 TISA provides an international curriculum taught in English and is authorized by the International Baccalaureate Organization to offer the Primary Years Program (PYP) for ages 3-10, the Middle Years Program (MYP) for ages 11-15, and the Diploma Program for ages 16-18. All Secondary students enrolled in the Post-16 Program work towards earning a TISA High School Diploma, and follow one of three tracks: the IB Diploma track, the IB Certificate track or the TISA Graduation track. Each of the three tracks of TISA’s Post 16 Program involves courses that are included in the IB Diploma Program of study, a rigorous pre-university program.
Examination Results and University Entry: In recent years our MYP and IB Diploma results have been impressive, and compare very favourably with other schools in the world. In 2011 out of a maximum grade of 7.00 our MYP candidates scored an impressive average of 5.13 compared to a world average of 5.00. Our average total points score was 46 out of a maximum of 63. At IB Diploma level in 2011 TISA students achieved an average of 34 points compared to a world average of 30. A notable 56% of candidates scored 35 points or higher and two crossed the 40 point threshold. TISA graduates enter some of the most competitive universities in the world.
Founded: 1996
Location: Azerbaijan is situated on the western shores of the Caspian Sea and is bordered by Georgia and Armenia to the west, Russia to the north and Iran to the south. Baku, the capital city, is situated on the Absheron Peninsula and has 2 million inhabitants. Climate: Baku has sunny, hot and dry summers and short, cold and dry winters. It is noted as a windy city.
Faculty: There are 4 administrators and 78 teachers from 15 different countries; 70% of the faculty comes from Australia, Canada, New Zealand, the UK and the USA.
Students: The student body is composed of 41 different nationalities; the main countries of origin are: UK 24%, USA 16%, Azerbaijan 18%. Current enrolment: 550 students aged 2 to 18.
Class size: Class sizes range from 10-20 (and there are much smaller groups for some options), allowing for significant personal attention. A teacher assistant supports each Primary School class.
Overall student/teacher ratio: 7 to 1
Campus: TISA occupies a 5.9 hectare site located about 15 minutes from the downtown area of Baku. There is a residential compound adjacent to the school where many TISA families live. Its purpose-built facilities provide specialist rooms for Art, Music, Drama, Design Technology and Science, with separate laboratories for Biology, Chemistry, and Physics. There are two exceptionally well resourced libraries and fully equipped IT rooms in both the Primary and Secondary schools. PE and sports facilities include a gymnasium, grass sports pitch and outdoor basketball courts. The Early Learning Centre accommodates 3 and 4 year olds. The Baku Toddler Klub for 2 year olds is adjacent to the main campus.
Accreditation: TISA is an IB World School and is accredited by the Council of International Schools (CIS).
Support Services: There is a Counselor in both the Primary and the Secondary School. English Language Support (ELS) is available for non-native speakers up to M5 (age 15). The school has no special provision for children with severe learning disabilities but learning support specialists are on staff to offer support to students with mild learning disabilities. There is an extensive College Counseling program.
Extra-curricular Activities: TISA runs an after-school activity program for children aged 5 to 18. A wide variety of activities, taught mainly by teachers, is offered five days a week. Students can choose up to two activities a week, depending on their interests. A number of parent-led activities (notably rugby) take place on the campus in the evenings and at weekends.
Transportation: There is no school bus service. Children walk to school or use private transport.
Parent Publications and Groups: The “TISA Times” newsletter is published once every month. There is also a weekly “Look Ahead” school news email update. There is a Parent-Teacher Association which is active in organizing social and fundraising activities.
Security: TISA employs an outsourced professional security company. All visitors to the school pass through two security checks. There is a photo ID and car sticker system in place. The campus is equipped with CCTV security cameras. The consensus of the Embassies and the companies operating in Azerbaijan is that the risk of terrorist incident is low.
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