How many students in each of the Schools?
Currently there are over 560 students in Secondary, 1100 in the Primary and around 200 in Preschool.
What are the class sizes?
The class size maximum for Prep is 22 with a Teacher and Teacher Aide. There is a maximum of 22 students in each class in Year 1 and 25 from Years 2 -12.
In Preschool, the staff to student ratio at its highest is 1:8 for 3 year-olds and 1:10 for 4 year olds.
Where are the teachers recruited from?
Teachers are mostly recruited from Australia and are familiar with the Australian methods and curriculum. There are also teachers from Britain, the United States, Canada and South Africa. Teachers' Aides may be recruited locally and there is a diverse mix of cultures within the local hire staff.
The School receives a large number of applications for teaching positions and teachers are appointed on merit.
What is the staff turnover?
Teachers sign a 3 year contract and many extend their contracts. On average the length of stay of a teacher at AISS is 5.6 years.
Why would I choose AISS over a competitor International School?
The AISS is the only school in Singapore which follows the Southern Hemisphere January - December school year.
There is an emphasis on skill building & analysis, scope & sequence from Preschool through to Year 12.
Students are able to fit back into the education system seamlessly if there is an intention to go to or return to Australia.
Australian teaching methods are highly regarded worldwide, as is the NSW Higher School Certificate, which provides a score for entrance into university in Australia and worldwide.
For Australian students, there are no forward/backward problems with joining a Northern Hemisphere school year (at entry and exit). AISS also offers an international focus on education with over 40 nationalities represented within the campus.
What spiritual needs are catered for?
We cater for all religions. We are a school that values all religions and students learn about all cultures and religions as events occur in Singapore. We encourage religious tolerance and racial harmony.
What festivals do you observe?
We celebrate Singapore public holidays and use assemblies and other times to teach about local and international festivals and events.
Do you observe United Nations Day?
It varies each year but it is both recognised and celebrated. Our school is also a part of the model United Nations project.
What is the student turnover?
As with all international schools in Singapore, we do have a turnover of students as many of their parents complete 2 - 3 year contracts. We have many strategies in place to help students with transition and students are very accepting of newcomers.
What nationalities are represented by the students?
Our school community comprises students from 38 nationalities. As at Term 2 2008, the proportion from the main nationalities were: 68.2% Australian, 7.6% New Zealanders, , 4% British, 4% Korean, 2% Malaysian, 3% Singaporean, 2% American, 2.2% Japanese, 1.7% Indonesian, 1.5% South African 1.2% Taiwanese, 1% Chinese.
The full extent of cultural diversity within our community is highlighted by the cultural background within our Australian nationality. 37.6% of Australian students have either one or both parents with a country of birth other than Australia. 21.6% of Australian students have a parent from a Non-English Speaking background and 16.8% have a parent from an Asia-Pacific country.
How many students are there at AISS?
There are currently 1860 students in AISS.
Why do you start school earlier in the year than schools in Australia?
It is to allow a longer mid year break. Many companies and families take leave in the middle of the year and often travel to the Northern Hemisphere in the summer. It also helps to align the AISS more with other schools in Singapore for sporting events.
What is the school policy on bullying?
All instances of bullying will be dealt with. Proactive programs are in place throughout the School with an emphasis on building positive relationships with peers.
What is your policy on discipline?
There is a structured set of steps. We use a card system and parents are informed if the student is misbehaving. The cards are monitored by Faculty Heads and Year Coordinators. Parents are kept informed and can be called to the School.The card system is not used in the Primary School. However our policy revolves around students being responsible for their own actions. We have very few discipline issues at the School and parents are included in the process as soon as possible.
Are there many male teachers at AISS?
Yes. There are more male teachers at AISS than the national average in Australia.
Am I able to help in my child's class? In what capacity can I help?
In Primary parents are encouraged to help in the School.
However, before parents are able to volunteer they must take part in a training and orientation program. These sesions are organised each semester.
Is there a sibling discount?
There are no provisions for sibling discounts.
However, the third student within a family is exempt from the $5000 refundable deposit.
Is the HSC recognised world-wide?
Yes. The USA often want to see SAT scores but do recognise students as having graduated in High School. We run courses on sitting SATs within the School for senior students considering this option.
How does my child apply to study at an American or British University?
We assist students with their applications. We must also ensure that a student submitting an application for a particular university has this completed in time and that exam results are forwarded as soon as practicable. In some countries our exam results and universtiy application deadlines do not coincide.
How is the entry into University determined?
Scores from the HSC exams account for 50% of the mark and school assessment the remaining 50% (completed in Year 12).
Do you help your students apply to Universities?
Yes. Students work with both Year Coordinators and the Careers Counsellor throughout the year with this process.
Can my child continue at a local Singapore University or Polytechnic after HSC?
Yes if they receive a high enough score and there are places in the faculty available for international students.
How does the Secondary School rate academically?
Excellent. In 2007 AISS was ranked 124th in NSW. In 2007, 20% of the cohort achieved a UAI of over 90. Many students achieved places in the courses of their choice in Universities throughout Australia and overseas. In 2007, 32% of our cohort were placed on the Distinguished Achievers List. This continues to improve with the number increasing from 25% in 2005.
How many students are in the Year 12 cohort?
There is a maximum of 100 students completing Year 12 at any one time.
Do you offer the International Baccalaureate in the Senior Years?
No. We feel our HSC allows more flexibility at this time although the Diploma program may be considered after we are accredited for PYP and MYP. We are currently a candidate school for the Primary Years Programme (PYP) and Middle Years Programme (MYP).
Are students expected to bring a personal laptop to school?
No. The school is well resourced with computers and has a lap-top program in classes where these are required. Some students with special learning needs who benefit from a laptop are able to bring one to assist them with their learning.
This must firstly be discussed with the Year Coordinator and Head of School.
Is there any homework for Primary and at what level does it begin?
The children are given regular homework. It begins in Prep with home reading.
Are the classes grouped according to ability?
In Secondary, students are streamed in Mathematics and English.
Is there a balance of boys and girls in each class?
We try to keep it at 50-50 where possible.
Are there regular exams or tests?
UNSW Maths, English, Science and Computing Studies for Years 3, 4, 5 & 6 in April, May, June.
NAP testing (national Australia wide testing) is conducted for Yrs 3, 5, 7 and 8 in May.
Class based tests are held regularly.
Are there Maths ability groups? English ability groups?
There are Maths ability groups across the Year and English ability groups within the class group.
In the senior years students can choose a higher level of either or both.
How do we know our children are doing well relative to their cohort in the rest of NSW?
In the past we have achieved well over twice the state scores in the Basic Skills Tests and above LIKE schools in all areas of literacy and numeracy in YEars 7 and 8 where this is assessed.
We also achieve very high grades in the UNSW competitions with numerous HDs and to date four of our past students have received University medals.
Do our children have assimilation problems if/when they move back to Australia?
We often receive feedback from families returning to Australia. The usual response is that the children have usually advanced at a rate further than their peers. They have also developed their cultural awareness and are understanding of other culures.
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