About the AISCT Curriculum
The American International School of Cape Town uses a U.S.-based, international school curriculum. Our teachers use a framework used by teachers at other, similar international schools. The academic program is based predominantly on the U.S. system, but is enhanced by the latest curriculum materials, resources, and teaching practices from Australia, the United Kingdom, Canada, and international school bodies. This is the natural product of employing staff from many countries to deal with students from an even more diverse range of backgrounds.

Students engage in a wide range of interactive learning experiences, both on and off campus. These activities assist each student to develop a sound core of knowledge, a sense of logic, intellectual confidence, and life-long learning skills.

AISCT also takes advantage of the many learning opportunities unique to an international school setting and our location in South Africa. Most importantly, the school aims to foster a lasting love of learning.

AISCT is accredited by the South African Department of Education as an independent school and AISCT will participate in a final accreditation visit with the Californian-based Western Association of Schools and Colleges in March of 2007.

The Elementary Curriculum
Elementary Programs Overview

The Middle School Curriculum
Middle School Prospectus

The High School Curriculum
High School Prospectus

Older students will be offered a range of electives intended to offer opportunities for exploration and challenge. Such electives will be developed as a response to student interest and to available teaching faculty, as well as graduation requirements. Advanced Placement course work offerings will reflect the need for rigorous electives for those seeking an Advanced Placement International Diploma (APID) or other Advanced Placement course waivers upon entering university. Academic and Fine Arts electives may include such classes as:

There may be some variation in subjects offered as electives, depending on faculty expertise and student interest.

Additionally, 2006 marks the first year that AISCT students will participate in online courses. Students in grades 11 and 12 will have the option of taking some of their core or a wide range of elective courses offered by www.govhs.org.

Subject Descriptions
The following paragraphs provide brief descriptions of subjects offered at AISCT. A comprehensive AISCT Curriculum Guide for families is available upon enrollment. Copies are also available in the school library and the school office for perusal.


Language Arts
The Language Arts program at AISCT seeks to enrich and develop students’ experiences and skills in Reading, Writing, and Speaking and Listening in English.

Reading is recognized as an important communication skill in its own right as well as the passport to knowledge and the world’s literature. Students are provided with a range of fiction and non-fiction reading experiences aimed at enhancing their ability to read fluently and use the printed word effectively for a variety of purposes. A broad-based program of reading immersion, basal readers, phonics, comprehension skills, as well as a strong emphasis on informational reading, is the cornerstone of the reading program at AISCT. Ancillary materials that promote self-motivation, such as Accelerated Reader, are incorporated into the classrooms and take advantage of the integrated technology of the building.

At the earliest grades, through shared-book experience and other relevant activities, teachers model reading and help students acquire appropriate reading skills and attitudes. By Grade 4, students are engaged in novel studies and extensive research reading. The Upper School course continues to build on and extend the breadth of reading genres to which the students are exposed. Students at all levels are also encouraged to value reading as an enjoyable experience. For this purpose, time is set aside each day for pleasure reading and is encouraged as a home study. An ancillary program of Accelerated Reader enhances the student’s self-motivation and increases the intrinsic rewards of reading.

Writing, including process writing, handwriting and spelling, is an important communication skill which contributes to success at all levels of education and in the world beyond. Students at AISCT are encouraged to view writing as a tool for learning across the curriculum and, therefore, are given opportunities to write frequently for a range of purposes and in a variety of forms. Through the writing process, students are taught to draft and edit their writing as necessary and use the conventions of written language, grammar, punctuation, and standard spelling.

Teachers at AISCT assist in the development of students’ speaking and listening skills by providing opportunities to use oral language in a range of formal and informal situations and for a variety of purposes. Speaking and listening activities also extend to exploring the world of theatre and modern communication technologies.

Mathematics
The AISCT Mathematics curriculum provides students with opportunities to participate in a variety of individual, small group, and whole-class learning situations. Activities are planned to help students experience success and develop a positive attitude towards math and themselves as mathematicians. The program emphasizes the development of problem-solving strategies, computational skills and logical thinking, and encourages students to apply their work to real life situations.

AISCT uses the Addison-Wesley Mathematics series from Kindergarten through Grade 8, forming a strong computational base of knowledge. Students in Grade 5 also use "Investigations" and the Grade 6-8 students work with "Connected Math," a renowned conceptually-based program of integrated mathematics. These texts are enhanced by a wide range of teaching materials and resources, including manipulatives and computer applications, which students use to understand, create, and visualize mathematical concepts and processes. The use of computers and calculators in Math is included as a strategic life skill.

Grade 8 mathematics concentrates on basic algebra skills in preparation for the components of high school mathematics. University-preparatory mathematics courses are offered in Grades 9-12, and the general progression begins with Geometry in Grade 9, Algebra II/Trigonometry in Grade 10 and rigorous offerings such as Calculus in the upper grades.


Social Studies
The AISCT Social Studies course helps students develop knowledge, skills, and attitudes which will enhance their sense of personal and social identity and enable them to participate effectively in maintaining or improving the quality of their society and their environment.

Within the strands of History, Geography, and Society, students investigate a broad range of topics relating to personal, environmental and social issues, significant people, and areas. The core curriculum focuses on the Five Themes of Geography for aiding students in understanding how people live in a particular geographic location, and how they are affected in their economic structure, cultural traditions, and how one culture interacts with others. A topic relating to South Africa and a World Region is designated for study at each grade level. Students also learn about various Cultural Celebrations and engage in Map Work. The course promotes a balance between content and skills. Multi-media resources, maps, globes, guest speakers, field trips, and local resources are utilized to enhance learning experiences.

Course work for older students emphasizes the acquisition of historical and geographical skills. In Grade 6, students examine the origins of civilization and their cultural legacy. Students use "A Message of Ancient Days" as their basic text. The Grade 7 course deals with the rise of modern individualized civilization. Grade 8 students participate in a history course, using as a main resource "A History of the Modern World." This course examines causes for social, political, and economic change over time. Case studies are drawn from European, North American, African, and Asian countries.

A variety of social studies components are studied at the high school level, including World Geography, World History, U.S. History, and may also include course work in African studies, Cultural Anthropology, Psychology and other related topics as required for a full program at AISCT.


Science
Through investigation of the major strands of Life Science, Earth Science, Physical Science, and Chemistry, the AISCT Science course assists students in developing understandings of natural phenomena and acquiring the skills, thinking processes, knowledge, and attitudes relevant to science and scientific investigation.

At every grade level, developmentally appropriate topics from each strand of science are covered in a progressive manner. At AISCT, students will be taught the steps of the Scientific Method to ensure the logical investigation of problems, and to aid in the development of analytical, critical thinking.


Modern Languages
Students are able to choose French or Spanish as a foreign language study. Basic instruction in the languages is offered to all age levels, with ancillary work in a self-directed format of computer-aided study. In addition, those students are supervised in a foreign language laboratory setting of audio tapes and computer-aided course work.

In social studies, students are introduced at all grade levels to some of the languages of South Africa and to South African culture, starting in Kindergarten. These courses provide students with communicative learning experiences aimed at developing proficiency in spoken and written language as well as promoting cultural insight and understanding.

Music
In an international school setting, music can serve as a window on other cultures. It also offers a channel for self-expression which is not dependent on English language proficiency.

At AISCT, a specialist music teacher offers students a rich Music program which seeks to foster an appreciation of musical concepts and traditions. The Music curriculum uses the cultural diversity of AISCT as a springboard for studying different musical styles and forms, past and present, including those of our host country.

The Music program is built around the topics of Performance, Listening and Analysis, Knowledge of Music Concepts and Symbols and Interpretation, Expression, Composition, and Appreciation. At all grades, students participate in specific activities relating to South African music and music of the world. Where appropriate, students also learn songs and engage in other musical activates which integrate with homeroom topics. In addition to regular music classes, students may participate in recorder ensembles, Jazz Band or other ensemble opportunities. A range of musical resources enhances the learning activities at all levels of instruction.

Visual/Fine Arts
Visual/Fine Arts are seen as an important piece of an individual’s expressive development, and as such, is one of the hallmarks of the AISCT integrated program. Visual/fine arts are a part of the regular classroom curriculum and are taught by the classroom teacher, as well as by a specialist.

Art activities may be related to topics being covered in other disciplines, made as a response to a specific experience, or inspired by a particular style, technique, or culture. Students are given opportunities to use a range of processes, techniques, and media in the creation of art products. Display of student art work will be provided on a regular basis.

In addition, students are encouraged to develop an appreciation of art from different periods and cultural heritages. Studies of particular art forms, such as Impressionism, cubism, or surrealism will be an integral part of the fine arts program at AISCT. Students will be exposed to the art of famous artists, and be provided with opportunities to view art at museums, gardens, or galleries in the area.


Physical Education
The AISCT Physical Education programs offer all students opportunities to improve their fitness, well-being, and physical skills, as well as developing team-building and cooperation. It is seen as a necessary foundation for the creation of a well-rounded individual, and as such, is given the importance it deserves and requires. For this purpose, the AISCT campus is equipped with a playing field, a 25-metre swimming pool, tennis and basketball courts, netball court, and a theatre, which can be used for dance and indoor games.

Students may engage in learning the basics major games (soccer, basketball, volleyball, field hockey, tennis, baseball), gymnastics, and swimming, with particular emphasis on the development of fitness, and fine and gross motor coordination. AISCT students will play scheduled friendly matches against other schools in the area, and grow in areas of specific sport, such as cricket or squash, if families display interest.


Information Technology (IT)
Computer Studies are pursued under the guidance of the classroom teacher and an IT teaching specialist. Each classroom features on-line computers for student access and hands-on experience. At all levels, students are familiarized with the components and workings of a personal computer and the applications of computers to our studies and our daily lives. Students learn proper operational and safety procedures as well as new terminology related to computers.

From Grade 2 on, significant time is devoted to improving keyboarding skills, including touch-typing skills and the location and function of special keys. Students are introduced to word-processing techniques and use these to produce a range of written products in many disciplines. Students use numerous educational software programs to reinforce their computer skills and knowledge in relevant curriculum subjects. CD-ROMs and supervised use of the Internet help students with research projects.

As students progress through the Computer Studies course, they learn how to create and use computer graphics, a database, spreadsheet, presentation software, and multi-media products. The PC Viewer computer image projector is available for class demonstrations. All classrooms are cabled to the internet and discretionary use of the world wide web is encouraged, particularly at the older grades.


Library
The AISCT library functions as a cozy center of learning and enjoyment for students on a daily basis. As the school grows and the number of volumes increases, we plan to relocate the library to a larger upstairs space.

The Library program encourages students to use the library for both learning and leisure. Students are familiarized with proper use and care of the library systems and resources. They are taught to select appropriate reference materials and to collect, organize, and present information effectively for research assignments. Through literary appreciation, students build awareness and appreciation of different literary forms and personalities.


English as a Second Language
AISCT provides support to students for whom English is not the first language. An ESL/linguist specialist meets regularly with those students who have greater need for English acquisition. Teachers work with students within the regular classroom. Beginner students will also spend some time working in small groups to improve their English proficiency.

At the beginning levels, the ESL program concentrates on equipping students with the vocabulary and structures for meeting immediate school needs and assisting in the settling process. Intensive handwriting and phonics lessons are included for students who have not previously used the Roman Script. As students gain confidence, they move on to broader themes designed to develop speaking, listening, reading, and writing skills to a level that will enable them to participate effectively in all regular classroom lessons including Language Arts.

Students with limited English proficiency or transferring from non-English speaking schools will be tested for admission and placement. The school reserves the right to limit the number of ESL students at any one grade level.


Support Programs
AISCT accepts students who are capable of success in its academic program without the support of a special learning disabilities program. Students with mild learning differences who are deemed capable of meeting the demands of the program with the help and support of the regular classroom teachers can be admitted on a probationary basis. Occasionally, external diagnostic testing may be recommended or required, to ensure that the teachers have adequate information with which to prepare effective teaching strategies for these children.

AISCT does not employ a school psychologist or psychiatrist and has no program specifically for children with learning differences. Students who have learning difficulties which are beyond the scope of the school’s professional and material resources, or who have not performed adequately at previous school(s), regardless of the reason for this, will not be eligible for admission. AISCT will seriously consider students who have a desire and motivation to succeed, but who have had difficulties which the school judges can be addressed within the normal framework of the school’s classroom program.

Parents of prospective students are advised that the school is able to serve only those students who are able to function in the regular program with minimal support. Any student who is experiencing academic difficulties may be placed under a special reporting program which involves daily communication between the teacher and parents, and is intended to improve organization and prioritization of work at home.

AISCT reserves the right to refuse admission to any student for whom an appropriate educational program and support services are not currently available.


After School Activities

In addition to the academic program, AISCT also runs an After-School Activities program. The activities offered will include various sports, arts and crafts, drama, cooking,dance, and individual music lessons, as well as a "study room" for completing homework or for pleasure reading. These programs are optional and will be scheduled to accommodate the available instructors, the school, and the families at an additional, nominal cost to the family.

Questions about the program’s details can be addressed to the relevant teacher, or to the Principal.

Useful Links
AISCT acted as a testing center for the PSAT on October 18, 2006. This was the second time the exam was invigilated on campus. Grade 10 and 11 students from AISCT and surrounding schools spent the morning completing English and Mathematics sections on this American-based standardized test. The results will give students an indication on how they will perform on the SAT and make American students living abroad eligible for scholastic scholarship opportunities.