Windhoek International School is accredited by the International Baccalaureate (IB) for all its three IB Programmes, the Primary Years Programme (PYP), the Middle Years Programme (MYP) and the Diploma Programme (IBDP). WIS is also accredited by the New England Association of Schools and Colleges (NEASC) and WIS is a member school of the Council of International Schools (CIS) as well as the Association of International Schools in Africa (AISA). Being accredited and a member school does not just mean that we are associated with these organisations. It also means that we undergo some rigorous accreditation processes to ensure that our school is up to date and in line with the latest protocols these associations are using to guide schools in school improvement and in their journey to become the best school they can be.
In the coming months, WIS will embark on starting our re-accreditation with NEASC with the Abbreviated Foundation Standards/ACE Preparatory Visit happening from 10 - 14 March 2025. Three visitors appointed by NEASC will visit the school for three days and ascertain if what we say in our preparatory report, which we will need to submit by the end of February, is what they can observe in the school.
The ACE Preparatory Visit focuses on some key school areas:
Curriculum development
The schools Shared Understanding of High-Quality Learning
Three ACE Learning Principles:
Assessment for, of and as Learning
Learner Autonomy and Engagement
Learning Space and Time
The visit will also review our Foundation Standards and give some feedback on anything in that regard that can be commended on or they will make recommendations if they find that WIS could review some of these.
The process of accreditation is meant to be an inclusive one, including all stakeholders of the community in reflecting on and reviewing these different aspects of the learning community. In the coming months I will unpack these different areas a little more in my different contributions to the Oryx in the hope that the community will be actively involved in this process and well informed and supportive of the process.
Firstly here is WIS’ current Definition of Learning
Learning at WIS is a journey of inquiring, discovering, and experimenting while developing understanding and acquiring new knowledge, skills and concepts. In the process the learner constructs meaning by making connections and applying these in daily life situations. The learner realises individual potential through continued reflection and exploration. The learning environment is multi-sensory, collaborative, enjoyable and encourages international-mindedness. |
As a student, as a teacher, as a parent or as an administrator, how do you see this happening in your/your child’s classroom, in your teaching, in your planning? What impact does this Definition of Learning have on the learning at WIS - and everyone is a learner in this process.
As a NEASC visitor, I have the opportunity to visit schools across the world as team member or lead visitor. This gives me great insight into the way different schools approach the accreditation process. Most of all, it gives an opportunity to connect WIS with other like minded schools who go through the same process and learn from each other and support each other.
Respectfully
Maggie Reiff
High School Principal
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