Acorns International School Prospectus

About AIS

Acorns International School (AIS) Uganda is a 25-year-old institution, carving a niche for bringing exemplary, world-class international educational standards at an affordable price to Uganda. The trajectory from being The Acorns School to Acorns International School (AIS) has been an exhilarating one. AIS has journeyed from being a Preschool in 1996 in Nakasero, to an International Baccalaureate (IB) Continuum World School, in a sprawling 5-acre, purpose-built, campus that nurtures the holistic and balanced development of each child, be it an 18-month-old or an 18-year-old.

AIS is an authorised IB Continuum World School offering Primary Years Programme (PYP), Middle Years Programme (MYP), and Diploma Programme (DP) making it only the second school in Uganda to offer the IB Continuum programme at the most affordable price in the whole of EA. In addition, AIS is also authorised to offer the Cambridge A Levels Programme, making it the only school in Uganda offering two of the highest-rated parallel international curricula.

The campus has been specifically designed to cater to various needs, boasting state-of-the-art smart classrooms and numerous playing fields. It also houses libraries, science labs, IT labs, and a Design and Tech lab. In addition, it offers a multi-language programme that includes French, Kiswahili, Family Language, and Spanish. The campus features music, dance, and drama studios, as well as swimming pools, among other amenities.

We thrive on our pluralistic values with a diverse student population, representing more than 30 nationalities, and a staff population to match.

With various international accreditations, it is heartening to see such stalwarts in the industry partnering with us to provide unparalleled education.

AIS as an IB World School: https://www.ibo.org/programmes/find-an-ib-school/ AIS as a Cambridge School: https://www.cambridgeinternational.org/why-choose-us/find-a-cambridge-school/

MESSAGE FROM HEAD OF SCHOOL/CEO

Dear AIS Family,

In work life today, transience has become a norm, rather than an exception. Given this dynamic, it is important to provide your child with as much stability as possible. One way is through education. When choosing a school, it is important to pick one that connects with one’s belief about learning and child development, as well as a broad-based programme of curricular and extracurricular activities. Our programmes are tailored to help students assimilate, no matter where they are. It contextualizes concepts in class that stretch beyond the realms of time and place. The internationalism of a school is much beyond the name, it is in the offerings, the grassroots, and how it will place you on the global map that you are meant to conquer.

Our Acorns tree has seen a flourishing journey from being a sapling to a strong, deep-rooted tree today. Fruitful, literally and figuratively, that’s how I see it. From the size of the campus to the size of our family, the trajectory has been upward and onward, and we would like to thank everyone who has played an integral part in this exponential growth – our students, parents and of course, invaluable AIS team. I am proud that I have the support of an entire (AIS) family that shares the school’s vision to inspire and empower each other to achieve our personal best and create a better and more peaceful world.

WHY CHOOSE AIS?

▶ International standards at affordable prices.

▶ 5-acre campus, purpose-built school offering International Baccalaureate Curriculum (IB) and Cambridge A Levels.

▶ State-of-the-art facilities such as smart classrooms, fullyequipped science and computer labs, well-stocked libraries, an auditorium for performances and events, outdoor play areas and sports facilities such as swimming pools, basketball courts, table tennis and football field.

▶ Excellent student - teacher ratio

▶ Our school offers a comprehensive range of language programmes that cater to the diverse linguistic needs of ourstudents. These programmes include French, Kiswahili, family language, and Spanish (exclusively at the Secondary level). Lunch and after school clubs are offered.

▶ After school care facility available.

Senior Leadership Team

COMMUNITY

Teaching Staff

With five nationalities represented in a 12-member team, the AIS Senior Leadership Team (SLT) is the perfect example of a global village. With meritorious qualifications and troves of experience, our SLT brings about the balance that AIS attributes its success to.

Student Body

Our teaching team is fully qualified and trained, in addition, to experience in international education. We are a professional learning community, that engages in rigorous ongoing professional development at AIS, as well as with the IBO.

Parent Teacher Organisation

Students, at AIS, represent over 30 nationalities. On a daily basis, they are engaged in rigorous academic preparation and a passion to become the best they can be. Through our engaging, inquirybased environment, students reach their full academic potential and become responsible, caring, multilingual, and culturally literate global lifelong learners.

The Parent Teacher Organisation (PTO) is a volunteer organisation established to support the AIS community – students, families and staff. PTO is meant to welcome all families in the school community, help everyone stay connected to one another and the school, create a space for school staff and parents to represent the voice of the community, and support our students through involvement and creativity.

The AIS Community comprises people from several parts of the globe and from different walks of life, which lends to the vibrancy that is so intrinsic to our ethos.

As an IB Continuum School, we pride ourselves in celebrating each other’s language, culture and tradition, be it students or staff. Despite coming from different parts of the world with troves of experience and expertise, our teachers receive regular internal and external professional development and training in teaching methods that are aligned with the International Baccalaureate Organization (IBO) and other partners.

In addition, our smart classrooms are just the creative turfs to inspire and empower each student to achieve their personal best.

COMMUNICATION

AIS is very proud of the positive relationships it builds with our students’ families. We believe that connection, communication, and understanding between home and school is one of the most effective ways to promote a child’s education. For this reason, we provide multiple avenues for parents and teachers to communicate and this is also laid out clearly in the Policy which includes:

• Phone and Email

• Class WhatsApp Groups

• Student Diary

• Teachers’ ‘Open Door’ Policy

• Calendared Events

• Complaint Procedure

• Toddle

• Parent-Teacher Conferences Every Term

• Managebac (Secondary Only)

• Newsletters (https://ais.ac.ug/newsletters/)

CURRICULA

Age Range 18m - 5yrs

Age Range 6 - 11yrs

Age Range 12 - 15yrs

Age Range 16 - 18yrs

Age Range 16 - 18yrs

EARLY YEARS PROGRAMME at AIS

EARLY YEARS PROGRAMME at AIS

The Early Childhood (EC) Department implements the Early Years Programme (EYP),advocating the International Baccalaureate’s (IB) inquiry through play.

The EC Department combines the IB Curriculum with the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) framework that sets standards for the learning, development, and care of young children. Floppy Phonics also sets the foundations for reading and writing in early years and various other disciplines through play-based learning centres.

The Early Childhood classrooms are set up as different learning centres that promote inquiry in:

• Numeracy

• Literacy

• Sensory/Science

• Information and Communications Technology (ICT)

• Art and Craft

• Dramatic Play

• Fine Motor

During their day at AIS, students enjoy their centres interspersed with performing arts, water play, outdoor play, library and French (EC2 onwards) sessions.

Just like any parent, the choice of school for a child is always a monumental decision. As a father of two young children (aged 7 and 3), it was always going to be a significant step regarding where my two boys would be spending their day learning and growing. We chose AIS because of its great culture, academic setup, infrastructure, location and above all principled and forward-looking leadership.

Edgar Kuhimbisa Civil Servant AIS Parent since 2022

PRIMARY YEARS PROGRAMME at AIS

The Primary Department implements the International Baccalaureate (IB) Primary Years Programme (PYP) curriculum that focuses on students becoming internationallyminded and productive global citizens. Throughout the year, the students participate in six transdisciplinary Units of Inquiry, following the themes:

• Who We Are

• Where we are in place and time

• How We express ourselves

• How the world works

• How we organise ourselves

In addition to the major core subjects, such as Language, Math, Social Studies, and Sciences, which are covered throughout the Units, our students have weekly session(s) in:

• Performing Arts (Dance, Drama and Music)

• Visual Arts

• Physical, Social and Personal Education (PSPE)

• Physical Education (PE)

• Swimming

• Information and Communication Technology (ICT)

• Languages: French, Kiswahili and Family Language

Assessment:

Authentic learning cannot always be demonstrated through traditional tests or exams. Students at AIS are assessed in a variety of ways, including tests, projects, oral presentations and written reports. Assessment in IBPYP is “criterion-referenced.” This means students are scored against standards, not against each other. Emphasis will be placed on rubrics to assess student learning.

PYPX

Our students conclude their PYP journey with the PYP Exhibition in PYP6. Students use all the skills they learned throughout the PYP to solve a problem within one of the transdisciplinary themes. We focus on teaching students how to develop the skills necessary to utilise the information they gain in the later stages of their education.

PRIMARY YEARS PROGRAMME at AIS

I opted for AIS mainly due to the quality and curriculum. The IB curriculum promotes concept-based learning, rather than typical textbook-based learning. But the quality is not merely an outcome of the selection of curriculum. The real determinants of the quality of education are the teachers, school admin and the whole school staff with their duties and responsibilities. In good company and under the supervision of such staff, students tend to build strong ties with education. And I am happy to say I have experienced this well with my child. Besides the quality of education, it is also the affordability. And AIS has offered us optimum benefits. I am happy to be a part of the AIS Family.

Aarti Taneja Graphic Designer AIS Parent since 2020

MIDDLE YEARS PROGRAMME at AIS

The International Baccalaureate (IB) Middle Years Programme (MYP) is designed for students aged 11 to 16. It focuses on “learning how to learn” through the systematic development of approaches to learning (ATL) skills for communication, collaboration, organisation, self-management, reflection, research, informational literacy, media literacy, creative and critical thinking, and transfer of learning. It also fosters intercultural understanding and global engagement essential qualities for young people today.

Students in MYP1 - 3 study from eight subject groups. MYP4 & 5, students have more flexibility in their subject choices. Some of these choices include specialising in particular subject groups.

Interdisciplinary

The more students can view one subject from various other lenses, the more fruitful their connections can be. Every year each student from MYP1 - 3 participates in at least one additional interdisciplinary unit between two subject groups.

MYP3 Community Project

The Community Project in MYP3 sees students develop an awareness of the needs of a community and implement a plan to address those needs.

Assessments

1. Internal Assessment

2. External Assessment (MYP5)

a. Personal Project

b. eAssessment

c. ePortfolios

MYPX

Finally, MYP5 students culminate the Middle Years Programme by celebrating the power of learning through the MYP Exhibition (MYPX). Their Personal Project works are showcased where students use all the skills they learned throughout the MYP that will be necessary for the next stages of their education.

MIDDLE YEARS PROGRAMME at AIS

I have been a parent at AIS since 2012, starting off at the much smaller Bukoto Campus. I have 3 children at AIS and chose AIS because of the International Baccalaureate program which prepares children to be world citizens. AIS has also maintained its student centred approach and discipline. My children are thriving at AIS.

Frank Nyombi Finance Management AIS Parent since 2012

DIPLOMA PROGRAMME at AIS

The International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Programme (DP) is a rigorous and balanced two-year course for ages 16-19. Each subject is externally assessed by the IB. The Programme is balanced as subjects are chosen from six mandatory subject groupings, as well as the IBDP Core Elements of writing an Extended Essay (EE), participating in a Theory of Knowledge philosophy class (TOK), and engaging in activities and projects revolving around creativity, action and service (CAS).

Assessments and Examinations:

At AIS, assessment in IBDP is both internally assessed and externally moderated.

• All internally assessed components are marked by the teachers but moderated by the IB. This is aimed to maintain objectivity and reliability and viability of the exams.

• All written examinations are taken at the end of the DP2 for the May - June session and are marked externally.

Pathway to University and Employment

The IBDP is recognized and respected by the world’s leading universities, and evidence suggests that higher rates of DP students go on to university and higher education study than non-IB students.

The DP focuses on rigorous academic study, within a broad and balanced curriculum, which can prepare students well for employment.

DIPLOMA PROGRAMME at AIS

CAMBRIDGE INTERNATIONAL A LEVELS at AIS

The Cambridge International A Levels are internationally benchmarked qualifications providing excellent preparations for university education and were founded by Cambridge. The Cambridge International A Levels programme is typically a two-year course, while the Cambridge International AS Level programme lasts for one year and counts for 50% of the overall A Levels grades. We use Cambridge International AS Level to give learners valuable feedback on their performance, identifying strengths and weaknesses before they complete their full Cambridge International A Levels.

Assessments and Examinations:

At AIS, assessment in A Levels 2-year programme is both internally assessed and externally moderated.

• All internally assessed components are marked by the teachers.This is aimed to maintain objectivity and reliability and viability of the exams.

• All written examinations are completed in alignment with the external standards, set by Cambridge assessment international education. AIS officially proctors all examination sessions following the Cambridge guidelines. These examination periods will follow the strict codes of conduct expected from Cambridge University

Where do Cambridge qualifications take you?

Success in Cambridge qualifications often gives students admission to the world’s best universities. They are recognised as qualifications that prepare and equip students with the skills they need to succeed both at university and beyond. Universities tell us that they value the independent research and critical thinking skills, as well as the deep subject knowledge that these qualifications bring.

Acorns Around The World

LEARNER SUPPORT SERVICES

AIS is an inclusive school that believes in the education of all young people. AIS accepts students with varied needs and levels of education. Learner Support Services (LSS) is a team of teachers and professionals dedicated to working with parents and teachers to enable all students to reach their greatest potential.

As a team, the LSS Department:

• Provides classes for students who need support in various subjects and with cognitive skills development

• Creates Individual Education Plans (IEPs) and supports students with Special Needs.

• Implements and monitors behaviour plans school-wide and for individual students.

• Provides counselling to students and families.

When I am asked why I have always chosen Acorns International School, I always instead wonder, why I would not have chosen AIS, and there is no answer that I can give. “School is not just a building a child goes to: it is a mindset a child adopts” (unknown author). From an early age, AIS lays emphasis on soft skills, such as leadership, teamwork, effective communication, adaptability, resource management and self-motivation; guaranteed to have a 250% ROI in future. It also excels at teaching technical skills, and it does not squander any talents that a child has.

Dr. Barbara Kakande Consultant Cardiologist AIS Parent since 2016

COUNSELLING AND SOCIAL-EMOTIONAL WELLBEING

We provide in-school counselling and dedicated lessons in Personal, Social and Physical Education (PSPE). These lessons provide life skills and practical ways of leading a healthy and independent life within and beyond school.

We believe that all children have the right to be safe and protected in our society. At AIS, we recognise that it is our responsibility to not only ensure the welfare of our students while on campus, but also when with caretakers, parent, and guardians. We ensure that the measures are taken for our students' emotional, mental, and physical well-being.

HOLISTIC AND BALANCED CURRICULUM Service in Action

Think Local, Act Global

Service Learning at AIS is inspired by our values of Environmentalism and Responsibility and aims to enhance the learning experience of our students by integrating community service with curriculum, instruction, and reflection in a meaningful and authentic way.

This approach teaches civic responsibility and helps strengthen communities. By engaging in Service Learning, students gain valuable insights into real-world challenges and are empowered to take meaningful actions that have a positive impact on both local and global communities.

HOLISTIC AND BALANCED CURRICULUM

Fieldtrips

As the adage goes, “A mind that is stretched by a new experience can never go back to its old dimensions.”

At AIS, our students often step out, beyond the realms of their homerooms, to explore, educate and empower themselves and each other. Depending on their age, these trips could be national, regional or international.

Education is not just a process of giving knowledge for a future job but a lifelong process which creates an understanding of moral and ethical values to guide one’s life journey in a right path. Parents, students and the school management are a team and we complement each other. At AIS, the children are given the right knowledge to face the future global challenges. As a parent, that’s why I chose Acorns International School, Uganda for its holistic education offer for my children.

Ivan Irumba Accountant

AIS Parent since 2021

Performing Arts

HOLISTIC AND BALANCED CURRICULUM

The AIS Performing Arts Department offers training to students in Dance, Music, and Drama. The performing arts are celebrated through multiple avenues such as Class Assemblies, Talent Hunt, School Productions and end-of-year Celebration of Learning through a variety of performances spanning poetry, dance, song, instrumental performance, acting and dialogue.

Languages

At AIS, we believe that learning a foreign language is as important as preserving and celebrating our own unique mother tongues. We believe in the strength of diversity: we encourage our students to embrace and celebrate their own cultures and family language, at the same time learn to appreciate the beauty of their classmates’ cultures and languages. We proudly offer French, Kiswahili & Family Language (PYP) as additional language programmes.

HOLISTIC AND BALANCED CURRICULUM

Digital Learning

AIS recognizes the importance of technology as a gateway to the future and acknowledges that learning how to utilize various technologies is crucial for all students in the 21st century. The current digital revolution is transforming the methods of communication, creation, and connection among people. As young as four years old, AIS introduces Information and Communication Technology (ICT) courses to its Early Childhood Department, and extends the program to include emerging technologies. By the time students complete their education at AIS, typically at the age of 18 years, they have gained practical knowledge on making meaningful connections to the latest technological developments. At AIS, technology is viewed as a significant instrument for innovation and growth, and the institution is committed to providing its students with the necessary foundation to navigate the dynamic digital landscape.

Duke of Edinburgh (DofE)

The Duke of Edinburgh’s (DofE) International Award Uganda is a global program that challenges, empowers, and recognizes young learners.The DofE’s unique framework is designed to help students discover that they are more capable and powerful than they ever dreamed. It demonstrates their individual character and represents the life skills they have developed, including confidence, a sense of purpose, resilience, problem-solving, compassion, and respect for diversity. At AIS, our students select from a boquet of tailored clubs in their endeavour to achieve the three levels of this award - Bronze, Silver and Gold.

Student Council

The AIS Student Council is a representative body made up of students from various grades and classes who are elected by their peers to represent their interests and concerns. The student council is responsible for assisting during events and activities within the school.

They also act as a liaison between the students and the school administration, bringing student concerns and suggestions to the attention of school officials. The Student Council members serve as role models for their peers, demonstrating leadership and responsibility through their involvement in school affairs.

HOLISTIC AND BALANCED CURRICULUM

Library

The dual purpose and mission of the AIS library is to develop in students a passion and love for reading, offering a wide selection of academic texts, novels and storybooks, nearly 20,000 individual titles in total and also to enhance and support the International Baccalaureate (IB) PYP, MYP and DP curricula.

School Teams

The AIS Sports Department is committed to assisting students to develop their talents and skills in sports. Currently, the Department offers an array of competitive sporting opportunities and has teams:

• Basketball

• Soccer

• Swimming

• Badminton

• Table Tennis

• Athletics

The various sports teams train several times a week in order to develop their competitive skills and abilities.

FACILITIES

At AIS, our state-of-the-art facilities offer students access to cutting-edge technology, top-notch resources, and modern amenities that enhance their learning experience. This can lead to improved academic performance, better career prospects, and increased personal development.

- Smart Classrooms

- 3 Science Labs

- 2 Art Rooms

- 2 IT Labs

- Music, Dance and Drama Rooms

- Design & Technology Studios with 3D Printers

- Auditorium & Exhibition Areas

- 25m Swimming Pools and Baby Pool

- 2 Outdoor Basketball Courts

- Soccer Fields

- 2 Enclosed and Secure Playgrounds

- 3 Libraries

- Secondary Student Lounge

- Gymnasium (from Aug 2023)

- Cafeteria

- 2 Dining Areas with an Onsite Kitchen

- After School Clubs

- After School Care

- Sickbay

- Transport Services

FACILITIES

Inspiring and empowering: Hear what our parents have to say about AIS!

During my first visit to AIS, I was thoroughly impressed by the warm and welcoming attitude of the staff and teachers, as well as the stunning campus and modern facilities. The school offers both IBDP and Cambridge A Levels curricula for high school students, which provides great flexibility for students to select a curriculum that best suits their learning styles and aspirations. Additionally, the school’s relatively reasonable tuition fees and convenient location made it a top choice for my daughter’s high school education

Ms. Zhang Wanghu Doctor AIS Parent since 2020

My son started Year 4 at AIS in 2016, transitioning from a national school. I was impressed by how effortlessly he adapted to the curriculum and other programs.

AIS adopts an authentic learning approach that encourages curiosity, innovation and passion through research, analysis and problem-solving. The school provides emotional support to students, exemplified by its counselling program which helped my son cope with his father’s passing in 2020. AIS also prioritizes learners’ discipline, making it a well-rounded institution.

Dr. Kulthum Nabunya Officer Education Services – KCCA AIS Parent since 2016

HUSAMEDDIN

MAHMUD ELBANDAGU

When we moved to Uganda one of my main concerns was to seek an adequate school for my 7 years old daughter, 3 things have set as criteria diversity, education standards, and affordab lity can say this was met by AIS and now I am more confident when I see my child surrounded by experienced teachers and staff. and although of the language barrier have noticed a significant progress and my child blended in quickly

PARENT OF AIS SINCE

When we moved to Uganda, one of my main concerns was to seek an adequate school for my 7-year-old daughter. Three things I had set as a criteria were diversity, education standards, and affordability. I can say this was met by AIS and now I am more confident when I see my child surrounded by experienced teachers and staff. Despite the language barrier, I have noticed significant progress and my child blended in quickly.

Mr. Husameddin Mahmud Elbandagu Senior Biomedical Engineer AIS Parent since 2022

Inspiring and empowering: Hear what our parents have to say about AIS!

Initially, I enrolled my daughter at AIS and was impressed by the level of personalized attention and support from the faculty and staff. Later, my son joined in Year 9, the highest class in 2018. Despite being new to the IB system, he quickly adapted thanks to the welcoming ACORNS community. He developed a deep love for learning and a strong work ethic, which still benefits him at university. It's worth noting the extracurricular activities offered at the school, including basketball, badminton, tailoring, volleyball, swimming, and football, among others. Additionally, AIS emphasizes participation with scholars worldwide, resulting in my son becoming a finalist in the World Scholars Championship at Yale University. AIS offers countless opportunities for students to explore and reach their full potential. I've seen the school's growth from 200 students in 2017 to over 700 in 2023, with amazing facilities and continual expansion. With the school's balanced curriculum, I am confident that AIS students will become future leaders worldwide.

Shamira Morvi Businesswoman

Being a student at AIS has helped me with my adjustment to university experience. AIS specifically had a wonderful environment that made me feel comfortable making mistakes, this helped me improve my social skills and also allowed me to learn early from my mistakes, like asking questions in class. AIS also prepared me in time management. As a university student there are so many responsibilities, everything needs to be done on time; AIS helped me in this transition.

Alesar Morvi IBDP

At AIS, the most common learning that people often mention is the importance of hard work, perseverance, and time management. These skills help us succeed not only in our academic endeavours but also in our personal and professional lives. Additionally, learning how to learn and being open to new ideas and perspectives can also be valuable for personal growth and success in any field.

Ahla Juma A Levels

My experience at AIS was truly remarkable. The faculty and staff were incredibly supportive and nurturing, which made for a safe and welcoming learning environment. The A Levels curriculum was challenging but engaging, and the extracurricular activities offered helped me develop a well-rounded set of skills. I will always be grateful for the opportunities and experiences that AIS provided me, which have undoubtedly prepared me for the next stage.

Mustajab Ahmad Alvi A Levels

Plot 328 Kisota Road along, Kampala - Northern Bypass Hwy, Kampala

+256 393 202 665

Admission: admissions@ais.ac.ug

General: info@ais.ac.ug

Careers: https://ais.ac.ug/careers-2/