Frequently Asked Questions

How does the application process work?
After you submit your application, you and your child's name will be registered in the system. Essentially, the application is an expression of interest. You will then receive a contract by email and when the contract has been returned signed to the school, your child's place in the school will be confirmed.

What is our admissions process?

How will I be able to follow up on my child's progress?
Parents will receive reports at the end of each term that can be accessed through their Managebac login. In addition to this, parents will be able to monitor the progress of their child and will be provided with an overview to the curriculum. It is important to note that homework will not be set in the same fashion as Norwegian schools. 

Will students have to learn Norwegian?
Yes. All students will be required to learn Norwegian. We view Norwegian as a very important and integral part of our curriculum. The Norwegian teacher has the responsibility of ensuring that all students experience Norwegian culture and history. For many students, this teacher may be their only portal into the Norwegian community.
Extra groups for 'Norsk fordypning' or second language support may be set up based on individual need.

My child already speaks Norwegian. Will she fall behind?
She shouldn't, but this isn't a black or white answer. A student's success will depend upon multiple factors, such as: how well does the teacher provide support and follow-up? Has the child come to the school with the right motivation to learn? Is there good communication and support between the home and the school? If the answers are yes to these questions then children, in most cases, are very successful in their endeavours.

My child doesn't speak English. How will they cope in the school?
Our contact teachers are motivated teachers who have experience working in groups with diverse ethnicity. When working in such an environment, one expects different ability levels. The level of success a child experiences, will depend on the factors mentioned in the previous FAQ.


Do you have foreign language lessons?
Currently we facilitate Norwegian and English in mixed groups.
AIS offers Spanish from Grades 6 to 10. We also offer Mandarin on a voluntary basis.

As the school grows we will expand our delivery and look forward to facilitating more languages in the school. If a parent has the opportunity to facilitate one or two lessons of home language per week, please contact the school as home language development is an area we like to support.

How will math be delivered?
We will approach mathematics through an IB perspective. To reinforce our numeracy program, we offer Matheltics online subscriptions for all students in Grade 1 - 6. We also encourage children to explore inquiry based maths approaches through online resources such as Mathigon and Sembl. 

Will there be vaccinations administered at the school? 
There will be vaccinations administered by the school nurse (Helsesøster) in accordance with the vaccination program implemented in Norwegian schools. 

Can Norwegian students apply or is it just for international recruits?
Yes, the school is an all-inclusive school environment.

How many students can be enrolled in each class?
There is a cap of 21 students in each grade. We will not be expanding our class sizes as the school grows. We believe that having a maximum of 21 students allows for a more positive pedagogical environment. 

Who can my child speak to in confidence?
We like to believe that we have created a culture in the school where all teachers can be approached by students to discuss matters in confidence. It is important to note that teachers and school administrators do not have a confidentiality agreement in these cases and are required to notify all relevant parties of any matter brought to their attention. The school nurse also provides students with an opportunity to discuss personal matters in more confidentiality.



How are decisions affecting my child decided at school?

We have regular meetings at the school to discuss a wide array of matters, including pastoral matters. We share experiences and base our decisions on observations by 2 or more colleagues. Parents will be contacted in most cases where a significant decision needs to be made. Any action taken by the school is done so to safeguard the interests of the individual child and that of other students also.

Who do I contact if I have a question or need to pass on information?
The first point of contact is the subject teacher or class teacher that your concern is about, or question is for. Parents should avoid escalating matters with the administration or headteacher until the teacher or specific member has been presented with the opportunity to address the matter and provide feedback.

If it is general familial update or information that should be directed to administration, please contact us in the normal fashion.

No comments:

Post a Comment