PSI KYIV Brochure

An IB World School Since 2000

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Contents 3 Welcome to PSI 5 History 7 Mission & Vision 9 Governance & Accreditation 11 Teaching Staff 13 Curriculum 15 Primary Years Programme (PYP) 17 Middle Years Programme (MYP) 19 Diploma Programme (DP) 21 Student Success 23 Campus & Facilities 25 Primary School 27 Secondary School 29 Sport & Health 31 Art & Culture 33 After-school time 35 35 37 39

Additional Services Health Care, Safety & Security Cafeteria & Cafe, School Bus Services Community & Parent Teacher Association (PTA)

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Online Resources

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Admission & Placement

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Welcome to Pechersk School International Kyiv!

We are proud of our motto ‘A Place Where We Belong’ and trust that all who join our school community find this to be true! PSI is a welcoming and vibrant international school. We are honoured to educate approximately 450 students from more than 46 countries around the world. Students and families quickly feel at home and thrive in our motivating, challenging, and safe learning environment.

The atmosphere at PSI is fostered by a dedicated collaboration between students, parents, teachers and staff who work together to maintain an innovative space for independent, lifelong learning. We have been a fully authorised International Baccalaureate (IB) World School since 2000, well equipped for teaching students aged 3-18. PSI is unique because we are the only school in Ukraine offering instruction in all three IB programmes: the Primary Years Programme (PYP), the Middle Years Programme (MYP), and the Diploma Programme (DP). Furthermore, ours is the only international school curriculum in Kyiv to be approved and accepted by the Ukrainian School of External Studies, allowing students to earn credits in that programme.

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WELCOME TO PSI

History Parents seeking a genuinely international education for their children founded PSI as a private, non-profit school in 1995 with 60 students. PSI has always offered international and local families in Kyiv a world-class education, with English as the language of instruction.

Since our beginnings, we have grown steadily to almost 450 students, with 70% of the student population from the expatriate diplomatic, government and business communities.

First PSI Board of Governors at the First Board, 1995 Barbara James (USA), Luis Baquerisa (Argentina), Tuscia Schmorhun Hawrylyshyn (Switzerland), Vira Nanivska (Ukraine), Wilfred Vogue (USA), Lady Claire Asquit

1995

1997

1998

2000

2002

2017

PSI founded by a group of international parents

PSI authorised to offer IB MYP

PSI authorised to offer IB DP

PSI authorised to offer IB PYP

PSI accredited by NEASC and CIS

PSI New Phase 2 building completed

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WELCOME TO PSI

WELCOME TO PSI

Mission & Vision At PSI, we are clear about being guided by our mission and vision! In simple terms, we exist to fulfill our mission statement: Pechersk School International is a diverse learning community, which provides an academically challenging programme in a student centred environment. As an IB World School, PSI is committed to developing well rounded, global citizens by promoting personal excellence in the classroom and beyond.

We are confident that we can meet the holistic needs of the child, both personally and academically. We offer a creative and integrated set of programmes and values based on the IB Learner Profile. Throughout the school, our teachers inspire students to become inquirers, knowledgeable, thinkers, communicators, principled, open-minded, caring, risk-takers, balanced and reflective learners.

At PSI, we highly value our vision statement: We grow. We lead. We succeed. We are motivated towards achieving this vision for all of our school community members.

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WELCOME TO PSI

Governance & Accreditation Our school is governed by twelve board members, eleven of whom are parent elected, and one who is appointed by the Ambassador of the US Embassy.

The board meets monthly, with each member serving a three-year term. This allows for the thorough and dedicated focus and consistency needed to implement effective strategy and policy direction. The board oversees the process of guiding school finance and establishing policies and programmes, while holding the director and principals responsible for the day-to-day administration of the School.

PSI is the only school in Ukraine to hold dual international school accreditation with the Council of International Schools (CIS) in Europe and the New England Association of Schools and Colleges (NEASC) in the United States. This means that we go through rigorous steps to maintain our high standards for teaching and learning, as well as for the facilities, extracurricular activities and the environment that makes us so special.

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WELCOME TO PSI

Teaching Staff PSI ensures that student learning is engaging, relevant, challenging and significant. To this end, our teachers are certified, experienced and committed professionals.

The majority of teachers hold advanced degrees in education and specialist fields from a range of universities in North America, Europe and Australasia.

We employ our expatriate teachers from recognised international school recruitment organisations that rigorously screen the background and experience of candidates.

The national teaching staff at PSI are trained graduates and teachers from Ukrainian and American universities.

Many of our teachers continue their education through further specialist training with the support and encouragement of PSI. Additionally, we provide regular professional training for all staff to update their skills in the best international school practices, in turn enabling all students to reach their highest potential.

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Curriculum

PSI offers an academic curriculum using the authorised programmes of the IB. These are regarded as prestigious, challenging and relevant to students’ learning needs for the 21st century as well as the circumstances of internationally mobile families from all countries. Our curriculum and activities are regularly reviewed for quality and suitability to ensure that we meet the evolving needs of our growing community.

All of our instruction is in the English language apart from mother tongue or additional language classes.

PSI supports students with a strong English as an Additional Language programme, as well as through a Learning Support programme that is designed to meet the requirements of a small number of students with mild learning needs. Take a look at our website under Learning for further information about our academic programmes.

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CURRICULUM

Primary Years Programme (PYP): Early Childhood Grade 5 By its nature, the PYP fosters an inquiring mind and empowers students to become agents of their own learning. We believe that students learn best when education is authentic, conceptual and transdisciplinary. We have chosen the IB PYP because it provides a framework for developing a rigorous, coherent programme of international education, with the student at the centre of the learning process. The PYP offers a balanced approach to developing relevant knowledge, skills, concepts and positive learning attitudes that lead to taking action.

Our programme of inquiry is transdisciplinary, which means that it recognises a range of global themes that incorporate the traditional subject areas of maths, language, social studies and science. The programme of inquiry is developed from six transdisciplinary themes that allow students to explore concepts from a variety of perspectives, both local and global. The programme of inquiry ensures that students will: –– Develop conceptual understandings –– Research issues of personal, local and global significance –– Develop positive attitudes towards people, the environment and learning –– Develop a range of transdisciplinary skills –– Engage in meaningful action

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CURRICULUM

Middle Years Programme (MYP): Grades 6 - 10 Students enter the Secondary School in Grade 6 and are introduced to the IB MYP, which offers a broad and balanced range of subjects, with a strong emphasis on the ideals of international mindedness and responsible citizenship. Students develop the knowledge, attitudes, skills and conceptual understandings they will need to participate actively and responsibly in an ever-changing and increasingly interrelated world.

Student engagement in inquiry and action leads to independent learners who recognise the relationships between school subjects and the world outside. In each of the five years of the programme, students study eight subjects: Language and Literature, Language Acquisition, Individuals & Societies, Science, Mathematics, Arts, Design, and Physical & Health Education. In Grade 10, students complete the Personal Project - an independent body of work achieved over an extended period of time. The MYP provides students with the academic rigour required to prepare for the IB Diploma Programme.

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CURRICULUM

Diploma Programme (DP): Grades 11 - 12 At PSI, we have a genuine interest in each individual and so we offer a range of options to suit our students.

Based on performance, interests and needs, students may work toward the full IB Diploma, a selection of IB Certificates and / or the PSI High School Diploma.

The IB DP is a challenging two-year curriculum, widely considered the most rigorous high school programme available.

Through a broad range of courses, the Creativity Action Service (CAS) programme, and an in-depth research project called the Extended Essay, the DP encourages students to ask challenging questions, to develop a strong sense of their own identity and culture, and to communicate with and understand others in order to be successful global citizens. Students who complete this programme enjoy a competitive edge in admission to colleges and universities around the world.

PSI has a proven record of exceeding international norms for the IB, both in our percentage of passing students and in our overall scores.

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CURRICULUM

Student Success PSI is proud of the ongoing success of its programmes, student cohorts and individuals. We consistently achieve a pass rate on the IB Diploma examinations that exceeds international averages. Our average total Diploma score of 34 points and individual grade score of 5.38 points are also both above the world and regional averages for all students. PSI has had several students earning 40 points or above, which places them in the top 3% of the world. In recent years, we have graduates accepted to well known institutions such as Oxford University, Cambridge University, King’s College London, and the University of Edinburgh, in the UK; and Harvard University, Stanford University, Yale University, Duke University and Columbia University, in the USA.

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Campus & Facilities PSI is conveniently located in the residential suburb of Holosiivska. Our campus is easily accessible from the Kyiv city centre by public transport or by our private school bus system. Both the Holosiivska and Demiivska blue line metro stations are a short walk from school.

We are delighted with our recent campus renovations and the addition of a new, state of the art, multipurpose building, enhancing what we offer to the entire school community. The campus includes three blocks that house our Primary and Secondary Schools, with specialist facilities that provide ample space and flexibility for events, meetings and extracurricular activities.

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C A M P U S & FA C I L I T I E S

Primary School –– Dedicated Early Childhood classrooms, cloakroom and playground –– Primary classrooms for Kindergarten – Grade 5 –– Specialist Primary rooms for Art and Music –– Primary library –– Makerspace room

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C A M P U S & FA C I L I T I E S

Secondary School –– Specialist classrooms for Individuals and Societies, English language and literature, English as an additional language, and Additional Languages –– Visual Arts classroom –– Music room with an array of instruments and equipment available –– Physics, Chemistry and Biology laboratories with purpose-built equipment, sinks and ventilation –– Design workshop –– Secondary library –– IB Zone, a space for study and collaboration

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C A M P U S & FA C I L I T I E S

Sports & Health –– Aquatics centre with heated, 5 lane, 25m swimming pool and Learn to Swim Pool –– Double gymnasium with markings for multiple indoor sports, which is home to PSI Panthers teams for sports training and hosting matches –– Climbing wall for PHE lessons and extracurricular activities –– Basketball courts and all-weather covered pitch

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C A M P U S & FA C I L I T I E S

Art & Culture –– Exhibition space for visual art display, student presentations and project exhibitions –– Auditorium with state of the art surroundings including lighting and sound facilities for assemblies, performances, concerts and meetings –– Drama room –– Dance studio –– Media space with green screen and high-definition video recording and editing equipment

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C A M P U S & FA C I L I T I E S

After-school time –– Outdoor playgrounds –– Outdoor amphitheatre for summer concerts, events and outdoor learning –– Purpose designed cafeteria with brand new facilities catering for all students and staff –– We Belong Cafe for community use during the day and after school –– Extensive extracurricular activity programme

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Additional Services As well as our academic and extracurricular programmes, PSI offers support in the following areas:

Health Care PSI employs a full time Medical Doctor and Medical Assistant as well as numerous other staff members also trained in first aid. The School Clinic is equipped to provide assistance with basic first aid and emergency care, distribution of medicines with parental permission, and student health advice during the school day. Our medical staff provide first aid support during school sponsored sporting events. All classrooms at PSI are provided with air conditioners for summer weather and are well-insulated and heated for winter extremes.

The school places a high priority on cleanliness with thorough daily cleaning routines.

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ADDITIONAL SERVICES

Safety & Security PSI seeks to provide the safest environment for students, parents and staff. Security guards are on site monitoring the campus twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week. At the front gate, a security turnstile system based on RFID badges is in place and all people accessing our campus are cleared through on-screen photo displays or are issued temporary visitor security passes.

School Bus Services PSI contracts with a private transport company to provide bus transportation for students at the beginning and end of the school day, including bus service after extracurricular activities. Buses are also available for students to use during the school day for educational visits and to compete against other local school teams.

Cafeteria & Cafe A private catering company is contracted by PSI and monitored by a Food Committee consisting of parents and teachers, with input from students. The cafeteria provides nutritious, child-oriented international meals.

The use of the cafeteria is optional and parents are welcome to provide students with a homemade, healthy lunch. We also enjoy the modern We Belong Cafe, with flexible meeting spaces, available to the whole PSI community throughout the day.

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ADDITIONAL SERVICES

Community & Parent Teacher Association (PTA) At PSI, we enjoy a community atmosphere and the support of a dedicated, multinational PTA who help foster the spirit of belonging. There are numerous activities and annual events organised throughout the year by both the school and the PTA. International Night is a highlight each year, a wonderful way to showcase and celebrate the rich cultural heritage and cuisine of the nationalities represented at PSI.

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Online Resources The Learning, Student Services and Admissions sections of the website provide additional information on the following topics: –– –– –– –– –– –– –– –– –– –– –– ––

Counsellors The School Day Ukrainian Externum Programme Student Council Week Without Walls Community Action Service Projects Arts Athletics Information Technology Library Mother Tongue Programme Extra Curricular Activities Programme

To find more about PSI, take a look at our social media resources: –– Facebook –– Twitter –– Instagram –– LinkedIn –– Youtube channel

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Admission & Placement Thank you for considering our school!

If you are interested in enrolling your child at PSI, please complete the online application form on our website Apply now https://goo.gl/zmfSVB If you are interested in visiting our campus, please make an appointment with the Admissions Office by filling out the Arrange a Visit form on our website or call at +38 044 377 52 92.

We welcome applications for children of all ages (from 3 to 16 yers old) and nationalities throughout the school year and will consider all prospective applicants unless it is believed that admission would not be in the best interests of the applicant or the school.

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PSI Kyiv At A Glance PSI Kyiv

Teachers

Additional Languages

External Testing

PSI has been an IB World school since 2000.

All teachers are fully certified in their area of instruction. 64% hold advanced degrees, including Masters and PhDs.

PSI annually conducts MAP testing in Grades 3 - 8, ACER / ISA testing in Grades 3-9, the Preliminary Scholastic Aptitude Test (PSAT) in Grades 10 and 11 and the IB Diploma in Grade 12.

A Place Where We Belong.

Accreditations

PSI offers a choice of three additional languages in Primary School: Ukrainian, Spanish and Russian and four in Secondary: Ukrainian, Spanish, Russian and French.

Vision

PSI proudly holds dual international school accreditation with CIS and NEASC.

Ukrainian Externum

Grade 12 Results Annually, our IB Diploma scores are well above the regional and world average.

We have International Baccalaureate World School status and are the only school in Ukraine fully authorised for instruction in all three IB programmes.

PSI is the only international school in Kyiv to have a curriculum that is approved and accepted by the Ukrainian School of External Studies, allowing students to work toward dual diplomas in the Ukrainian and IB systems.

Mother Tongue Programme

Information Technology Focus

Location

PSI facilitates a successful wide Mother Tongue programme to support students in their native language.

We are an IT-rich school with an established Bring Your Own Device technology programme in Grades 6 to 12.

The school is located in residential Holosiivska, a few minutes from the Demiivska metro station.

Special Education Needs

Extracurricular Activities

Green Flag Status

Our specialised staff provide individual programmes for students with a range of special needs.

Over 100 exciting programmes and over 50 events are provided every school year.

Our Green Committee is comprised of students, parents and staff who are passionate about education, participation and change in the area of refuse recycling and environmental sustainability. We are currently on a five-year plan to become a prestigious Green Flag school.

Motto

We grow. We lead. We succeed.

Curriculum Governance PSI is the largest non-profit international school in Kyiv, with a parent- elected Board of Governors.

Community We are a diverse and friendly international school community serving more than 45 nationalities.

University Placements PSI graduates attend leading universities around the world, especially in the United States, United Kingdom and Europe.

Students From Early Childhood (3 years old) to Grade 12, 450 students attend PSI.

Classroom Nationality Ratio 70% of all classroom positions are held for expatriate students.

CEESA English Language Support Specialised classes, small group programmes and in-class support are provided to English language learners.

PSI is a proud member of the Central and Eastern European Schools Association (CEESA) network, providing staff and students with unique international experiences.

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The International Baccalaureate is a worldrecognised leader in curriculum and programmes for students from Early Childhood to Grade 12. PSI is the only school in Ukraine to offer the IB at all grade levels.

The Educational Collaborative for International Schools is an organisation that promotes training and professional conversations about the challenges and opportunities in international schools. PSI is a proud member of this coalition of schools.

The Council for International Schools provides a set of rigorous standards for schools around the world. Their accreditation is also recognised by schools and universities worldwide.

The New England Association of Schools and Colleges is an American-based accrediting agency with standards that are recognised by universities in North America and beyond.

The Central and Eastern European Schools Association is a coalition of schools in the region that provides competitive sports and academic activities for students as well as collaboration and training for teachers and administrators.

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Pechersk School International Kyiv — 7a Victora Zabily, Kyiv, Ukraine, 03039 Phone: (380 44) 377 5292 Fax: (380 44) 377 5242 communication@psi.kiev.ua — www.psi.kiev.ua

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