The mission statement of the International School of Hyderabad is to provide high-quality education for children of ICRISAT parents, children of the transient expatriate community, and children of local Indian parents, between the age of 3 and 18.
The International School of Hyderabad is
non-profit making. Fees paid by parents are entirely devoted to financing the
high standard of education provided to the children.
The school was initially established by a group of parents in 1972. In 1982 the
International Crops Research Institute for the Semi-Arid Tropics (ICRISAT)
received permission to operate a school to provide education for children of
expatriates and Indians from the Ministry of foreign Affairs. It also became its
major sponsor, funding the present purpose-built school on the former site of
the ICRISAT Staff Recreation Club in the Banjara Hills area of the city.
ICRISAT continues to play vital role in supporting and helping to develop the
school and its facilities. The formal responsibility of managing the School lies
with the Director General of ICRISAT. The Director General has delegated this
responsibility to the Principal and the Special Advisor to the Director General
of ICRISAT for Educational Affairs. To help the Principal in managing the
School, ICRISAT has formalised a system of Board of Governors to recommend
policies and give advice on, budget, governance, and school development plans.
The Advisory Board consists of four (4) members, two (2) of whom shall be elected by the ISH Parents Association with one (1) elected by the ICRISAT parents and one (1) member being appointed by the Director General of ICRISAT. The Principal is an ex-officio, non-voting member of the School Board and is present at all Board meetings. The school is bound by the Charter.
The International School of Hyderabad is made up of two sections, each with its own Vice-Principals. They report to the Principal. The Primary and Secondary Schools share a common philosophy and adopt complementary teaching approaches to ensure continuity across the 3 - 18 years age range. The elementary School accepts students between the ages of 3 and 11 years of age starting with Reception, Kindergarten 1 and 2 and Grades 1 to 5. The Secondary School incorporates Grades 6 - 10, leading to the International General Certificate of Secondary Education (IGCSE) Cambridge Examination at the age of 16. Grades 11 and 12 comprise of the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IBDP). On successful completion of the final four years of secondary schooling, grades 9 - 12, students will be awarded with an ISH High School Certificate.
Please note that students entering the relevant grade level must have reached the respective age, mentioned below, by August.
Grade Age Level
Toddlers 2 Play Group
Reception 3 Foundation Stage
KG 1 4
KG 2 5
1 6 Primary School
2 7
3 8
4 9
5 10
6 11 Middle School
7 12
8 13
9 14 IGCSE Cambridge
10 15
11 16 IB Diploma Programme
12 17
It is the policy of the School Board to accept
students of all nationalities. Although there is no formal entrance exam, the
International School of Hyderabad reserves the right to evaluate each applicant
to determine acceptance and appropriate placement. Age of the student and
previous school records will be reviewed and considered in determining
placement.
The school retains the responsibility of placing students at their appropriate
instructional level. Foreign Nationals must show proof of their registration in
India. Indian Nationals are admitted, but right of admission is reserved and
certain conditions apply. Although the majority of our students are fluent in
English, some students are accepted into the school with very little or no
English. Intensive English support teaching ensures that non-English speakers
are readily integrated into the classroom learning environment.
Parents of new pupils are required to complete and submit
the following documents:
1. Registration Form - To be completed and signed by the parent or guardian
2. Photographs - Two recent passport photographs of the students
3. Recent School Records - Copies of transfer records from previous schools
4. Health Form - Including detailed information related to allergies,
medication, and dates of vaccinations
Places on the waiting list are determined by the date on which we receive all of
the requested admissions documentation - including the Application Fee, copy of
passport and the reports from the current school.
It is imperative that you provide contact numbers where we can be sure of
reaching you. We shall be taking decisions in June for those who wish to begin
school at the start of the academic year in August. Parents whose children are
offered places will have a specific period of time in which to confirm their
acceptance by paying the Registration Fee. In the event of failure to register
within the allocated period, the school reserves the right to move to the next
candidate on the list.
<<Download Student
Registration Form
Tuition fees are set by the School Board. The payment of fees is divided into two equal portions, the first in August and the second in January. Fees are payable in advance. If a student's fees are overdue, the school will charge interest.
. Registration Fee - Paid on registration
. Capital Fee - One-time payment, payable with enrolment, not refundable
. Tuition Fees - Paid in two equal portions on issue of invoice in August and
January
Enrolments outside the July - August period will be charged on a half-semester
basis.
All parents must supply the school with current home and office telephone numbers and if possible, an e-mail communication address.? It is very important that the school is notified if a student changes residence address or phone numbers (home and office) during the school year.? This information is needed in case of emergencies or unexpected closure during the school day. Parents should also provide an alternative emergency contact number in case they themselves cannot be reached.
If parents are departing the city, other than on temporary leave, the school should be notified. This permits the staff to compile data on each student to carry to their new school, including a statement describing their attainment levels and progress. To facilitate this procedure, the school office must be notified at least one week in advance of the withdrawal date of the student. Records are released upon proof of all tuition and school accounts being paid in full.
It is fully understood
and appreciated that, because of company leave arrangements, some children may
be away on holiday when the school is in session. However, parents are
encouraged to take leave during school holidays. For all such absences we
request a written note of explanation from the parent or guardian.
Parents wishing to collect their children during the school day for medical or
dental appointments etc. should notify the student's teacher and the school
office in advance. Students must be collected from the school office or their
classrooms. On no account will a student be sent to the gate to wait for a
driver or parent.
ISH provides a safe and secure environment throughout the school day. Medical personnel capably treat bumps, bruises and cuts, and administer first aid. They will conduct regular medical checks like sight tests and will dispense medicines to those students who are on medication prescribed by a doctor. Please do not send a student to school when he/she is obviously not well. Illnesses and injuries that occur at home should be treated by your family doctor.
Snack time is from 10:15 to 10:45 each
morning. Lunch is from 12:15 to 12:45. Parents are encouraged to pack a well
balanced and nutritious snack/lunch. Ideally sandwiches or some kind of savoury,
starchy food should be included in the lunch box for each food break. Students
may also bring yoghurt, fresh fruit, crisps or biscuits, and a drink. The school
discourages sweets, fizzy drinks and peanuts. Students eat their lunch in a
shaded area. Chewing gum and drinks in glass bottles and cans are not allowed.
The school sells snacks and lunches during the respective breaks and food from
outside caterers is not permitted.
Throughout the school year, regular fire and emergency drills involving all sections of the school are held. Emergency plans and escape routes are posted in each classroom.
There is no school uniform at ISH. We expect students to
come to school in clothes that are clean, neat and appropriate for school.
Students are expected to wear the PE uniform for physical activities. A change
of clothes should be provided if the student comes to school in the PE uniform.
These should be carried in a PE bag. All items should be labelled with the
student's name.
| Students should not bring cell phones, electronic games or walkmans to school |
Emphasis is placed upon good manners, politeness to adults, elders and peers, sharing, and getting on well with other students. Students are encouraged to develop independence and self-discipline. Where students fail to conform to expected standards of behaviour, they will be initially counselled by a member of staff. Repeated transgressions will result in a student being referred to the School Vice-Principal or Principal. Parents will be informed, and a plan of action agreed upon. A student may be suspended by the Principal if behavioural problems continue beyond this point. In extreme cases, the School Board will be informed and the student may be expelled from school.
A weekly newsletter is distributed every Friday
to inform parents about forthcoming events and important dates.
Each students receives a school diary at the beginning of the school year or
when entering ISH. This is also a good method of communication.
Pupil reports and formal parent-teacher conferences are arranged twice a year at
the end of each semester and mid-semester respectively. Outside these times,
parents are welcome to come to school to discuss queries or concerns with the
relevant teaching staff. Please make an appointment through the school office.
School Year Book
The School Year Book is available free of charge to all students at the end of the academic
year. It is basically a summary of the various school activities in picture form
and contains school and class photographs, together with some photographic
memories of the year and samples of student work.
The Parent Teacher Association (PTA) plays an active role in school life. Its main purpose is to plan for activities that support the school and enhance the education of the children.
In October each year the PTA holds its Annual General Meeting. It is at this meeting that the PTA Executive Committee is elected. This Committee meets regularly with nominated staff to plan for events. The PTA welcomes input from interested parents at any time. Parents are encouraged to support the meetings and events organised by the PTA.
The International School of Hyderabad is very much a community school and the involvement of parents is an integral part of our life. A 'Back to School' event is held at the beginning of each school year. Parents are able to introduce themselves to their child's new teacher and to familiarise themselves with the daily classroom routines and the curriculum schedule planned for the year ahead. Regular 'Open Days' and 'Curriculum Information Events' and PTA events are also important ways of keeping parents in touch with what is happening in school. Parents are frequently invited to attend class assemblies, as well as choir and band concerts. All the sections combine to produce a drama or musical production at some time during the year to which parents and friends are also warmly invited. Parents who are able to spare some time during the day may like to lend a hand in the classroom with reading or craft activities, or to accompany students on school trips. Parents interested in volunteering should either contact a member of the PTA Committee or call the school office.
The ISH community meets every Saturday at ICRISAT for leisure activates at the pool-side.
Most students are transported to and from school in our own buses, or alternatively by private cars or taxis organised by parents. School buses which are well maintained and insured are used for these trips. For additional safety all school buses have an adult bus monitor who accompanies the students on every journey. Pupils should not be dropped off at school before 07.45 hrs. Teaching staff are not on duty until 07.45, and on health and safety grounds students should not be on the campus before this time. Parents are also requested to ensure that children are collected promptly at the end of the school day.
During the school year children may be taken on educational visits to places of interest, both in and around the Hyderabad area. Parents will sign a permission slip at the beginning of the school year or when entering the school to allow their child to participate in these trips. Parents are always informed when children are going to be out of school. The school is governed by strict guidelines relating to group size, ratio of children to adults, and educational plans for each trip undertaken.
After-School activities offer a wonderful opportunity to develop a variety of interests alongside a healthy zest for life. Each term a list of activities and clubs available to students is published. Acceptance for a club will be on a 'first come, first served' basis and students will be expected to attend throughout the semester. All activities are led by staff or qualified instructors who support the work of the school.
Class teachers monitor student
progress by continuous assessment, incorporating both informal and formal
methods. The school administers a 'benchmark' test each yearto
measure progress and achievement levels. These tests take place in April/May of each year for all
Grade 2 to 8 students. The results allow the school to compare its academic
performance with schools all over the world and form part of the regular
semester report.
IGCSE and IB Diploma examinations for High School students take place between
April and June.
No grades are given to students until Grade8. The reports are descriptive.
At the International School of Hyderabad, homework is built
into the planned curriculum and all students are required to complete set tasks.
Homework is used to enhance, complete and extend the work done in school.
Naturally the type and amount of homework set will depend on the age of the
child and the subject area. At times students may also be asked to bring things
from home to contribute to a particular classroom project.
All secondary students will receive set timetables for the homework programme
and expectations as to the amount of time a student should devote to the tasks.
Parents are actively encouraged to monitor their children's homework. If help is
given, it should be in the form of advice or guidance. Parents are requested to
adhere to the methods and content taught in school and if in doubt to consult
the class teacher.
Staff Master Calendar 2005-2006 Term 1 |
|
|
August 24/26 |
Staff Inset Days |
|
August 29 |
First Day of Semester 1 for Students and Staff |
| January 25 | Last day of Semester 1 |
|
Public holidays |
The school day for all students is from 8:00 am to 14:30 (Reception children go home at 12:00). After-School Activities take place between 2.45 and 3.45 pm.
| 07.45 | Onwards Children arrive at school |
| 08.00 - 08.05 | Registration |
| 08.05 - 10.15 | Lessons 1 to 3 |
| 10.15 - 10.45 | Snack Break |
| 10.45 - 12.15 | Lessons 4 and 5 |
| 12.00 | Reception children go home |
| 12.15 - 13.00 | Lunch Break |
| 13.00 - 14.30 | Lessons 6 and 7 |
| 14.45 | Children go home or attend After-School Activities |
| 14.45 - 15.45 | After-School Activities |
To create a framework understood by the whole school community that allows students to develop a sense of values and a moral code.
Statement of Philosophy
At the International School of Hyderabad we aim to provide an enjoyable, safe and secure learning environment that stimulates intellectual curiosity, develops positive personal qualities and fosters respect for individuals and their beliefs. The foundation of our work is an emphasis on high expectations for student achievement and behaviour.
Students thrive when their best efforts are appreciated and celebrated. They grow in confidence and positive self-esteem and feel ready to attempt new and challenging tasks without the fear of failure or retribution. The International School of Hyderabad is geared towards the identification and reinforcement of what students can achieve. By focusing on achievement, students are encouraged to strive to reach new heights and fulfil their individual potential. We view each student as a whole person and recognize the importance of each aspect of their school life. Such an approach encourages higher academic and behavioural standards.
Students are expected:
To treat their peers and adults with care and respect
To take care of school buildings, grounds and property
All adults in school are expected to lead by example and communicate good behaviour expectations both directly and indirectly.
Relationships between adults and students should be built around fairness and consistency. All students should be encouraged to feel valued both as individuals and as part of the school community, thus promoting self-esteem, self-confidence and self-respect on a personal level, and co-operation, consideration, courtesy and respect for others on a social level. We believe that parents should be involved where behaviour causes concern.
Effective classroom discipline is primarily achieved through the provision of a well-planned and stimulating curriculum delivered in an organized, well-resourced and well-managed environment. All staff are expected to utilize strategies for encouraging positive behaviour and for dealing with disruptive behaviour.
Each teacher is required to negotiate a set of class rules with their class at the beginning of the year.
These rules should be referred to when praising or reprimanding a student.
Positive rewards are used in school to encourage appropriate behaviour. Wherever possible, rewards are immediate and communicated clearly to the student involved. Rewards given, cannot be taken away.
Statement of Philosophy At the International School of Hyderabad we regard homework as an integral part of the curriculum - it is planned and prepared alongside all other programmes of learning. We strongly believe that homework that is set and managed effectively, contributes to the challenge of raising student attainment and we understand that the support of parents and guardians is essential in terms of helping students at home, monitoring homework and providing encouragement.
In a case of serious misbehaviour the student may be sent to the Principal and parents informed as appropriate
Reception
Reading and enjoying literature is the main focus of the regular homework in the Reception class. On occasions students may be asked to bring in information from home or to seek information with their parents at home.
Kindergarten
Reading and reading related activities are the main part of the homework in Year One. We recommend that parents spend up to fifteen minutes listening to their child read and discussing the book with them. On occasions other work may be set at the discretion of the class teacher within the time parameters mentioned overleaf. At times throughout the year the students may also be asked to bring things from home to contribute to a particular classroom project or find out information from home to support classroom activities.
Occasionally a teacher may set homework to meet a child's specific needs. In this case, the nature of the work will be discussed with the parents.
In a case of serious misbehaviour the student may be sent to the Principal and parents informed as appropriate
Reading remains an integral part of the homework set.
On occasions students will take home a spelling list to learn or be given a short maths task to be done at home. Occasionally there may be other teacher-directed homework. For example:
Work unfinished in class that the children are capable of doing themselves.
Reinforcement work for individual children with parental help when required.
Children undertake a class project, which may
encourage research and work completed at home.
Recommended Homework Times
| Level | Duration | Frequency |
| Reception nights per week | 10 minutes | 4 |
| Kindergarten nights per week | 15 minutes | 4 |
| Grade 1 nights per week | 15-20 minutes | 4 |
IHomework will include a variety of tasks set at the discretion of the class teacher or specialist.
Examples of homework tasks include the following:
Work to consolidate what has been taught.
Independent research.
Completion of exercises.
Revision.
Reading.
Recommended Homework Times
| Grade Level | Duration | Frequency |
| Grade 2 nights per week | 20 - 30 minutes | 4 |
| Grade 2 nights per week | 25 - 35 minutes | 4 |
| Grade 4 nights per week | 30 - 40 minutes | 4 |
| Grade 5 nights per week | 40 - 50 minutes | 4 |
In the Secondary School, homework is very much an
extension of class work. Two to three homework
subjects are given daily at the discretion of subject specialists.
In Grades 6-8 there are seven subjects in which homework is regularly set for students:-
English, Maths, Science, French, History, Geography and ICT
Other subject specialists may set work occasionally but they are asked to give sufficient time for the students to cope with extra work on top of their timetabled homework commitments.
In Grades 6-8, homework duration should not usually exceed a total of one hour per night
In Grades 9-12, homework is set according to the IGCSE/IB Diploma subject choices made by individual students and homework duration should not usually exceed a total of ninety minutes per night
Homework will be recorded in a Home-School Communication Book and will be signed by parents in the event of a series of non-completed tasks.
We ask that parents monitor their child's work to ensure that they are coping with the demands of homework and that they are completing work to a high standard.
Our aim is to support each student's growing independence and ability to carry out self-monitored tasks, but if any student falls behind with homework, parents should write to their child's teacher so that the school is aware that a problem exists.
If a class teacher or subject specialist finds that individual students are not handing work in on time there is a system of referral whereby they will write to parents to ask for their help in responding to difficulties in relation to homework.
If difficulties cannot be dealt with through correspondence with school, a meeting is set up with parents, teachers and the student in order to develop strategies to deal with problems.
Students who elect to participate in the school band will be required to practice their regularly in addition to the set academic homework. This will be made apparent to both the student and parents on acceptance of an instrument for study.
Where students are away from school due to short-term illness or absence, no homework will be set. Cases of long-term absence will be dealt with on an individual basis and where it is reasonable and proper, work will be set to do at home. Homework set during long-term absence will be set in consultation with child's parents and the Principal.
The school does not require staff to set homework over official holiday periods
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