AISK Dynamic Learning Paradigm

The AISK Dynamic Learning Paradigm (ADLP) is the model we incorporate into all of our curricula. It is an approach to learning that we have tailored our school to embody.

It is made up of five distinct values:

Ways of Thinking

Be thinkers, not mere reflectors of others' thoughts.- Ellen White -

Creativity

Our students learn to:

be divergent thinkers
extend their curiosity and be risk-takers
be innovative and inventive
develop entrepreneurial skills

Critical Thinking

Our students learn to:

identify and ask significant questions
make unbiased judgments and decisions to form hypotheses
critically reflect on research
reason through comprehension, analysis and evaluation

Making Connections

Our students learn to:

take a cross-curricular approach to learning
apply learned concepts to real-world situations effectively
utilize experiences derived from a multi-cultural environment

Skills for Living

Think globally, act locally.
- Patrick Geddes -

Global Awareness

Our students learn to:

work with and appreciate others from diverse cultures and backgrounds
recognize their responsibility as global citizens to positively implement change for those who are socially and economically disadvantaged
have an awareness of social, environmental, entrepreneurial and political issues that exist on a global level and to effect change locally

Adaptability

Our students learn to:

work and manage effectively in a variety of contexts and situations
understand and respond to constructive criticism
effect change when faced with a variety of constraints

Ways of Working

When we change the way we communicate we change society.

- Clay Shirky -

Communication and Collaboration

Our students learn to:

effectively deliver ideas appropriate to the audience
use a range of listening skills
effectively use verbal and non-verbal forms of communication
communicate clearly and coherently
identify skills of group members in order to maximize efficiency and productivity
work together in partnership in a variety of settings
share ideas and value the contribution of others
be flexible and open to change to achieve a common goal
recognize their individual responsibility as part of a team

Tools For working

Technology is the campfire around which we tell our stories.- Laurie Anderson -

Information Literacy

Our students learn to:

appropriately access relevant information
critically evaluate and manage the information
use information accurately and creatively
use information ethically as a base to construct their own ideas

Information Communication and Technology Tools

Our students learn to use:

iPads, laptops, graphing calculators, geometry sketchpad, digital probes, interactive whiteboards and LCD projectors
Digital resources including apps, videos, programs, blogs, etextbooks, Google, Bing etc.

Holistic Environment

To make positive choices for the rest of your life, you need an environment that is
supportive, inspiring, constructive and enjoyable

- Anonymous

Physical Environment

Nestled at the base of the majestic Blue Mountains, AISK is located on a pristine and green 9-acre campus. Complementing the athletic prowess that Jamaica is known for, our campus is complete with soccer field, basketball and tennis courts. The 24-hour safety systems provides the highest level of security for school day and weekend use of all the facilities.

The facility is a catalyst for AISK's Dynamic Learning Paradigm (ADLP) and our seemingly traditional classrooms are reinvented, indoors and outdoors, to teach tomorrow's reality. Upon arrival, the entire community is provided with instant, secure and reliable high-speed digital access that reflects the world in which we work and play. Small class sizes allow for ever-changing class groupings which guarantee unique lesson experiences reflecting our dynamic curriculum. Student collaboration and individualized learning come alive in these varied classroom settings.

Social-Emotional Environment

The socio-emotional environment mirrors our physical space as it promotes creativity, independence and self-awareness in our community. Students are encouraged to vocalize original ideas, develop their leadership skills and be enterprising, all within an open and relaxed atmosphere. The ADLP experience embodies the Jamaican motto, 'Out of Many, One People' as our many cultures blend harmoniously creating an environment of understanding, appreciation and acceptance. At AISK our community truly believes and exhibits that anything is possible!

What You’ll Hear at Dinner

What You’ll See In Your Child

A growing sense of curiosity, and a willingness to take their learning more in-depth. Critical thinking skills that go past “I was told to, so I should.” An ability to communicate their thoughts clearly, and to hold stimulating conversations for longer periods of time

Outstanding Teachers

The teachers at AISK are all hand-picked by our Hiring Team.

This team selects only teachers whose educational philosophies support the ADLP, our mission, and our values—and who have proven records with social and emotional wellbeing, with data-based learning, and with high-achieving students.

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What You’ll Hear at Dinner

What You’ll See In Your Child

An active desire to go to school in the morning, homework that is challenging, but doable, and most of all… completed with fewer arguments. A willingness to talk about their day, beyond the usual “it was fine.”

Fueling Passions

At AISK we encourage all of our students to reach for their passions, and empower them to forge their own path in life.

Our extracurricular and co-curricular programs provide our students with opportunities to try new things, and discover interests they might not otherwise experience. AISK is also home to a wide variety of educational, sporting, and community activities, and we are excited to add to the list as students share their passions with us.

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What You’ll Hear at Dinner

What You’ll See In Your Child

A willingness to try new things, even if they aren’t sure they’ll like them. A growing involvement in the community around them, both locally and globally The ability to draw parallels between what they’re learning and what they love.

Social Emotional Wellness

Research shows that when schools fully integrate social, emotional, and academic development into K-12 education, academic performance improves, students are more engaged in school, and they are more likely to graduate high school and attend and graduate from college.

That’s why we incorporate age-appropriate Social Emotional Learning into every grade’s curriculum.

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IB Core Requirements

Regardless of your student’s chosen path to University, all AISK graduates engage in creative, artistic, and social projects that give a better understanding of one’s self and place in the world. To learn more about the IB Core Program Click Here

Strategies of Success

In addition to helping our 7-10th graders navigate this transitional age’s changing relationships, the SoS program teaches study habits, time management, prioritization, mindfulness, mental and physical health, and proper nutrition. For a more in-depth look at this course, click here

Curricular SEL

Everything in the world comes down to relationships. So we teach our students how to build strong relationships with respect for themself, their peers, their teachers, their families, and more. Students explore topics such as emotional awareness, empathy, and acceptance. Techniques covered include meditation, mindfulness, and self-acceptance. To learn more about how we support emotional growth in our youngest Hurricanes, click here.

What You’ll Hear at Dinner

What You’ll See In Your Child

The ability to advocate for their own needs, in regard to emotions, academics, healthy choices, and interpersonal relationships. An ability to “hold their own” in discussions with peers, as well as being “well-spoken” with adults. A growing cohort of friends with healthy boundaries and frank, open discussion.

STEM

STEM is more than memorizing formulas and equations.

STEM is about integrating the traditional academic subjects of Science, Technology, Engineering and Math seamlessly into your student’s real life.

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What You’ll Hear at Dinner

What You’ll See In Your Child

Creative problem solving around the house, a comfort level with technology that will have you asking them for help, and a flexibility of thought that helps them find multiple solutions for a single problem, and select the best one for the situation.

Sure Path to University

The academic program at AISK is designed to help your child succeed, wherever they go from here. Our dual diploma system allows for a United States High School Diploma, an International Baccalaureate Certificate or Diploma, or any possible combination of those certifications, ensuring your child a path here in Jamaica, in the United States, and the wider international educational community. With a 98% success rate (8% of our students go on to the Ivy League), we are confident in our ability to bring out the best in your child.

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What You’ll Hear at Dinner

What You’ll See In Your Child

Active planning for their short-term and long-term future. A better understanding of their personal and educational goals, and the drive to achieve them. An understanding of the broadness of their horizons, in education and beyond, and an ambition to achieve their goals.

Why Choose AISK?

What You’ll See In Your Child