,000.00 1,000,000.00 500,000.00 Tuition 20112012
In another strong growth year, VIS admitted 148 new students through the year. Primary Prep, Grade one and secondary grades all experienced above expected growth. The forecast was for 355 fee paying students and the school admitted 359. This equated to a 6% increase in student numbers. An 11.4% increase in expenditure between 2010-11 and 2011-12 largely reflected increased staffing to cater for larger student numbers.
10%
15%
Administration Expenses Instructional Expenses Support Expenses
75%
Operational Expenditure is divided into three categories: Instructional Expenses: Teachers’ salaries and benefits, teaching materials, program resources and any other student activities such as MRISA and SALSA trips. Approximately $3,341,000 in 2011-12 Administrative Expenses: Administration staff salaries and benefits, accreditation memberships, accounting and auditing, printing, software licenses and other administrative cost. Approximately $663,000 in 2011-12 Other Expenses: Ground staff salaries and benefits, premises leasehold, utilities, transport, ICT and school maintenance. Approximately $470,000 in 2011-12 Future Taxation Implications The current financial situation in Lao PDR is challenging with a new Personal Income Tax rate and a potential change in the Profit Tax Free status for the school. The Personal Income Tax change alone will cost an additional $250 000 annually. VIS has always operated as a not-for-profit organization, however the Enterprise laws do not have a category for not-for-profit international schools and VIS is therefore registered as a business. The potential application of Profit Tax has also been forecast to impact the school. While there is need for clarification on the position, the school has ensured the budget contains provision for payment. Discussions with appropriate Ministries continue to ensure that VIS meets its obligations to the Lao PDR.
Annual Report 2011 – 2012 Challenging, Inspiring and Preparing Learners For Life
Capital Funds Annual Capital Payments are collected each year and are used for renovations, ICT equipment, fixtures & fittings, principal and interest fees for VIS loan, replacement and upgrade of major items such as airconditioning. 2011-12 was marked by the construction of the new secondary wing which the Board of Trustees approved within available Capital reserves. The new wing was constructed over the final six months of the school year and opened in time for the beginning of the 2012-13 school year. The construction cost $790 000 with a further $175 000 spent to add specialist fixtures and fittings for performing arts and design areas. Capital Income for the year was $765,550. Capital Expenditure totaled $867,000. The school holds $430 000 Capital Reserve funds at the end of the year.
Audit The school undertakes two audits with the official audit of accounts through Lao Accounting methods by Chanthavong and Associates, and a review of management and internal controls performed by Price
Waterhouse Coopers for international processes. Both audits reported that VIS met obligations for disclosure and accuracy in financial processing and management. Benchmarking The school undertakes a process each year to ensure that income and expenditure items are within the regional standards. The comparisons for teacher salaries and benefits are made to ensure that VIS can recruit international standard teachers with appropriate qualifications and experience. The benchmarking process showed that the school offered mid-range salary and benefits against similar schools. The adjustment of the salary scale to allow teachers to reach the top of the scale after six years has helped to improve competitiveness. Tuition fees remain comparatively low against comparable schools in the region. Similar schools are those with international accreditation and curriculum, in regional capital cities. VIS was consistently the lowest or second lowest of the group of seven schools surveyed for tuition and other compulsory fees. The recent personal income tax changes in Lao PDR will continue to apply upward pressure to the tuition fee as VIS must maintain internationally registered and qualified teachers at compete in the global market.
Annual Report 2011 – 2012 Challenging, Inspiring and Preparing Learners For Life
Service and Partnerships The year commenced with the enrolment of the first Phu Bia Mining Passport to the Future Scholarship recipient. Natalie Vongkhamsao was admitted into grade ten after an assessment process that included academic screening and interviews. The Scholarship is designed to assist a worthy Lao student to receive an international standard education and be prepared to access further education in the international setting. Natalie was selected from a strong pool of applicants for her superior academic potential and her clear commitment to future service and development of Laos. Through the year, Natalie showed that her selection was well deserved with strong academic performance and application to her studies, and involvement in the life of the school. Phu Bia Mining has committed to supporting two scholarship recipients through their secondary education at VIS as a partnership in developing the greatest natural resource of Laos – the youth. Sister School The sister school relationship with the primary school in the local village, Ban Saphanthong Tai, continued to grow and strengthen through the year. The students received a visit from the VIS nurse who completed a comprehensive health check.
This was followed by a visit from a team to give primary and urgent dental care to the students. The new library has been provided with four computers and furniture, and a pilot programme saw primary school teachers attending on a weekly basis to model language lessons. VIS facilitated connections to the sister school through international contacts which led to donations of several thousand dollars in reading books for the library. Parents and Friends Association The P&F were active in their support for the school. Chairperson Grace Gnaegi led the process to write a new constitution and role statements for the group, providing a strong basis for the future. The P&F initiated a Welcome Family Barbecue which was a popular event to start the year. The P&F continued their work in supporting the school with funds for special projects and handed over new speakers and amplifiers for the Dragon CafĂŠ. The organization of special events through the year included the Fun Fair, Garage Sale, and Halloween party. The regular meetings, held on the first Thursday of each month were productive and the support of the P&F is appreciated by the school.
Annual Report 2011 – 2012 Challenging, Inspiring and Preparing Learners For Life