Acadia International School Prospectus 2023 -2024

This prospectus aims to provide you with an introduction to Acadia International School, our routines, our approach to supporting your child’s learning and development, and how we aim to work together with you to best meet your child’s individual needs.

Our prospectus will tell you about all the main aspects of life at Acadia International School. A booklet can give you a flavour of the school but please do not hesitate to contact the school and arrange a visit, where you can see us in action and discover the things we can offer your child.

Table of Contents

DIRECTORS’ WELCOME MESSAGE

Dear Parents, Guardians, and Children,

It is with great pleasure and immense excitement that we extend our warmest welcome to you as the founders and directors of Acadia International School. We are thrilled to share this prospectus, giving you a glimpse into the wonderful world we are creating for your precious little ones.

At Acadia International School, we believe in the transformative power of early childhood and primary education. With our passion in quality education and 18 years’ experience in parenting, we understand the profound impact that the formative years have on a child's development. Our school is not just a place of learning; it's a nurturing haven where curiosity is sparked, creativity flourishes, and lifelong learning takes root.

With a team of dedicated educators, carefully selected learning materials, and a safe, stimulating environment, Acadia International School is poised to become a beacon of educational excellence. Our approach blends play-based learning with structured activities, fostering a well-rounded development that encompasses cognitive, social, emotional, and physical growth.

In this prospectus, you'll find a roadmap of our educational philosophy, curriculum highlights, and the unique

features that set us apart. We prioritize open communication, collaboration, and a strong partnership between our educators and families, because we understand that the journey of learning is most impactful when it's a shared experience.

Every child is a unique individual with boundless potential, and at Acadia, we are committed to unlocking that potential and nurturing a lifelong love for learning. Our classrooms will be filled with laughter, exploration, and the joy of discovery as we embark on this incredible journey together.

We invite you to explore this prospectus and imagine the possibilities that lie ahead for your child. As the founders of Acadia, we personally invested in creating an environment where your child's dreams and aspirations find their roots.

Thank you for considering Acadia International School as your partner in your child's education. Together, we will lay the foundation for a future where your child's potential knows no bounds.

Warmest regards,

Tom Mpagi and Chantal Makuza Founders and directors, Acadia International School

Tom Mpagi Founder and director Acadia International School

Chantal Makuza Founder and director Acadia International School

Yvonne Wannyana Coordinator Acadia International School

I am delighted to welcome you to Acadia International School, a nurturing and inclusive learning community where young minds thrive. As the Coordinator of this esteemed institution, it is my pleasure to share with you the unique educational experience we offer.

At Acadia International School, we believe that every child is a capable learner with infinite potential. Our dedicated team of educators is committed to providing a stimulating and engaging environment that encourages curiosity, creativity, and critical thinking. We strive to foster a love for learning that will serve as the foundation for the children’s future academic success.

Our curricula are thoughtfully designed to provide a balanced approach to both early childhood education and lower primary, integrating both play-based and inqui ry-based learning methods. Through hands-on activities, interactive projects, and collaborative experiences, we aim to instill a passion for exploration and discovery in our learn ers. We prioritize the development of essential skills such as communication, problem-solving, and social-emotional well-being, enabling our young learners to navigate the challenges of the modern world with confidence.

At Acadia International School, we recognize the importance of Global citizenship Education at all levels. Our diverse Acadia family celebrates the richness of different cultures, fostering an environment of respect, understanding, and acceptance. We believe that embracing diversity helps children to develop empathy, open-mindedness, and a global perspective that will prepare them to become respon sible global citizens.

HISTORY OF THE SCHOOL

Welcome to Acadia International School and thank you for showing interest in the school. Acadia International School was founded in 2022. The school was started by Mr. and Mrs. Tom Mpagi who are the founders and the directors of the school.

Acadia International School officially started in August 2022 as a pre-school but has now expanded to include primary section starting with year one in the academic year 2023/2024. The plan is to gradually grow our primary section from Year One to Year Six offering a full Cambridge Curriculum. Acadia International School currently admits learners from the age of 1.5 years to 7 years.

Acadia is derived from a French name with a strong meaning: “a place of plenty”. We believe that Acadia International School is and will always be a place for your family to be fulfilled with a distinctive experience as we have plenty to offer with love and care. Being part of Acadia International School family, you matter as a Child, Parent, Teacher, Support Staff and Stakeholder.

FIRST DAY AT ACADIA

On the first day at Acadia International School, we want your child to feel happy and safe with us. The staff will work with you to decide on how to help your child to settle into the school. We hope that you and your child enjoy being members of Acadia family and that you find taking part in our school activities interesting and stimulating.

Every child is given a Baseline assessment as soon as they settle in. It is a mixture of tasks

and observational checklists done by the class teacher to know whether the child is working at the expected level or has some learning needs. By having a good understanding of the child’s abilities when they start school, class teachers are able to measure each child's progress and plan for the next steps in their learning. This is also discussed with the parent. The Acadia staff is always ready and willing to discuss with you your ideas, views and any concerns.

Foundation Stage Listener

Pre - Foundation Stage Listener

Foundation Stage 1

Foundation Stage 2

VISION, MISSION, PRINCIPLE AND VALUES

Acadia Vision

To lay a foundation for a holistic education for world leaders of tomorrow

Acadia Mission

To provide each child with a challenging learning environment that allows them to flourish through an outstanding educational experience in order to produce the next generation of well-rounded global citizens.

Key Principle, Every Child is unique.

We believe that every child is a unique child who is constantly learning and can be resilient, capable, confident and self-assured. With this in mind, differentiation is key in all our teaching and learning.

ACADIA VALUES Integrity

In addition to our vision, we have a set of values and key competencies which underpin our school curricula. Acadia values play a crucial role in contributing to the overall development of our learners. By incorporating values education into our curriculum, teachers create an environment where children learn important moral principles, develop social and emotional skills, build a safe and supportive school community, and lay a solid foundation for the learners. Our school prioritize values not only for academic learning but also to shape children's characters, helping them to become responsible, compassionate, and socially conscious individuals.

Acadia family believes in the following core values which are at the heart of everything we do:

Creativity

We have confidence that when supported, children develop the willingness to embrace curiosity, inquiry, reflection, inspiration, innovation, independence, diversity, flexibility and adaptability in order to contribute to a new global society. Creativity will be at the heart of all our learning experiences.

Leadership

Acadia learners are supported to think critically, show resilience, make decisions, solve problems, collaborate, communicate effectively, and be committed to a shared vision.

We believe that children should grow to become global citizens of integrity. At Acadia International School, we aim at raising global leaders who are honest, trustworthy, dependable and respectful. Acadia learners will be able to show these qualities in their everyday lives and pass on this value to others at home and in the community where they live.

Empathy

We nurture our learners to be caring, kind, understanding, and have compassion for all living things. We believe that children should develop empathy right from their childhood so that as future leaders, they are able to care for those they lead and other people around them with compassion.

Global Citizenship

We believe that we are all connected through humanity and our environment, and that it is our shared responsibility to protect and preserve the world that we live in. Global citizens also have a responsibility to respect others and their opinions, and to embrace diversity. We believe that Global citizens can live anywhere in the world and they thrive.

God Fearing

This value anchors who we are as a family. We have respectful feelings towards God and live in a way that is considered morally right.

ACADIA POLICIES

Policies and Procedures

Copies of Acadia’s Policies and Procedures are available for you to read, they can be found on the information table at the school. Our Policies help us to make sure that the service provided by the school is of a high quality and that being a member of the Acadia family is an enjoyable and beneficial experience for each child and her/his parents. Our policies are to be reviewed annually. This review helps us to make sure that the Policies are enabling us to provide a quality service for our learners and parents.

Anti-bullying policy

Safe guarding Policy

Admissions policy

Data protection policy

Language development policy

Mathematics development policy

Rules for parents Policy

Early Years Curriculum

Acadia’s Early Years Curriculum is an inclusive, dynamic program that has been carefully prepared by experienced early years’ teachers with the aim of training a holistic, independent child. The curriculum is an integration of the Early Years Foundation Stage (eyfs) curriculum and the International Early Years curriculum (ieyc) to offer our learners the best learning and development outcomes. The curriculum provides equal learning and development opportunities for all the learners by focusing on each child’s unique learning abilities. It includes co-curricular activities which enable learners to explore more and be the best they can be in the different areas of learning.

Lower Primary Curriculum

Acadia primary learners are offered a Cambridge Primary Curriculum, an internationally recognized education program designed for students aged 5 to 11 years old. It offers a comprehensive and engaging learning experience that aims to foster a strong foundation for academic, personal, and social development in young learners.

The primary objective of Acadia Cambridge Primary Curriculum is to provide a well-rounded education that nurtures students' intellectual curiosity, critical thinking skills, self-reliance, creativity, respect and moral global citizenship for a better world. It is designed to instill a lifelong love for learning while equipping students with essential knowledge and competencies across various subject areas. We ensure that learning occurs within an optimistic and inspiring environment and our learners develop ideas, skills and good character.

Our learners are assessed in five key developmental areas which research shows are linked to later academic outcomes.

Children’s learning and development

Acadia’s curricula aim at building on pupils’ experiences and introduce new academic ventures. They broaden and develop each child’s awareness, basic skills and opportunities for active learning through exploration, investigation and discovery. Our students’ learning also involves using their senses in the experiences which are planned and developed and in those which arise naturally. Opportunities for working with sand, water, paint, modelling, role play, music, outdoor play, counting, ordering, building, looking, listening, talking, sharing, taking turns, occur every day.

Academic Programs

Pre- Foundation Stage Listener (Pre-FSL) - 1.5 years to 2.5 years

A child’s attachment to teachers at this age sets an important foundation for their ability to bond and trust adults in the future. With this in mind, independence, social development and classroom involvement are the focus in this program. Your child’s very first school experience should be wholesome and engaging, building a healthy foundation for lifelong learning. In a short period of time, children quickly flourish in classroom routines making room for deepening friendships and follow simple instructions.

Foundation Stage Listener (FSL) - 2.5 years to 3.5 years

As learners become more comfortable with our school’s environment and transitions, early literacy and math concepts are introduced. In this program, learners begin to learn phonetics, they're introduced to sounds and word reading by rhyming, trace their name, count to 10, sort objects by shapes and colors, compare attributes, start using scissors and draw a person’s face. They are encouraged to speak and answer in sentences, share stories, and use their imagination. They learn to cooperate with friends, take turns, and begin to express emotions and acquire problem solving skills.

Foundation Stage 1 (FS1) - 3.5 years to 4.5 years

This program focuses on strengthening your child’s knowledge of math, literacy, and handwriting skills. Learners are introduced to word reading and practice writing skills daily, learn all sets of jolly phonics sounds, begin blending and segmenting and practice rhyming. They also learn to recognize numbers 1-20, apply simple addition, sort and classify objects, create and extend patterns and count accurately using one-to-one correspondence. Our learners are able to communicate in complete sentences.

Foundation Stage 2 (FS2) - 4.5 years to 6 years

Learners in this program write daily, learn to blend and segment, learn upper case letters, read sight words and short books, learn to count by fives and tens, learn the placement of numbers up to 100, explore geometry and simple patterning, and learn measurement in terms of objects and units. Activities are setup to encourage independent work as well as group collaboration. In term 3, learners do a baseline Assessment to assess their preparedness for year one.

Year One

Acadia International School aims to ensure that all learn ers reach their full academic potential. We provide a broad and balanced education for our learners helping them to thrive throughout their schooling work and life. Year 1 students will find plenty of opportunities for creativity, expression and wellbeing in a variety of ways.

In this program, learners will be introduced to three main subject areas which are Cambridge Primary English,

Observations and Baseline assessments

Observations provide opportunities to gauge learners’ needs and be able to accurately plan the next steps in their learning. At Acadia, observations take place on a regular basis as part of our daily routines. Discuss ing the findings with the child, their parents and team members gives us a starting point for a holistic approach that will ensure that the child is always central to what is planned.

Assessments at Acadia are of three main types:

Baseline assessments

Baseline assessments are done twice; when we first receive a child and when the child is completing pre-school. The outcome of the first assessment is recorded and used by both teachers and parents to identify a child’s strengths and their learning needs. The second assessment takes place towards the end of pre-school when children are in the final term of the Foundation Stage Two Class.

Ongoing assessments

This is what we do on a daily basis to make decisions about what they have learnt or can do already so as to help them move on in their learning – this is sometimes called ‘formative’ assessment because it informs the next steps that are planned with the child and the parent.

Summative assessments:

All learners of FSL, FS1, FS2 and Year 1 are subjected to this assessment every end of term.

Year one learners are assessed in the four main learning areas of English, Mathematics, Science and Global perspectives.

Clubs

School clubs and co-curricular activities offer young children a fantastic opportunity to explore their interests and to develop new skills in a fun and engaging environment. Clubs provide a diverse range of activities tailored to the learners‘ age and abilities. Learners with the help of their parents can choose from a variety of clubs that align with their passions and interests. The clubs not only encourage creativity and self-expression but also promote social interaction, teamwork, and problem-solving skills. Under the guidance of experienced teachers and coaches, children can discover new passions, make friends, and build confidence in a supportive and playful setting. Clubs create a nurturing and supportive atmosphere where children can learn, grow, and make lasting friendships.

Ballet

Introducing our enchanting Ballet Club, where little stars twirl and leap in a world of graceful wonders! Step into the magical world of dance at Acadia and watch your child's creativity soar! Our Ballet Club offers a nurturing space for young minds to embrace the joy of movement and music, fostering confidence and coordination along the way. Join us as we embark on a delightful journey of imagina tion, tutus, and tiaras, making memories to last a lifetime! Let your little ones' dreams take center stage in our captivating Ballet Club!

Swimming

Our swimming club provides a safe and fun environment for all learners to develop vital water skills, boost their confidence, and build lasting friendships. Join us as we embark on an aquatic journey, promoting physical fitness, water safety, and a love for swimming from an early age. Dive in with us and discover the joy of learning and splashing together at Acadia International School's Swimming Club!

Master chef

The Cooking Club at Acadia International School is a fun and educational activity designed to create children’s curiosity, interest and knowledge in cook ery. Learners gather to explore the world of cooking in a safe and supportive environment. Under the guidance of experienced instructors, they learn basic cooking techniques, kitchen safety, and nutri tion. Through hands-on activities and simple recipes, the club aims to foster a love for cooking and develop essential life skills. Join the club and let your little ones unleash their culinary creativity!

Football

We have a fun-filled football club exclusively designed for young learners. Our friendly coaches will nurture your child's love for the beautiful game through playful drills and games. It’s a world of laughter, teamwork, and skill-building, all in a safe and supportive environment. Our little champions will develop teamwork, coordination, and sportsmanship while dribbling towards big smiles and goals. Let's make unforgettable memories on this playful field, where everyone is a winner!

Bible class

At Acadia, we offer Bible classes to our Christian learners as part of our diverse and enriching curriculum. These classes aim at instilling values, ethics and respect for others through the teachings of the Bible. Our experienced instructors will lead engaging sessions, catering for the young minds of our students, fostering a sense of community and understanding. By exploring biblical stories and teachings, we hope to cultivate a foundation of compassion, respect, and open-mindedness among our students, creating a well-rounded educational experience that embraces both academic excellence and spiritual growth. At Acadia International School, we are committed to providing a nurturing environment where every child can flourish intellectually and emotionally, embracing the principles of the Bible to become compassionate global citizens.

Piano Lessons

Acadia International School is thrilled to announce the introduction of piano lessons to its diverse educational offerings. In addition to our music program, interested learners will now have an opportunity to learn how to play the piano. With passionate instructors, students will embark on a transformative musical journey, fostering creativity and discipline. Whether aiming to develop a lifelong love for music or pursue a career in the arts, our piano lessons at Acadia International School will inspire and empower young talents to reach their fullest potential.

Continuing Professional Development

At Acadia International School, we embrace the essence of lifelong learning through our commitment to continuous professional development. Our educators are empowered to evolve alongside the ever-changing educational landscape, engaging in regular workshops, seminars, and collaborative sessions. This dynamic approach ensures that our teachers stay at the forefront of innovative teaching methodologies, enabling them to create an enriching and adaptive learning environment for our diverse learners. Through professional continu ous development, we foster a culture of growth, excel lence, and a shared dedication to nurturing the leaders of tomorrow.

ACADIA ENVIRONMENT

The environment at Acadia International School reflects a dynamic and engaging learning environment both indoors and outside. The school has invested into this area to ensure that all learners have the best possible start to their education.

Classrooms

Our classrooms have a carefully designed learning space to provide inspirational learning opportunities. They each include a Role-play or creative, make-believe kitchen area as well as designated learning zones for literacy, mathematics and knowledge/understanding of the world. All classes are equipped with interactive smart boards, projectors and computers with Wi-Fi access and an inviting reading area. The classroom space has been designed to encompass all areas of the curriculum, ensuring enhanced and continuous learning throughout the day. In addition, every classroom has a provision of a separate washroom for the convenience of our learners.

Our Library

Acadia’s school library is well stocked with age-appropriate learning materials for the learners and a cool, quiet ambiance for reading. It enhances the magic of reading and imagination. It’s a place where our little learners’ minds embark on enchanting adventures through pages of captivating books. The library also nurtures and helps to instill a reading culture in children at an early age.

Art room

We have a vibrant and inspiring Art room with easels and paints which are very resourceful in developing children’s painting and drawing skills. Acadia children unleash their imagination in this conducive environment and also create masterpieces.

Computer room

The computer room is where young minds embark on a digital adventure, exploring the wonders of technology in a safe and engaging environment using computers and IPADs.

Music Room

In our music room, young voices explore the world of rhythm and sound. Our music space and instruments nurture creativity, foster a love for music, and cultivate early musical skills which enables us to nurture a lifelong passion for the arts in our little maestros.

Outdoor Environment

Our outdoor learning space is a secure and safe space for children to learn and play. It enables learners to explore different areas of learning providing opportunities for their social, emotional and physical development. Our outdoor environment includes a swimming pool, water play area, a sand pit, slides, a trampoline, swings, trails and balance planks. There is a roadway for cycling and a garden for planting and digging.

ACADIA’S MEALS AND FEEDING

At Acadia International School, we believe that nourishing young minds goes hand in hand with nurturing young hearts and that a well-fed child is a happy and focused learner. By providing wholesome meals, we aim to fuel their bodies and minds, empowering them to explore, learn, and thrive.

Every day, our skilled chefs prepare delicious meals using fresh, locally sourced ingredients. We prioritize variety, ensuring that our menu includes a wide range of fruits, vegetables, proteins, and whole grains. We believe that exposing learners to different types of food at an early age helps to cultivate their taste buds and

area, fostering a positive and inclusive environment where learners can engage in conversations, pray, practice good table manners, and develop social skills.

We understand the importance of creating a safe and hygienic environment for our students' well-being. Our kitchen facilities meet rigorous standards of cleanliness and adhere to strict food safety protocols. We take every measure to ensure that the meals we provide are prepared and served with the utmost care and attention to detail.

We also accommodate specific dietary requirements or

TRANSPORTATION PICK AND DROP

At Acadia International School, we have a transportation service which looks after children’s safety and convenience as they commute to and from their homes. The school vans at Acadia follow strict protocols and standards to provide a secure and comfortable transportation experience for the young learners.

Our trained and certified drivers are entrusted with the responsibility of operating the school vans, our drivers have the necessary qualifications and experience to handle the transportation of young children. The drivers prioritize the safety of the students by strictly adhering to traffic rules and regulations, following designated routes, and maintaining a cautious and defensive driving approach.

The school vans are regularly inspected and maintained to ensure that they meet safety standards and they are in optimal working conditions. They are equipped with appropriate safety features such as seat belts, child locks, and adequate seating arrangements to ensure the comfort and security of the young learners.

Open communication channels are established between parents, the drivers and school staff to facilitate efficient coordination and address any concerns or emergencies promptly. Parents are kept informed about the pick-up and drop-off times, and emergency contact numbers are readily available in case of any unforeseen situations.

EVENTS AT ACADIA

With a commitment to academic rigor, a nurturing environment, and a plethora of enriching events, Acadia International School stands as a beacon of educational excellence. Our vibrant community is excited to showcase a series of enriching events that foster holistic development throughout the academic year. From engaging Parent – Teacher Conferences to exhilarating sports competitions that promote teamwork, we have

something for everyone.

At Acadia, every event is an opportunity for learners to inspire, learn, grow, thrive, and shine on their journey to become compassionate, confident, and well-rounded global citizens. Together, we shape the future, one bright mind at a time.

ACADIA PARENTS

Parents are regarded as members of the ACADIA FAMILY who have full participatory rights. These include a right to be:

• valued and respected;

• kept informed;

• consulted;

• involved; and

• included at all levels.

How parents take part in Acadia International School

Acadia recognises parents as the first and most important educators of their children.

All of our staff see themselves as partners with parents in providing care and education for their children. There are many ways in which parents take part in making Acadia a welcoming, stimulating and productive place for children and parents, such as:

• exchanging knowledge about their children’s needs, activities, interests and progress with the staff;

• Reviewing the child’s daily book and taking the necessary actions based on the communication from the class teacher;

• attending PTCs (Parent Teacher Conferences);

• sharing their own special interests with the children;

• helping to look after the school property like books which may be sent home as weekend work;

• taking part in events and informal discussions about the activities and curriculum provided by Acadia;

• joining in community activities in which Acadia takes part;

• building friendships with other parents of Acadia.

We welcome parents to drop in and see us in action or to speak with the staff.

Parents’ Reviews

When Stanley reached school going age, we had a critical choice to make about the school he would join. The decision to bring him to Acadia was a quick and simple one based on the vision presented to us. The prospect of having Stanley join an environment that is God fearing and views a child as unique, was exciting. As we draw to the close of his first year of school, we have realized tremendous progress in his development. In him, we see a child that is empathetic, a leader who does not want to leave anyone behind and a very good critical thinker. We sincerely appreciate the efforts by Ms. Yvonne, Ms. Chantal, Ms. Debby, Mr. Enock, coach Dauda and the rest of the team in shaping Stanley. At Acadia we see Stanley growing into a responsible global citizen. With a very clear and simple vision set by Acadia, we envisage a very unique and model international school that will go beyond the pre -school level and we shall be proud to have been associated with it right from the start.

With the care and nurturing that Elijah receives from the staff at Acadia, his character and independence has truly developed. It is wonderful to see his development and growth over the time he has spent at the school. Thank you Acadia for being a home away from home for Elaijah!

Dad Stanley

Mummy Elijah

Acadia International School, where my two toddlers aged 2 and 3 years have been students, has proven to be an exceptional institution. The commitment and dedication of both the teaching and non-teaching staff is remarkable. Their care and concern for the young learners is evident from the moment you step foot into the school grounds.

My daughters are always excited to go to school, a clear testament to the warm and welcoming environment the staff has created. The sight of my little ones hugging their teachers with joy is heartwarming, to say the least.

The school administration and management deserve a

Parent’s reviews

is comprehensive, yet child-friendly, enabling my toddlers to grasp concepts with ease and eagerness. The inclusion of diverse extra-curricular activities has further enriched their learning experience, allowing them to explore their individual interests while fostering essential skills.

In conclusion, Acadia International School is not just a school, but a nurturing ground for young minds. They have set a commendable standard in early childhood education, instilling in my children a love for learning that I believe will serve them well in the years to come. I am truly grateful to be a part of the Acadia family!

Meet the Teachers

Ms. Sandra Musiimenta Foundation Stage 0ne

Ms. Edith Ruth Basalirwa Foundation Stage Listener

Ms. Julie Ssekamatte Year 1

Ms. Marietta Ntulume Pre-Foundation Stage Listener

Ms. Deborah Namubiru Associate Teacher

Ms. Sarah Nabasirye Foundation Stage Two

WE LAY A SOLID FOUNDATION