International In Every Way 2019

SEOUL FOREIGN SCHOOL

INTERNATIONAL IN EVERY WAY

Mission Statement Seoul Foreign School, centered in Christ, inspires a passion for learning, pursues academic and creative excellence and is dedicated to the service of others.

WELCOME TO SEOUL FOREIGN SCHOOL

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elcome to Seoul Foreign School and thank you for your interest. Whether you are a long-term resident or new to Seoul, whatever the age, interests or background of your child, we offer the very best education in the city. On our world-class 26 acre campus we offer both the IB Programme and the English National Curriculum. We take children from the age of two and educate and nurture them until they leave our High School as fully rounded, creative, intelligent and kind young adults.

Take a look at the story of our school and look around our campus. Engage with our passionate and committed faculty and see our students go about their daily routines. Then make the decision to join the Seoul Foreign School community.

Colm Flanagan Head of School

Inspiring E xcellence, Building Character - since 1912

1450 STUDENTS

AGES 2 - 18

50 NATIONALITIES

4 SCHOOLS

2 CURRICULUMS

400+ UNIVERSITY ACCEPTANCES

Our Legacy

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eoul Foreign School has one of the richest and longest established legacies in Korea and indeed the world. Founded in 1912 by missionaries, the school hired Ethel Underwood as their first teacher for children of expat families. The school has been a landmark in Seoul ever since.

1919

SFS began in a tiny room with one class of 10 pupils. It is now the educational force you see today, embracing 4 schools, 2 curriculums and a world-class 26 acre campus. What remains the same is our integral message: academic excellence, a culture of service and a globally diverse community.

Over the years, Seoul Foreign School has insprired the loyalty of its students, parents and teachers. Across the span of a century, SFS has been led by only four Heads of School ensuring a consistency of message and a commitment to excellence. Indeed, many of our alumni return to our school as parents and teachers.

1971

We continue to attract the finest educators from all parts of the globe.

Our current faculty number over 200. They are passionate, caring and committed to sharing our enduring values and making all our students the very best that they can be.

The legacy of Seoul Foreign School lives on and we invite your children to be part of this very special story.

2019

O UR 4 S CHO OLS U N ITED I N ON E V ISION

ELEMENTARY SCHOOL

MIDDLE SCHOOL

BRITISH SCHOOL

HIGH SCHOOL

O UR 2 C U RR IC ULUMS

Students can choose to follow the International Baccelaurate Programme (age 2 - 18) or the English National Curriculum (age 3 - 14).

We welcome students of all ages.

A Learning Journey for All

2 EDUCATIONAL PATHWAYS SEOUL FOREIGN ELEMENTARY SCHOOL

SEOUL FOREIGN BRITISH SCHOOL Foundation, Key Stage 1&2

SEOUL FOREIGN MIDDLE SCHOOL

SEOUL FOREIGN BRITISH SCHOOL Key Stage 3

SEOUL FOREIGN HIGH SCHOOL “It doesn’t matter whether our students come from the Middle School, British School, or any where in the world, after two days here, they are all SFS High Schoolers.”

SFHS Principal

1 OUTSTANDING FACULT Y

Whatever the age or stage of your child they will experience exceptional teaching. We employ over 200 faculty with an average of 13 years teaching experience. They are supported by over 50 teaching assistants. Over 60% of our faculty have post gradutate degrees or doctorates.

They originate from 17 different countries in total with the majority hailing from the USA, Canada, the UK, Australia and Korea.

Our committed faculty also engage with the students in extracurricular activities, including overseas service trips, international sporting competitions and arts programs.

ELEMENTARY SCHO OL (AGES 2 - 11)

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tudents at Seoul Foreign Elementary School follow the IB Primary Years Programme (PYP) through which they explore their talents, embrace inquiry and learn to see themselves as strong, capable and resilient learners.

Our 440 Elementary students benefit from a modern building where they study in large, well-equipped classrooms. They have access to playgrounds, a library, music, art and support rooms.

They are provided with an array of opportunities to develop an insatiable curiosity for learning. Through fun and engaging activities their social, emotional and academic growth is supported. Here in the Elementary School we establish the groundwork for life-long learning.

“My favorite part about SFS is that everyone cares about each other.�

Nora Chu - Elementary School Student

The approach to teaching and learning in the Early Years at SFS is centered around the belief that young children learn best through play.

An inquiry-based approach to teaching and learning provides a supportive structure that meets the needs of a diverse range of learners and provides for a creative expression of ideas.

Learning at a conceptual level of understanding ensures students can think critically and creatively and can construct and apply meaningful connections across the curriculum.

When our children graduate from the Elementary School, they are creative, rounded and resilient individuals with a passion for learning. They are prepared for great success in the Middle School.

MIDDLE SCHO OL (AGES 11 - 14)

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e believe the Middle School years are a crucial stepping stone between our Elementary School and our High School.

The IB Middle Years Programme (MYP) provides a challenging framework of learning which encourages students to become creative, critical and reflective thinkers.

We believe the journey of learning is as important as the destination.

Our Middle School years build upon the knowledge, skills and attitudes developed in the IB Primary Years Programme (PYP) and prepares students to meet the academic challenges of the IB Diploma Programme (DP).

“I love SFS because it feels like a community where everyone knows each other and takes care of each other.�

Kate Choi - Middle School Student

At a time of rapid intellectual and personal change, students strengthen their independent learning skills and begin to pursue specific learning interests.

Our faculty strives to create a learning environment that encourages challenge within a culture of exploration.

Our students are guided in developing knowledge, embracing the attitudes and acquiring the skills they need to manage complexity and take responsibility for their future.

Students come to us as children and they leave as young adults.

BRITISH SCHO OL (AGES 3- 14)

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eoul Foreign British School is the longest established English National Curriculum (ENC) School in Seoul.

Overlooking the woods, the school opened in 1981 as a small one-class school. The British School became part of the proud heritage of Seoul Foreign School in 1992.

We are big enough to enjoy great facilities and resources but small enough for our well-trained teachers to personalize each child’s learning. Class sizes are small and all children are fully supported.

We embrace all the values of Seoul Foreign School and add a distincly British ethos.

“The British School has plenty of great teachers and the students are very welcoming and generous. The teachers in SFBS are some of the most caring teachers I ever had.”

Matthew Alemania - British School Student

From Foundation Stage we believe that young children learn best when they enjoy what they are doing and are challenged.

To prepare for the future of tomorrow, we teach our students the invaluable skills of thinking, relevance and collaboration. We use the IPC (International Primary Curriculum) as a framework to ensure our students are socially and internationally minded.

Students will enjoy a warm, inspiring and challenging experience which will contribute to their development as healthy, enquiring, capable and confident young adults.

We encourage our students to become life-long learners.

When they leave the British School they will have also learned to value others.

HIGH SCHO OL (AGES 14 - 18)

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strong and successful High School is at the heart of Seoul Foreign School.

In August 2018 we opened our brand new state-of-theart High School building. This was designed to meet the growing and changing needs of modern students on the brink of adulthood. Each student has access to excellent teaching and our passionate faculty guides them on their journey into the world.

Our High School students study the MYP and DP as part of the IB. They are educated as individuals with respect and thought for where they are and where they want to be.

“Make the most of your short 4 years. It’ll go by faster than you can imagine. Learn to learn, but also learn to laugh and learn to love.”

Janet Lee - High School Student

Our aim is to nurture life-long learners with a strong foundation of academic skills, a desire to be creative and the ability to work well both independently and in groups.

Whatever your passions and hopes, these four years will be a time of incredible experience and growth. We encourage all of our students to challenge themselves and their comfort zones.

Through inquiry, experimentation and reflection, SFS students are exposed to the wealth of career paths available, while preparing for the next stage of the IB Programme.

HS students go from the MYP to the DP - supported and nurtured every step of the way.

We believe that the IBDP is excellent preparation for success at university and beyond.

2017 - 2022 Strategic Plan Areas of Key Focus

schoolwide extracurricular program

after school fun

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tudent learning doesn’t stop at 3:00 PM at Seoul Foreign School.

Our after-school program supports the various interests of our students, whether they be artistic, athletic, strategic, spiritual or academic.

We offer a huge variety of activities where students can develop their talents, interests and social skills. Our program includes art, games, langauge, performing arts and sports and fitness. We also have Christian Ministries, music lessons and sectional activities.

Club activities include: • • • • • • •

Robotics Coding Art & Design Aquatics Dance Chess Bouldering

• • • • • •

Choir Music Badminton Soccer Taekwando Yoga

Our students are also busy at weekends with our Saturday Sports Program. Talk to us about your passion.

ARTS & M USIC

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eoul Foreign School embraces all the arts. It recognizes that studying and creating music, theatre and art is a vital part of educating a young person. We teach skills that can be part of a life-long journey.

We are a school with three beautiful theatres and many purpose built art instruction spaces. Creativity is an essential element of our campus.

Our students have every opportunity to share their artistic talents. Take a walk around SFS and witness exactly what’s going on in our art rooms and students’ creative minds. They enter and find success in national and international arts competitions such as the Scholastic Art & Writing Awards, National Merit Awards and more.

The curricular program begins in Pre-school/Reception and culminates in the IB Music course of the IB Diploma Programme. Our students have the opportunity to play a diverse selection of instruments until they find the ones they love.

Visual Arts

Drama

The visual arts program spans all age levels in all four school sections. Early arts courses focus on teaching students basic art skills, knowledge and understanding through activities focused on basic elements of design such as line, color and shape.

Instruments Many of our students play two instruments or more. They have a chance to perform individually and in small groups to audiences big and small throughout the school year.

Talk to us about how we can develop your child’s talents and add another string to their bow.

Choir If your child has an interest in singing in any form, Seoul Foreign School is the place to be. All our students have a chance to sing under experienced choir directors. Our chorists perform around the World!

Musicals Our highly experienced theatre team direct and inspire our students in many different musicals throughout the school year. From stage design to center stage students are given the chance to develop their talents.

Drama As part of the curriuclum and the extracurricular program, our students have the chance to take drama classes and workshops. They mature and grow in confidence and blossom as young adults.

Concerts Our students perform in a huge number of concerts and shows from a Night of Jazz to a modern ballet to a Battle of the Bands. They perform individually and as part of an ensemble. We give our students the opportunities, encouragement and tuition to reach for the stars.

M USICALS , DR A M A & CONCERTS

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eoul Foreign School has long been well known for the quality of our performing arts.

There are musicals where you can easily forget that you are not on Broadway. There are plays where the audience will laugh and cry and be immersed in the telling of a story. There are concerts where the audience is astonished and amazed by the breadth and depth of the performance.

Recent highlights include Anything Goes, Shakespeare Rocks, A Wrinkle in Time, Bye Bye Birdie, The Wizard of Oz, Spamalot, Grease, The Addams Family, The Crucible, The Lion King, Romeo and Juliet and many more.

We are supported by faculty and by an incredible number of parents who are equally passionate about being the best! We offer our students the chance to learn behind-the-scenes with our Crusader Live Program. It’s no cliché to say there is a chance for everyone to find their forté.

SPORT

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e offer an extensive sport program to suit every student. From the day they begin at Seoul Foreign School, students take physical education as part of their daily curriculum. They can supplement this with as much extra sporting activity as they desire. We have world-class facilities including a 6-lane, 25 meter pool in addition to fields and courts where our students regularly practise and compete.

Our schools are part of international sporting groups and competitions and we send our students around the region to compete in Sports including Soccer, Athletics and Swimming.

We are part of FOBISIA, KAIAC, APAC among others.

We believe that a child needs to establish healthy habits for life. If children exercise and compete physically, they achieve greater academic achievement and holistic fulfillment. There is a well-documented link between a healthy body and healthy mind.

Your child can play on a team or compete individually. They may simply want to be a supporter. Our sports program is for all ages and runs all year round.

Physical Activity

Drama

We believe in getting students active as early as possible.

We see our students grow in confidence from early years ball play to triumph with our elite soccer squad in High School. Pre-K dancing at recess leads to success and teamwork in cheerleading.

Sports Students take part in cross-country running, volleyball, tennis, soccer, basketball, cheerleading, badminton and table tennis at all levels. Talk to our committed and talented faculty about your child’s potential.

Aquatics Our swimming pool is a key feature on our campus. It is busy all hours of the day from 6AM and beyond with individual classes, team practice and international competitions. It is also available for recreational swimming and play!

CA MPUS

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ne of the many reasons for choosing Seoul Foreign School is our incredible campus. Often termed the “Academy on the Hill�, the school sits on a 26 acre forested plot.

The school boasts playing fields, two gymnasiums, a bouldering room, a large swimming pool, four playgrounds and many more green spaces.

The facilities are second to none.

Classrooms are designed to maximize inspiration and creativity. They are large, bright and colorful providing a safe and comfortable learning environment. Specialized instruction is catered for throughout school with science labs, art rooms, design areas and much more.

We are constantly updating our facilities and rebuilding for the future. In the last two decades we have built new schools, theatres and revitalised the campus. Our new High School building opened in 2018 and SFS remains at the forefront of educational development both internationally and in Seoul.

SERVICE

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commitment to service is one of the key principles of life at Seoul Foreign School. Our students learn to serve the wider community from a very early age and this service ethic continues to graduation and beyond. As part of the Seoul community, we see service to our neighbors as an integral part of the SFS mission.

We run many varied projects throughout the school year.

These include feeding the homeless, helping medical centers and supporting local orphanages. Our students get involved in generating, planning and helping in these activites while learning a sense of responsibility and community.

We are also committed to several long-term major projects.

Every year our High School students take part in Discovery Week service trips to destinations such as Indonesia, Philippines, Vietnam, India and Tanzania. We also support Dongdaewon, a North Korean tuberculosis clinic. This initiative is a highlight of our school service year.

Sometimes a unique project comes along. In 2018 SFS was the only international school to send a team of volunteers to the PyeongChang Winter Olympics, hosted in South Korea.

SUPPORT

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o run a campus the size of Seoul Foreign School we need an extensive support network. We have established this over the past century and now have a school that is second to none in Seoul.

TRANSPORTATION

We own our fleet of 25+ yellow buses whose loyal drivers transport our students all over Seoul in the morning and after school. We also offer a late bus service. This ensures maximum convenience and safety for parents and students alike.

TECHNOLOGY

We have one of the most comprehensive technology systems and teams in education. We are committed to developing healthy technology habits in our students. Our E-Tech Support Team makes each lesson - its delivery and feedback - the best it can be.

LIBRARIES

Each school has its own library and media services. Our passionate specialists are on hand to advise students, parents and teachers on the best practices in literacy. Our Middle Year library has won awards following its design and installation in 2018.

HEALTH & COUNSELING

Our students’ physical and mental health is of paramount importance.

We have a fully trained counseling team in every school section and a fully equipped and staffed schoolwide medical department. Children have access to learning support where necessary. They are helped, guided and included throughout their time at SFS.

UNIVERSIT Y PL ACEMENTS

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rom the day a student steps on to our campus, we are preparing them to leave. We guide them all whether they join in our Early Years or in High School; whether they follow the full International Baccalaureate programme or the English National Curriculum; whether they seek the highest academic honors or a vocation or a passion. Dreams are dreams and we support everyone of our students.

At Seoul Foreign School, we acknowledge the individual journey of each student. During their high school years, students work with individual counselors to decide on the future that is right for them.

We are very proud of our university placements. Currently, SFS graduates are studying at many of the world’s most prestigious universities including Yale, Cornell, Brown, UC Berkeley, Kings College London, University of Cambridge and Hong Kong University. Others pursue careers in the arts at schools such as Berklee, Parsons and Courtauld Institute of Art. Our students are encouraged to choose the path that is right for them.

PARENT TEACHER A SSOCIATION

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he Parent Teacher Association at Seoul Foreign School welcomes you! The four sections (Elementary, Middle, British and High School) exist to enrich the lives of all SFS families.

We encourage you to be a part of this vibrant, international group. The PTA is one of the greatest tools in bringing all parts of our community together.

They support student and teacher initiatives including organizing events, welcoming newcomers and providing a social framework for the school. They host Coffee Mornings and days out for new families. They help organize big events such as the International Fair and the Family Dinner Dance.

The PTA and all our parents are the backbone of the SFS community. It’s not just the student who joins our school. The whole family will feel welcomed from Day One.

alumni Alex Paik, SFS 1996 - 2004 After graduating from SFS, Alex attended Oberlin College and graduated with honors while double majoring in East Asian Studies and Politics. After working in both the USA and China, Alex eventually made his way back to Seoul.

Alex founded his own PR & Marketing agency (AP Communications) which specializes in international marketing for Korean businesses and organizations. Alex is also engaged in several startups and projects in Korea.

“Life in a foreign country is challenging as there are always a lot of variables, but SFS was always my rock. The deep academic curriculum, the rich extracurricular programs and of course the amazing network of teachers, students and staff created the perfect environment for me to push myself, learn and explore.”

Nick Park, SFS 1987 - 1993 Nick graduated from SFS in 1993. While here, he was active in music and sports serving as captain of the Jazz Band and captain of the tennis team. He continues to serve on the SFS Alumni Committee.

Nick received a BA in Sociology and Anthropology at Lafayette College and went on to obtain his Master of Business Administration and Juris Doctorate from American University in Washington, DC. He is a licensed attorney and is currently a managing partner of one of the oldest law firms in Korea, Lee International. In 2016 and 2017 he won the M&A Lawyer of the Year Award by two leading publications and has been listed in Who’s Who for legal since 2002. Nick also serves on the board of several multinational companies and is active in the community.

“To this day, I will never forget the fundamental values that SFS instilled in me. Things like a strong work ethic, an open heart and a desire to always do the right thing.”

Paul Rader, SFS 1990 - 2004 Paul attended Seoul Foreign School from 1990 to 2004, starting in the British School Reception at age 4 before switching to the Elementary School. After graduation he attended Asbury College in Kentucky, majoring in Secondary English Education. “Early on in my time at Asbury, I decided to pursue education, with the goal of becoming an international school teacher, because I wanted to be able to live and work outside of the USA.” Paul returned to teach at SFS because of the school’s educational philosophy. He admires the excellent world-encompassing education, which also teaches Christian values.

“My personal character and world view was shaped by my teachers and our school community.”

Ellana Lee, SFS 1977 - 1988 Currently, Ellana is senior vice president and managing editor of CNN International based in the Asia Pacific headquarters of Hong Kong. As the most senior executive outside of the USA, she has global oversight of the network’s expansive roster of feature programs and staff working from CNN production hubs in Hong Kong, London, Abu Dhabi, New York and Atlanta.

As head of the Asia Pacific network, she manages CNN’s award-winning on-air and online news and feature programming produced throughout the region.

In recognition of her leadership position, Ellana was named a ‘Young Global Leader’ by the World Economic Forum and is an Asia 21 fellow as awarded by the Asia Society. She is a graduate of Harvard’s ‘Global Leadership and Public Policy for the 21st Century’ Executive Program and is also a member of the Council on Foreign Relations.

“I believe the Christian values taught at SFS gave me a foundation in life when I had to move away from the security of family and school. I credit my time at SFS for developing me into the person and manager that I am today.”

COM M UNIT Y ENGAGEMENT

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e encourage you to be a life-long member of the Seoul Foreign School community. We are a non-profit school and all tuition fees go towards developing, nurturing and educating your children.

We invite all parents to give back to the school with their time, experience and spirit. Of course, you may also choose to make a financial donation. There are many way to contribute to the future of Seoul Foreign School.

By making a contribution, you will be joining hundreds of students, faculty, staff, parents, alumni and friends who have already expressed their desire to help our school provide extraordinary learning opportunities. Your donation, irrespective of amount, will make a profound statement of support.

In previous years donations have helped fund and create a new Bouldering wall, playground upgrades and Middle School Media equipment. Please talk to us if you’d like to know more about our Annual Fund or other individual campaigns.

Seoul Foreign School Inspiring Excellence, Building Character - since 1912

WWW.SEOULFOREIGN.ORG +82 2 330-3100 admissions@seoulforeign.org