Parent's Review of Windhoek International School in Windhoek, Namibia

What is the name of your child's school? (Please report on one school per survey.)

Windhoek International School

In what town or city is this school located?

Windhoek

How would you describe this school? (i.e. American, British, International, Local, etc.)

International - IBPYP and IB Diploma

What grade levels are represented at this school?

Kindergarten to Yr 13

How do most children get to school everyday? (bus, train, walk, etc.)

The majority of children are brought to school by their parents or drivers. Windhoek is a small city, so transport around town is no problem. Traffic jams are virtually unheard of!

How would you describe the facilities at this school? What extra-curricular activities are available?

WIS is a purpose built facility; we have recently added 7 new classrooms, an auditorium, and a media room, thanks to a donation from the Portuguese Government and a new sports slab and tuck shop, funded by the PTA. WIS is a very open campus, with wonderful views onto the mountains surrounding Windhoek. A map of the school will soon be available on our new website www.wis.edu.na

The school runs an Activities Programme that includes a variety of sports, drama, an enviromental club, chess etc. The school is aiming to improve on the activitie offered and is always keen to involve parents and other community members in this programme.

What has this school done to help your child transition from the curriculum in your home country into the curriculum in your new country? Are there programs to prepare your child for repatriation?

The school runs the International Baccalaureate Programmes at Primary level and at Diploma level, as well as IGCSE at Year 10. These programmes are highly regarded around the world (more information can be obtained about the IB programmes on their website www.ibo.org) and cater for internationally mobile students as well as students from the national sector. WIS is a small and friendly school and we are used to students moving in and out at all times - we offer ESL support for those students who need it, as well as Learning Support. There are no specific programmes to prepare students for repatriaition.

How would you describe the social activities available for parents through this school? Are there parent-teacher organizations?

There is a very active PTA which is focuses not only on fund raising, but also in involving parents in school activities. They host regular social events, recently we have had a Wine and Cheese Evening and a Coffee Morning to which the community was invited, as well as a very successful Gold Day in early February. The PTA is currently (March 2004) preparing for one of our biggest fund raisers, International Fun Day on the 24th of April.We are always trying to get parents more actively involved in the school!

What advice would you give to someone considering enrolling their child in this school?

WIS is a medium sized school, with a close community feel to it. The teachers are very committed individuals with a good balance of locally hired and overseas staff. The campus is open and attractive - we are always looking to improve our facilities. The students are wonderful, friendly and open. Windhoek International School would have to be your number one choice for schooling in Namibia!

Helen Birkbeck

Cigna Global Health
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Cigna Global Health

Expats interested in International Health Insurance should take a minute to get a quote from our trusted expat health insurance partner, CIGNA.
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