The different teaching approaches and curriculum that a school offers can influence a child's lifelong learning and future career path. Why would parents consider sending their child to an international school? For one, statistics show that people are increasingly finding work outside of their home country. Indeed, ten per cent of British people live abroad and ten million Americans are also overseas. What do international schools such as Nord Anglia International School New York (NAISNY) offer that public and private schools in the same area do not?
Embracing globalization
As world markets become increasingly interconnected, it is now more desirable than ever to understand the dynamics of cultures different to your own. The expectation of companies and opportunities for people to work on a global scale is ever-increasing. Moving around the world can offer fantastic career advancement opportunities and experience gained abroad can set a candidate for a job apart from their competitors.
Language
In our school, it is not uncommon for new students to have little or no experience of the English language. This can benefit fellow students in that they need to learn to communicate with ease past language barriers. This experience helps to build important life skills for the future.
Daily life in our international school
Our school offers a blend of the English National Curriculum and also international curriculum, provided through Fieldwork Education. We incorporate an international focus into all aspects of daily life. Through the International Early Years Curriculum (IEYC), the International Primary Curriculum (IPC) and the International Middle Years Curriculum (IMYC), our students learn about the world using a thematic approach to learning. Topics covered in the international curriculum consistently incorporate a global element into learning.
Beyond this, all Nord Anglia Education schools (of which there are 66 around the world) have access to a shared learning experience though the Global Campus. Global Campus activities are designed by educational experts and teachers to broaden students’ knowledge and nurture skills that can be transferred beyond the classroom.
Students are exposed to world music, sample cuisine from around the world in the school cafeteria as well as enjoying our hugely popular International Week each year. Students learn throughout the year about different cultural celebrations and our parent community even visit their children’s classes to teach about a cultural event or celebration that some students may not have had the chance to experience.
Our UNICEF collaboration
Our school benefits from a unique collaboration with UNICEF. This creates an opportunity to learn about and discuss different world issues. Students study the impact of globalization on communities, and grow to understand the different issues facing people around the world. The product of this education is a knowledgeable and engaged citizen who is truly global; one who understands that the things that may initially separate communities and people – such as borders, languages and economic systems – are superficial. This ethos is embedded into learning in our school and is part of daily conversations. Upper school students also have the opportunity to visit the UN for World Children’s Day and also the UN Summit (along with every Nord Anglia school globally) each summer as well as a chance to travel to Tanzania to help with community-building initiatives. Students with interests in sports or the performing arts also have the opportunity to travel and connect with other Nord Anglia students from the Americas region.
Nurturing global citizens
In our ever-shrinking world, the emphasis on nurturing responsible, caring, and compassionate global citizens should be a part of any international school. These values are not only reflected in our school’s curriculum but also in our activities and teaching throughout the year. The international element of our school gives us many opportunities to teach respect and understanding. We recognize the importance of respecting and celebrating each other’s differences – whether these are cultural, religious or physical. As and when appropriate, teachers work with students to educate equality and inclusiveness.
Celebrating students that exemplify our values
Through our house points system and ‘Student of the Week’ awards, we encourage our students to be respectful, open-minded and thoughtful towards each and every person. Those students who have demonstrated our values are rewarded and celebrated. The NAISNY habits, which come from the IEYC, IPC and IMYC focus on building important skills and characteristics that all global citizens should have:
Communication, Cooperation, Morality, Resilience,
Thoughtfulness, Respect, Enquiry, Adaptability
Students who successfully demonstrate these habits are celebrated weekly during assembly as well as during the end of year graduation and awards ceremony.
About our international school
Nord Anglia International School New York offers an authentic international education where a worldwide perspective is embedded and celebrated every day. Our students come from more than 40 different countries and many of our teachers and staff have lived and worked all over the world. NAISNY offers a unique and truly international experience at every turn.
Contact our admissions team to find out more about the exciting opportunities that are available to all students at NAISNY.
