SCHOOL GOALS

To establish a democratic life

It is one of ACI’s most important goals to foster a democratic environment amongst all sections of the school community (students, teachers, administrators and support staff). Such an atmosphere ensures the tolerance that is a prerequisite for a strong curriculum, a multi cultural education and the development of the individual. The term “democratic life” indicates that the school is committed to giving opportunities to all members of the school community to speak up and be heard, to present their views, and to be part of administrative decisions in order to establish this atmosphere.

To implement a strong curriculum

ACI follows the Turkish National Curriculum, which is compulsory for all schools within the Republic of Turkey, and consists of main courses in Turkish Language and Literature, Social Studies, English Language and Literature, Mathematics, the Sciences, a Second Foreign Language and Physical Education. However, in ACI, this should be enriched with elective classes such as Music, Fine and Performing Arts, and IT. Alongside this, the International Baccalaureate Diploma Program is open to qualifying 11th and 12th grade students.

Teachers should recognize student diversification and implement the curriculum using a variety of methods, aimed at making learning accessible to all students. Best teaching practices will be student centered with emphasis placed on research, experimentation, observation and the use of Information Technology and Literacy skills, to be achieved through collaboration with the Information Technology Department and the Library Media Center. There should be close coordination between teachers of the same grade level as well as within the same department to ensure consistency in teaching and evaluation.

Members of the faculty must have the necessary qualifications to implement these best teaching practices. As it is able the school must also support teachers with professional development opportunities that will enable them to use these practices. The school will provide ample and equitable access to resources and technology for both faculty and students to allow for improvement of student learning and effective assessment throughout the curriculum in all subject areas.

To achieve an international vision in education

With an international faculty, guest students from around the globe as well as the stress on language learning, ACI students should have the opportunity to learn about various world views and cultures. In accordance with an ever changing world, students are required to learn a second foreign language as well as become proficient in English and should also continue to be involved in international academic and social events. This type of education should support opportunities to study at universities abroad.

To realize the individual development of the student

One of our most significant goals is to have students comprehend the importance of their psychological, mental, and physical development as individual persons. To help us in this goal we should have careers guidance, personal counseling services, extracurricular activities, academic counseling in the selection of elective courses and tracks, and regular student-parent-teacher meetings. In addition, our teachers should help individual students and take an interest in them outside of lessons.

To carry out an effective extracurricular program

In our extracurricular programs and activities, our students should be exposed to laudable values such as solidarity and sharing. They should also learn the value of social service, techniques of organizing, and the implementation of democratic life. As a result they should achieve a strong sense of self confidence in their personal development, practice leadership skills and carry these qualities into later life.

To prepare for life after secondary school

All of these goals should serve to help our students become well adjusted and successful individuals who uphold national and universal values. Our students should be prepared for university entrance examinations and admissions, as well as for a successful life in further education and beyond. Moreover, we should educate our ACI students to become sensitive to global issues and active in seeking solutions to them, thereby taking their place as responsible and compassionate citizens of the world.

To renew continuously

In order to give better education in a constantly changing world and within the conditions of the country, ACI should give priority to developing itself through periodic renewal and self-evaluation using systems such as Total Quality Management (TQM) and the school accreditation process with the Council of International Schools (CIS).


Revised 2008